June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 17
August 3, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE RANCH SHOWDOWN ~
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About the Book
Title: Ranch Showdown
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense
Seeking refuge at a ranch…
Has fiery consequences
After being threatened by her sister’s ex, Sierra Lowery has forty-eight hours to surrender documents linking him to a bombing before he kills her and kidnaps her nephew. With the evidence missing and anyone who helps becoming a target, hiding out with Detective Cole Walker, her college sweetheart, might be her only chance for survival. But as explosives detonate in the wake of their search, their ranch safe haven could become a dangerous trap.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
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EXCERPT:
Sierra’s mind clouded, and her knees threatened to buckle. She would do whatever it took to prevent this monster from taking her nephew. If she had to die to fulfill the promise she’d made to Megan to keep the baby safe, so be it.
Shut the door. His demand repeated in her head.
Unable to speak, Sierra turned, and the bags she was holding bounced against her sides. She let them fall to the hardwood floor before slowly reaching for the knob with a trembling hand.
Maybe someone would walk by, and she could signal for help. But as she pressed the door into its frame, the only movement outside came from leaves swept down the residential street by a gust of wind.
“Secure the bolt!”
Sierra jerked in reaction to his anger, then followed his command, locking out help—and hope. She sucked in a shuddering breath and turned to face the madman, unsure what he wanted and too afraid to ask.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
Also Available
Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
Connect with Tina by visiting authortinawheeler.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.Tour Giveaway(2) winners will win a signed, print copy of Ranch Showdown and a $15 dollar Amazon egift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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July 27, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE HIDDEN AMISH TARGET ~
🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍 ~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~-- 'HIDDEN AMISH TARGET' -- AUTHOR DANA R. LYNN 🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍💞🔎🔦🔍 About the Book
Title: Hidden Amish Target
Series: Amish Country Justice #16
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
She’s an accidental witness.
Now she’s running for her life…
Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz’s back, and now she’s on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly’s identity and location are exposed, they’re left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit—or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
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EXCERPT:
He motioned for her to stand still asclose to the wall as she could. She nodded once, then obediently flattenedherself against the rock. Zeke did the same.
A few feet above them, the distinctsound of boots crunching along the dirt in the backyard drifted down to them.It could have been anyone. It could have been the owners of the haus, or itcould have been one of the neighborhood kids trespassing. But he knew itwasn’t. In his heart, he knew the man who had smashed his farrier wagon wasabove them.
Beside him, Molly worried her bottom lipwith her teeth, her face white. She remained motionless otherwise. Even whenshe met his glance, nothing moved but the irises of her eyes.
Did the killer know they were downthere? Zeke really hadn’t thought the man would be familiar with this territorylike he was. Perhaps that was hubris. Maybe he should have assumed the manwould have equal knowledge of the landscape. Now, if the killer started downthe steps, they would be trapped and would have no alternative except to keepsurging forward.
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MY REVIEW:
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A riveting romantic suspense storyfilled with secrets, danger, personal strength, and faith . . .
Molly Schultz's family has sufferedunimaginable tragedy and loss in the past few years when she becomes caught upin a tangled web of violence as an innocent witness to a heinous crime.
Zeke Bender is a longtime friend ofMolly's family, but he hasn't seen her in many years. The Amish farrier isdealing with his own grief and loneliness when he steps up to help Molly escapewhomever is trying to take her down.
As they work together to stay safe, thecouple forms a strong bond of friendship and more.
Readers will be spellbound by thecreative scenes and settings created by the author as Zeke and Molly try tostay one step ahead of their pursuers. The Epilogue is a moving ending to thisstory.
I read a lot of Christian romanticsuspense stories, and this is in the top five of my favorite books in thisgenre for 2023! The author's ability to create tense scenes and spot-ondialogue makes this story one I did not want to put down.
The book is completely clean in languageand content. I received a copy of this book from the author through JustReadPublicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
more Amish Country Justice series titles
About the Author
Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.
Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.Tour Giveaway(2) winners will win a $10 dollar Amazon gift card & print copy of Hidden Amish Target!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copy. Digital copy available instead for CAN. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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July 20, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE 'OVER THE HORIZON' ~
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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~ -- 'OVER THE HORIZON' -- AUTHOR PENNY ZELLER
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LINK TOPURCHASE: https://amzn.to/43a4Eip
Series: Horizon Series
Publisher: Maplebrook Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
A most unusualproposal ...
Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory,Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herselfconsenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.
During an unplanned return to hisfamily’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tylerfinds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and hemakes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneousmarriages of convenience ever.
Despite an unorthodox beginning totheir marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to createa home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?
In the firstbook in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon inthe Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith,and abundant humor.
The newest series bythe author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and MontanaSkies Christian Historical Romance Series.
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July 17, 2023
~ TUESDAY BOOK FEATURE HOW SWEET IT IS ~
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~ TUESDAY BOOK FEATURE ~ -- 'HOW SWEET IT IS' -- AUTHOR ANDREA CHRISTENSON ❣️🍪🧁🍰🎂🥧🥐❣️🍪🧁🍰🎂🥧🥐❣️
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for How Sweet It Is by Andrea Christenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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Title: How Sweet It Is
Series: Fox Bakery #1
Author: Andrea Christenson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients.
Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind.
Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin.
Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven?
Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.
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EXCERPT:
Sammy checked his smartwatch. The bakery would beclosing any minute, and he’d promised his mother a baguette to have with theirlasagna that night. After dropping off another packet of legal documents atTurnquist Lumber, he biked over to the Fox.
The dining room was empty, and no one was manning thetill. Strange. Usually Elaine or Jim greeted their customers as they came inthe door.
A scream pealed out from the kitchen.
He scrambled through the swinging doors. At first hedidn’t see where the scream had come from, but then he noticed a pair of petitelegs sticking out from under the sink, where the pipes were doing their bestNiagara Falls impression.
“Whoa! You need to get that valve turned off.”
“I know that!” the legs shouted. Okay, it probablywasn’t the legs. “The dumb thing is stuck.”
He crossed over to the sink double-time. “Here, letme.”
A woman’s voice growled. “Be my guest.”
He reached under the sink, his shoulders barelyfinding clearance, water spraying everywhere. The woman inched out, giving himroom. He didn’t look her direction—too much water spraying everywhere. Findingthe water shutoff valve, he gave it a twist. It resisted, so he strainedharder. It gave way and screeched as he turned it to the right. Mercifully, thewater stopped shooting him in the face.
With a sigh, he wiggled out from the opening andturned. He sat down against the cabinet, ignoring the water seeping into hisjeans.
The woman in front of him was soaked, auburn curlsdripping onto her Fox-themed shirt. Freckles dotted her upturned nose beneath apair of pale green eyes.
“Robin? Robin Fox?” He recognized her with a start.She’d changed since high school. More sophisticated or something. Cute, andgrown up.
She gave a weak wave. “That’s me.”
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
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Andrea Christenson lives in the Midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix—though not usually all at the same time. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.
Connect with Andrea by visiting andreachristenson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.Tour Giveaway(1) winner will win a paperback copy of How Sweet It Is and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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July 13, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE HER ONLY WISH ~
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The time for playing it safe isover . . .
Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out ofKentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. Whatbetter place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?
From the moment Betsy walks onto the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up forlessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass ofcontradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yethesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child ofmissionary parents, he's met a lot of people.
As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'llencounter several reasons to back off and live small. But life--andlove--require risk.
Praise for 'Her Heart's Desire':
"Fans of Amish fiction will be hooked on page one!"--Amy Clipston,bestselling author of Building a Future
"Full of endearing characters, this entertaining tale of repairedfriendships and kindled romances will delight readers."--Suzanne WoodsFisher, bestselling author of A Season on the Wind
"Destined to delight."--Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of Love'sDwelling
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestsellingauthor of more than 100 books, including Her Heart's Desire and Her OnlyWish. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Graylives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often befound walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
LINK TO EXCERPT COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER
MY REVIEW:
This book is the author's secondinstallment in her 'A Season inPinecraft' series. Many of the characters in the first book, 'Her Heart's Desire,' appear in thisstory. I enjoyed reconnecting with the main character's small group ofPinecraft friends. The beach setting of Pinecraft, Florida, is fun andinteresting.
Betsy Detweiler lives in Kentucky withher overprotective parents. She has travelled to Pinecraft to stay with herfriend Mary and Mary's husband, Jayson, for a month in the summer.
Betsy suffers from severe asthma, andshe is tired of allowing the disease to shape her activities and her life. Shehas created a 'life list' of things that she wants to accomplish that shebelieves will make her feel as if she is finally living. The first item on thelist is to take golf lessons and then play eighteen holes of golf. She signs upfor lessons with August Troyer at the Snow Bird Golf Course.
Since her mother would not allow her tobe physically active as a child and teen, Betsy is uncoordinated and unsure ofherself when trying anything new in this area of her life. However, her desireto learn to play golf overshadows her physical weaknesses, and she eventuallygets the hang of the sport well enough to play a complete round.
Her relationship with August reachesbeyond the golf course as the pair is attracted to each other's kindness, and overtime they build a sweet friendship. August is by her side through thick andthin, and as the story progresses he reveals his own hurts and traumas. Theydevelop a strong bond fairly quickly.
Another item of Betsy's life list is tolearn how to swim. Her friendship with two sisters, Danielle and Annie, was oneof my favorite parts of the story. These sisters are struggling with their ownrelationship issues, and they are different than Betsy in that they are notAmish. As the sisters work with Betsy on her swimming skills, all three of thewomen learn some valuable lessons about themselves and life.
While Betsy's parents wereoverly-protective of their daughter due to her health, they love their daughterand want her to be happy in her life. On the other hand, August's parents are unkind and judgmentalabout everything their son did and said. Frankly, I found Mr. and Mrs. Troyer'spoor treatment of their only child to be abysmal. Fortunately, August had anexcellent relationship with his Uncle Gideon and Aunt Diane who owned the golfcourse where he worked. This couple had a profoundly positive influence ontheir nephew's life in Pinecraft.
The faith element in the book was subtle;the story is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from thepublisher through their Revell Reads Blogger Program. All of my thoughts andopinions shared here are solely my own.
July 11, 2023
~ WEDNESDAY BOOK FEATURE FIRE & ICE ~
Title: Fire and Ice
Series: Northwest Ice Division #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 10, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Hannah Wade loves sports, so when injury is swiftly followed by an opportunity to be one of Calgary's first female sports analysts, she jumps at the chance. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with thinks she's nothing but a fluff-piece, there to add ratings and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs for the chance to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defense man Franklin James, she meets him, with disastrous effect.
Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south
Can these two overcome prejudice and see a way forward? And what has faith - or the lack of - got to do with anything? Fire and Ice is the first book in the new Northwest Ice hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series that continues the legacy of the Original Six, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh and Susan May Warren.
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EXCERPT:
Royce nodded, and pointed to the ice as the players moved off for thefirst break.
“Hey Franklin,” she called.
He drew near—he’d been warned this was happening—and glanced at thecamera before his gaze fixed on her. Butterflies soared, and she smiled, thendimmed it back. Professional, remember?
She glanced at Royce and he nodded. Steadying breath. Smile. Action.“Hey Franklin, thanks for joining us tonight. You’re a homegrown Calgaryplayer, playing for the team you cheered on as a boy in your first game here atthe Saddledome. How’s the experience been so far?” She passed him themicrophone.
His lips twitched and he leaned in. “It’s been great. The fans areobviously amazing, and it’s good to see we’ve got momentum going our way intonight’s game.”
She nodded, smiling. “And this is your first game in regular seasonafter playing in Boston for many years. How welcoming has this team been foryou so far?”
“They’ve been great, such a warm welcome, Mike especially. I’m reallyglad to be here.”
“Well, we’re really glad you’re here too.” Uh-oh. Had that been toomuch? “Well, thank you for doing this. Good luck in the game tonight.”
“Thank you so much.” He grinned, and she kept her smile fixed, notlooking in his direction until Royce nodded, and she relaxed and stole a peekas he skated away. Only to catch Franklin glance back at her, his gaze full ofheat as he quirked a tiny smile that drew a heart triple-thump and arrowedfresh fire within.
Her breath was shaky as she exhaled. Her cheeks were so warm her makeupmight slide off any moment. God forbid anyone had seen that.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
Also Available
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour.
Connect with Carolyn by visiting carolynmillerauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.Tour Giveaway(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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July 9, 2023
CHRISTMAS IN BONITA CREEK $.99 EBOOK SALE
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I'm celebratingChristmas in July with a book sale!
MyChristian historical military romance novel e-book, 'Christmas in BonitaCreek,' is on sale through July 31st for $.99. The book is always free withKindle Unlimited.
Afterseeing more than two years of combat in the Korean War, will the homecoming oftwo men from Bonita Creek be filled with the joy and romance they are yearningfor or will it bring them even more heartache?
Findthe book on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Bonita-Creek-McCrary-Jacobs-ebook/dp/B0BP41KD1S/
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🠊🠊🠊🠊 Read some excerpts from this book on my Bonita Creek Series page on this blog at:
https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_9.html
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July 6, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE KIDNAPPED WOODS ~
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~ -- 'KIDNAPPED IN THE WOODS' -- AUTHOR DEENA ALEXANDER
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'Kidnapped in the Woods' (Love Inspired Suspense)
by Deena Alexander
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About 'Kidnapped in the Woods'
To solve a kidnapping casethey’ll become the hunted.
Firefighter Pat Ryan is stunned when he hears gunfire and two strangers crash through his door. An anonymous tip led journalist Rachel Davenport to a ramshackle cabin, where she helped an abducted teen escape. With Pat and his K-9 rescue dog’s help, they go on the run with deadly kidnappers in pursuit. But with innocent lives at stake, Rachel and Pat must battle foes and fears to live through the night.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
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EXCERPT:
Creepingaround the dilapidated shack in the woods bordering the Great South Bay in themiddle of the night with a blizzard on the way and no backup was downrightfoolish. She never should have agreed to it. Wouldn’t have, if the request hadn’tcome from Shannon, a frightened fifteen-year-old runaway Rachel had interviewedfor a humanitarian piece about homeless teenagers a year ago. She’d connectedwith the young girl and given her a business card with instructions to call ifshe ever wanted help. Knowing how fearful Shannon was of authority, Rachel hadn’texpected to hear from her, but she must have done something to earn the girl’strust since she kept the card and had finally reached out, her harsh whispertrembling.
Rachelchecked her watch. Could it really have been less than an hour ago that Shannonhad called, terrified for her missing friend—whom she’d referred to only asJane, though Rachel had no clue if that was her real identity?
AlthoughRachel’s first concern at the moment had to be for Jane, whose life was inimmediate danger, she couldn’t help fearing for Shannon’s safety as well. Ifher current boyfriend—for lack of a better term for the loser she’d hooked upwith—found out she’d overheard his conversation and relayed the information toRachel, there was no doubt in Rachel’s mind that Shannon would turn up missingas well. And if Shannon’s information was accurate, which Rachel had no reasonto doubt, her boyfriend, Alec, should be showing up anytime now with a morethan likely unconscious Jane in tow ready to be sold to the highest bidder. Butif Rachel intervened, and the men involved looked for the leak, it wouldn’t betoo difficult for Alec to figure out Shannon had been eavesdropping.
So,Rachel did exactly as Shannon instructed, even forgoing calling the police ather insistence. Though she’d only agreed to that because Shannon wouldn’t giveher the information unless she did. Besides, even if there had been time, whichthere wasn’t, and even if she was sure of Shannon’s information, which she couldn’tbe, it’s not like the police hadn’t failed Rachel in the past.
Andnow, Rachel Davenport was in trouble. Big trouble.
Sweatdripped down Rachel’s back, despite the freezing temperature, as she crouchedbehind a skimpy bunch of branches and twigs that during summer months mighthave been a bush and actually offered some cover. As it was, if either of thetwo armed men dragging the slumped teenage girl toward the shack door glancedin her direction, they’d surely spot her and open fire.
Rachelsank lower, hoping the cover of darkness would be enough to shield herpresence. She had to make an impossible choice. Risk being caught by turning onher cell phone to check for service and call for help, or chance losing thesixteen-year-old girl the men were currently hauling into the shack tobacktrack through the woods and call the police from a safer distance.
Thegirl’s head lolled forward. Scraggly long brown hair hung in limp strandscovering her face, so Rachel couldn’t tell if she was conscious or not.Although the girl was unusually thin, there was no way Rachel could carry hermore than a mile back to where she’d parked the car, even if she could find away to rescue her.
Thelow rumble of an approaching engine took the decision out of her hands. OnceJane was sold and disappeared, most likely on the approaching boat, there wouldbe no way to find her again. Rachel already shouldered the responsibility forone girl’s disappearance and ultimate death—no way she’d live with the guilt offailing another.
Afterdumping Jane inside the shack, the two men took up positions on either side ofthe open door and stood guard, eyes trained on the boat slowing down to dock.
Okay.It was now or never. She couldn’t afford to wait any longer, and she didn’thave time to go for help. At the moment, there were only two men to deal with.If she waited for the boat to dock, she had no clue how many there’d be. Andshe didn’t plan on hanging around to find out.
Sheinhaled deeply, the fresh clean scent of the coming storm a reminder she neededto get the girl out of there quickly, and patted the handgun weighing heavilyin the holster on her hip to reassure herself it was there—the weapon shealways carried for personal protection since her work sometimes put her indangerous situations, the weapon she’d diligently practiced with on the rangebut had never fired at another living being. Hopefully, that wasn’t about tochange. If she could even manage to grip the gun in her frozen fingers, nevermind pull the trigger. Keeping the weapon holstered, she inched forward in acrouch, wincing at the crunch of the brittle, frozen leaves carpeting theground.
One ofthe men glanced toward her.
Sheheld her breath and lowered her face, willing herself invisible.
Hecontinued to scan the area for a moment, then returned his attention to theboat with at least two men on board.
Thebreath shot from her burning lungs, and she lowered herself to the ground,lying flat on her stomach. As stealthily as possible, she crept forward,resisting the urge to move faster.
Halfthe boards on the shack’s walls had rotted away, and most of the windows werebroken. If she could circle around the back of the building, she might be ableto get to the girl and get her out without being seen. How she’d get her fromthe shack back to the dirt road where she’d parked the car, she had no idea.But she’d cross that bridge when she came to it. If she cameto it.
Tryingto stay completely quiet, she inched forward. She took shallow breaths, wishingthere was something she could do about the puff of vapor that accompanied eachexhale. The odor of mold, dirt and dried leaves tickled her nose as she belly-crawledtoward the side of the building, keeping her head low, resisting theoverwhelming urge to sneeze.
Theinstant she was out of view of the guards, she sat up and scooted her backagainst the shack’s side wall, then paused to take a few deep breaths of thefrigid air. Between her heart hammering against her ribs and the lungful ofice-cold air, her chest ached.
Thesound of the engine grew louder.
As shepeeked around the corner, a light shone across the front of the shack from thebay, illuminating the guards.
Theystarted across the clearing toward the dock, their attention drawn away fromher.
Knowingit might be her last chance, Rachel shoved herself to her feet and boltedaround the back and onto a rotting deck. A broken sliding door allowed a viewthrough the interior of the shack and out the front windows. She tried thedoor. Locked. She reached in through the broken glass, fumbled around for thelatch and released the lock. With a clock ticking away in her head, she yankedher arm out too quickly, slicing the back of her hand.
Shealmost cried out, caught herself just in time and hissed a few breaths throughher teeth. The door didn’t slide open easily, but she managed to wrestle itopen far enough to squeeze through, wincing when it squeaked. Thankfully, theguards had walked far enough toward the dock, and the wind had picked up enoughto cover the sound. Rachel called out in a harsh whisper. “Jane.”
Thewind carried the sound of men’s raised voices to her. They were coming back.She was out of time.
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A fast-paced thrill ride filled with deceit,courage, and compassion . . .
This heart-pounding inspirationalromantic suspense novel is filled with engaging characters—human and canine—andkept my attention from the beginning to the dramatic ending.
Deena Alexander is a skilled author whobuilds a strong foundation for her stories with her descriptive passages aboutthe setting and the characters. The male lead in this plot, Pat Ryan, is afirefighter who has been hiding out from the world in his uncle's remote cabin.When journalist Rachel Davenport and a teen girl literally crash through hisfront door, he does not hesitate to assist them. I enjoyed the addition ofPat's search and rescue canine, Shadow, to the cast.
The three characters face numerousencounters with their pursuers and sometimes it seems they are losing moreground than they are making in their efforts to flee the villains. Theirdedication to protecting the victim and escaping with their lives ignites Pat'sand Rachel's previously shaky faith.
Fans of this genre will relish the richaction scenes and dialogue this author provides to her readers. The story iscompletely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my opinions andthoughts shared here are solely my own.
❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅ About Deena Alexander
Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Deena Alexander grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.
Author LinksWebpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.htmlBlog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.htmlFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderAGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_AlexanderBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander Newsletter: https://gmail.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d7e6e9ecdc0888d7324788ffc&id=42d52965df ❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅
PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon B&N Kobo Harlequin
TOUR PARTICIPANTS: June 27 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY June 27 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 28 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures - SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY June 28 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW June 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY June 29 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT June 30 - Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT – PODCASTJune 30 - MJB Reviewers – REVIEW July 1 – Jane Reads – AUTHOR INTERVIEW July 2 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – CHARACTER GUEST POST July 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW July 3 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW July 4 – OffJuly 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read - REVIEW July 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW July 6 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST July 6 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT July 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEWJuly 8 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT July 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHTJuly 10 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT July 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅❄🔦🐕🐾💓❆❅
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July 2, 2023
~ MONDAY BOOK FEATURE COLTER SONS SERIES ~
~ MONDAY BOOK FEATURE ~ -- 'THE COLTER SONS SERIES' -- AUTHOR KAREN BANEY
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for the first three books of the Colter Sons series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Books
Title: The Reluctant Cattleman
Series: Colter Sons #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: August 19, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Coming of age story set in Prescott, Arizona in 1887.
As Sam Colter takes on more responsibilities at the family ranch, he believes he is a disappointment to his father. He feels like the misfit of the family. When a journalist shows up to interview his mother, secrets from the past threaten his fledging sense of security. Can he overcome his fear and doubts to accept his role as a cattleman and rancher? Will he allow himself to love the woman who turned his life upside down?
Ellie Mae Thatcher moves to Prescott to start her career as a writer. When she misleads the Colters about her identity, she hurts the man she is falling in love with. Can she win back his trust and his heart?
EXCERPT:
Sam Colter and his mother were on the front porch of their ranchhouse when they saw his younger brother, Boone, riding fast toward the house.
“Incoming femalerider,” my brother Boone announced.
“Are we expectinganyone?” Mama asked.
I shook my head. E. M. Thatcher, a journalist, was the only person wewere expecting. Not some woman.
My heart raced a little faster than normal. The only women who visitedthe ranch were close friendsor relatives.
As she came into view, I noticed her sandy colored hair, which waspulled back into a knot just below the base of her straw wide-brimmed hat. Icouldn’t see her eyes yet,as the shadow of her hat hid them. Her lips were full, which was something Inever noticed about anyone. It perplexed me why I might think about it then.
Mama asked me to help her, so I did.
When the stranger put her hands on my shoulders, I held her waist andhelped her down. The smile on her lips stole my breath away. Her nutmeg eyessparkled with life.
As I eased her to the ground, I noticed everything about her. Shesmelled like the rain after a monsoon storm, sweet and beckoning. Her fair skinlooked smooth. The sunlight streaked her sandy hair with honey gold. She wasthe most gorgeous woman in Arizona.
I wasn’t sure howlong I stood there holding her. Shoot, she was holding onto my shoulders forjust as long, and I really liked it.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
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Title: The Roaming Adventurer
Series: Colter Sons #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
A Shotgun Wedding, Main Character Disguise Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1890 – 1891.
Boisterous Boone Colter settled into his career as a surveyor when his older brother approached him to survey a route for a new railroad. When Boone hires Jack Bennett, he never expected to be forced to choose between his desire for independence and protecting Jack. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he find a way to strike a balance?
Jaclyn “Jack” Bennett spent the last six years apprenticing as an assistant surveyor under her father. When her father asks her to give up her dreams, settle down, and get married, Jaclyn disguises herself as a man and flees to Prescott, Arizona. Except she never thought through how her choice would destroy the lives of those around her. Will she find a way to reconcile broken relationships?
EXCERPT:
In this scene, Boone just finished an early morning freestyle climbup a cliff on his family’s ranch.
Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, I arrived on time forbreakfast, so I looped Outlaw’s reins over the porch rail. Then I swung thedoor of the house open.
“It is a fine morning, family!” I declared loudly, startling Mama asshe cooked breakfast.
“Boone.” She frowned. “Go wash up.”
One day I would wash up before she told me to. Then she would not knowhow to greet me.
I grabbed a bucket and went outside to the pump and filled it. The coldwater stung my skin as I splashed it on my face. I used my shirt to dry itbefore I refilled the bucket and carried it into the house. Being a thoughtfulson, I filled the water reservoir on the stove so it would heat before Mamawashed the dishes.
Occasionally, I surprised Mama with such niceties. I received a mumbled“thanks” for my efforts. If I was born two years earlier and named Sam, shewould have appreciated it more. The fact I wasn’t her favorite son usuallydidn’t bother me. I shrugged off the thought, refusing to let it dampen theenergy I gained from my early morning climb.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
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Title: The Railroad Magnate
Series: Colter Sons #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1891 – 1893.
James Colter was a successful entrepreneur and businessman in the railroad industry. As he watches his younger brothers marry and start their families, his loneliness deepens. He has everything, except the one thing he longs for the most: a wife and family of his own. When he dances with the daughter of an older friend, was it love at first sight, or will he put his personal dream on hold again to pursue his professional aspirations?
Keri Glassman wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She dreams of becoming a contract attorney. When a handsome suitor invites her on a train ride, the course of her life is rewritten. Like her mother, she wants it all, a career, a loving husband, and a family. Can she find her own way or will her desire to please her parents threaten to destroy her hope for a lasting love?
EXCERPT:
In this scene, James is an executive for a railroad company. He isattending a celebration ball hosted by his company.
As I entered the ballroom, my eyes snagged on a heavenly creature andmy pulse picked up pace. Her dark brown hair complimented her ivory skin. Hersapphire blue dress brought out the vibrancy of her blue eyes, which beckonedto me from across the room. Stunning.
I did not stop until I stood before her. The music started, so I extendedmy hand toward her.
“May I have thisdance?” I asked.
Pink tinged her cheeks as she placed her delicate hand on mine andstood. My eyes locked with hers as I pulled her close. At that moment, therewas no one else in the room. Just her.
My feet glided across the dance floor. As I led us in a waltz, she keptperfect pace with me. Then she smiled and my heart danced even faster than myfeet. The first dance sped by without a word exchanged between us.
As the second dance started, I asked, “How have we not met before now?”
“Oh, but we mayhave.” Pink colored her cheeks. Her dark lashes fluttered as she looked downfor a moment, stealing my breath away.
“I’m certain I wouldhave remembered you.” One side of my mouth curved up.
“You are JamesColter, are you not?”
“Indeed. And youare?”
“Keri Glassman.”
“And you believewe’ve met before?”
The sound of her soft laughter endeared her to me even more.
“I know it.”
I flashed her a saucy grin. “Really?”
“I am rarely wrong.”
Confident. Sure. And beautiful. I wondered where she had been all mylife.
“Care to remind mewhere we met before?”
“You have areputation, Mr. Colter, for being a very astute man. I am certain you willsolve the mystery all on your own without my assistance.”
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
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More Books in This Series
Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.
Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.
Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway(2) winners will each win all 6 books in the Colter Sons series (winner picks paperback or ebook)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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June 29, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE FALLING FOR THE COWBOY DOC ~
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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Falling for the Cowboy Doc by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book
Title: Falling for the Cowboy Doc
Series: Three Springs, Texas #4
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Clean)
Can the rodeo cowgirl…
Win his love?
Professional roper Maggie Orr needs to secure a national sponsorship. And orthopedic surgeon Grant Sloan could derail her plans. Falling for the cowboy doctor is a distraction she can’t afford… Plus their careers are taking them in opposite directions. But from picnics to stargazing, Grant is reminding Maggie that there’s more to life than winning in the arena. Can they rewrite their dreams to include each other?
EXCERPT:
Sheflung her arm sideways. “Go mingle. Go talk to people. I think most of ThreeSprings is here.”
Grantfrowned. “I don’t like small talk.”
“Everyonelikes small talk,” Maggie argued. It was easy and simple. Required none of thehard stuff like career decisions or sharing feelings. Or any of the otheruncomfortable stuff where hearts were on the line.
“Chitchatwas never really my thing,” Grant shook his head as if discarding the idea ofmingling. “I prefer conversations that have a direction. A purpose.”
Exasperatingman. Maggie was beginning to think that was his goal—exasperating her. Shelifted her gaze to the ceiling. “Grant.”
“Maggie.”He extended her name into two long, drawn-out syllables.
Yet,it was the invitation in his tone that pulled her attention back to him.
Heleaned in and whispered, “Did you know that you’re really cute when you’reflustered?”
Maggiejumped back.
Onecorner of his mouth tipped up. His gaze was clear, affection-filled, and fixedon Maggie. “And I bet you’re not nervous now.”
Shewas a different kind of nervous now. The foolishly giddy kind that set herstomach on tumble. And made her want to take a risk. That involved hearts,heads, and heels. But that was a fall she might not recover from. “I’m notgoing to thank you.”
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MY REVIEW:
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Aheartwarming tale filled with love, loyalty, and finding inner peace where andwhen you least expect it . . .
Maggie Orr is a professional cowgirl whoteams with her older sister, Kelsey, in team roping events. Grant Sloan is ahighly-respected orthopedic surgeon who was raised on a ranch in Three Springs,Texas. He also happens to be the brother of Maggie's best friend, Ryan Sloan.
The two are brought together when Maggieaccompanies Kelsey to a medical appointment where she consults with Dr. Sloanfor a severe shoulder injury. He's substituting for the regular rodeo doctor,Dr. Toro, who is away handling a family emergency. The sisters are skepticalabout the young doctor's abilities and are initially put off by his stoicmanner.
Maggie and Grant's personalities are asdifferent as fire and ice, oil and vinegar, or apples and oranges. And that'sexactly what makes their romance so lively and enjoyable to observe! Maggie isspirited, outgoing, and willing to do anything to help someone. Grant isreserved, guarded, and hesitant to really jump into life and have fun.
As the story progresses, the authorreveals more about the family life and the past of the Orr sisters and theSloan brothers. The couple has some major obstacles to overcome, but withpatience and hard work they eventually discover that they are made for eachother.
The author has created a realisticsituation involving two very likeable characters and in the process shows readersher top-notch writing skills. Fans of this genre will enjoy the gentle humor,wide assortment of characters, and personal challenges included in this plot. Ican summarize my feelings about this book in three simple words—Iloved it!
This book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my opinions and thoughts sharedhere are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
More Books in this Series
Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.
Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $45 Amazon gift card, signed print copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series (The Texas Seal's Surprise and Trusting the Rancher with Christmas) and summer candy!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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