Janet Sketchley's Blog: Tenacity, page 18

Book Review: The Defenders of Practavia, by J. A. Menzies

The Defenders of Practavia, by J. A. Menzies (That���s Life! Communications, second edition 2021)

Two twelve-year-old friends���and a Talking Camel���may be the only hope for a kingdom in danger in this middle-grade epic fantasy novel from author J. A. Menzies.

We have a princess who���s so strong-willed even her mother calls her Princess Persnickety. And we have her unlikely friend, Stefan the stable boy. Soon, they���re joined by Creed the Talking Camel (in a kingdom where Talking A...

Behind the Scenes of Bitter Truth

Mystery and suspense writers joke about law enforcement flagging our internet searches. For the murder in the opening pages of Bitter Truth, I spent hours looking up ways the killer could dispatch the victim from a distance or with a time delay.��

Truth told, it’s a little creepy looking at weapons sites on the internet. There are some disturbing subcultures. If you want to know what a “TEOTWAWKI kit” is, first try to guess. Then I’ll tell you at the end of this post.

On the upside, I discovered y...

What are readers saying about Bitter Truth?

“A nice assorted cast of possible suspects, and lots of twists in the plot that will keep you guessing.” ���������������
Jeffrey C. Reynolds, blogger and reviewer

“Recommended reading for all who love a good puzzley story.” ���������������
Violet Nesdoly, author, blogger, and reviewer

“I definitely recommend this book!” ���������������
Amy C. Blake, author and Goodreads reviewer

“Lots of twists and turns. A must read!” ���������������
Charlene, Goodreads reviewer

“A fun and thought-provo...

New Releases in Christian Fiction (April 2022)

April 2022 New Releases from Members of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW):

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary:

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A Heart to Cherish by Judith McNees — Everyone leaves���including God. That���s how Julia Price feels after years of being passed over in foster homes. All she has ever wanted is a family, but when she finds herself pregnant and homeless, her dreams seem further away than ever. Strait-laced good guy Alex Mor...

It’s Release Day!

Happy “book birthday” to the newest Green Dory Inn Mystery, Bitter Truth! The paperback version sneaked onto the scene early, and now the ebooks are live too.

Click the image to reach the buy link or click here to for more about Bitter Truth. The post It���s Release Day! first appeared on Janet Sketchley.

Post-Mandate Living (Guest Post)

Image by congerdesign from PixabayPost-Mandate Livingby Steph Beth Nickel

Virtually all the COVID restrictions have been lifted in Ontario (Canada).

You would think that would cause relief and rejoicing, a return to ���normal.��� While that may be the case for some, I have spoken with several people who will continue to wear a mask. And while I���m not overly concerned about my own health, when I���m not feeling 100 percent, I may wear a mask for the sake of others.

Regardless o...

Review: Once We Were Strangers, by Shawn Smucker

Once We Were Strangers: What Friendship with a Syrian Refugee Taught Me about Loving My Neighbor, by Shawn Smucker (Revell, 2018)

Do I have it in me? Not only to be a good friend, but to allow Mohammed to be a friend to me? What would my life look like if I made friendship a priority? [page 54]

This is a daunting question for a man with a wife and six kids, a writer who also drives long hours for a couple of rideshare companies.

When American writer Shawn Smucker decides to intervi...

Review: False Pretense, by Heather Day Gilbert

False Pretense, by Heather Day Gilbert (WoodHaven Press, 2022)

Missing persons, unexpected power flickers, and sightings of a creature from West Virginia folklore��� except the huge grey Mothman is being seen by trustworthy witnesses. And the winged creature isn���t just a guy in a costume, because it flies. More troubling still, its appearance seems to coincide with the disappearance of two local women���women who look a lot like Tess Spencer.

Mysteries keep finding Tess. She���s sol...

New Releases in Christian Fiction (March 2022)

March 2022 New Releases from Members of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

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Hearts and Goals by Carolyn Miller –He���s a goalie with a big heart, while she���s afraid to trust again. After a series of tragedies, Maggie Joly���s dreams have been confined to her work at Montreal���s botanic gardens and caring for her little boy. Besides, wishing for more would simply be selfish...

Less than 30 Days!

The clock is ticking down! With Bitter Truth releasing later this month, I had the chance to chat with blogger Jeffrey C. Reynolds about the novel, writing in general, and a few other things. And I may have let slip something about the print version that’s not yet been shared… come join the conversation!

The post Less than 30 Days! first appeared on Janet Sketchley.