ARC, BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush in the Mountains by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ambush in the Mountains
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 23, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Innocent lives at stake…

Can a former soldier and his canine save them?

Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About the Author

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary at maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

My Impressions

“Summer …wished she could erase the things that were forever imprinted in her heart, keeping her from experiencing anything close to a human emotion again. But she couldn’t. She was damaged beyond repair. “

Mary Alford. To me, a name synonymous with fast-moving, heart-thumping romantic suspense, generally involving Amish and Englischers. Ambush in the Mountains lives up to Alford’s reputation, but in this novel, Alford is also tackling a very tough social injustice: human trafficking. I loved that there is a trigger warning at the beginning.

I could not imagine! I have lived through a few blizzards in my lifetime, but never have I been in Summer’s position! Running out into a superstorm, 8 months pregnant, knowing that getting caught means certain death. I could imagine every bump and jar as Summer and Axel traversed the blizzard-swept countryside, though! How can Summer and Axel keep looking for alternate ways of escape as each one gets thwarted? How do they have the energy, courage, stamina, and ability to think clearly in those situations? And, because of a very real fear, they have no one else to turn to. “Was Summer right about not trusting the cops? If that was true, who could they go to for help… No one. They were on their own.”

Axel is the perfect foil for Summer. As a former soldier, he, too, knows what it means to be hunted, where one slip-up could cost him his life. Now he is responsible for at least three. Yet, he is so kind and thoughtful, never putting himself first.

Don’t forget the former K-9 soldier! While the Malinois seems very dangerous and dedicated to keeping his master safe at all cost, Camo trusts Summer immediately. God gives animals a sixth sense and it is great to see how this bears out in Alford’s book. I am pretty sure I love Camo just as much as Summer and Axel.

I loved that Axel realizes that one of Summer’s deep needs is to be seen as not only worth, but free from fault in the horrible events that had happened to her. I also loved that Summer isn’t willing to stay a victim. “I hate that word.” She scraped her hair back from her face. “Even though I am a victim, I don’t want to feel like one.” She touched her belly. “This little one needs me not to be a victim.” Such courage! And Alford shows many times where Summer and Axel’s courage comes from. There are many desperate prayers to a God they know and love.

Get your copy of Ambush in the Mountains today! Maybe you’ll be as shocked as I was by one of the twists!

I received a copy of the book from Just Reads. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Tough topic, handled very well. High Suspense, great twist I never anticipated!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Ambush in the Mountains!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti Just Reads Review Blitz

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti

Series: Christmas Cabin
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date:July 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (with Suspense)

A baby in danger, a man in turmoil, and a woman determined to save them both.

Wisconsin, 1929—When her best friend is murdered, Eira Mae Pryce gains guardianship over her friend’s baby. A baby in danger. Charged with the child’s protection, she must outrun a snowstorm, her grief, and a killer to seek refuge with the man who saved her life last Christmas.
All ex-sheriff Casper Yarwood wants for Christmas is to be left alone. With failure ringing in his ears, he retreated to his family’s cabin in the densely wooded portion of his former jurisdiction. But when his uncle’s secretary–and the woman he believes he failed–arrives on his doorstep with an endangered child, Casper cannot turn them away.
Casper and Eira Mae face impossible odds that require facing their pasts, sacrificing their futures, and ignoring their growing feelings for one another. But they’ll do so if it means they keep their charge alive long enough to experience his first Christmas.
One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Get your copy below !

https://daniellegrandinetti.com/the-baby-and-the-guardian/ #ad

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. A 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award, she has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

My Impressions

“God put Lewis in my charge and then he sent us to you. Yes, it is a weighty responsibility, to keep Lewis safe… But you and I have the means. Together. And in the end, each of us—me, Lewis, you—we are ultimately in God’s hands.”

I think this line pretty much sums up the gist of The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti. Two individuals, one ( Eira Mae Pryce), a judge’s transcriptionist, and one (Casper Yarwood), the judge’s reclusive nephew, are charged with keeping a young orphan baby safe after the baby’s parents are murdered. It takes a lot of thinking, praying, and discussion for the two to realize that God has given them what they need to keep little Lewis safe. Both Eira Mae and Casper feel unqualified for good reason, but God uses them to strengthen each other’s emotions for the job.

I loved the Christmas vibe created by the snowstorm, the Christmas decorations, and the connections the young couple made to God assigning human guardians ( parents) to protect and guide the baby Jesus.

I also loved the fact that Grandinetti quickly starts the novella out and we understand the conflict within the first minutes of the story. The suspense and tension starts up almost immediately!Bravo!!

A well-written story with a good twist, themes of two people who love God learning to work together, plus learning to give God their cares, and learning that God is in ultimate control. The Christmas-y feeling, the suspense, the cold blizzard all make it seem like I could have been a part of it. Definitely recommended!

I received a copy of this book from the author through Just Read Tours. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“This is why he’d given up being a sheriff. Why he’d left any manner of civilization behind. Caring cost so much.”

“…into his self-inflicted monasticism, God brought the very thing he feared most. And with it, hope?”

“Casper had grown comfortable recognizing God’s Still Small Voice.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I need to go back and read the pre-quel to this story, The Sheriff and the Outlaw.

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner

April 23, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Yukon Wilderness Evidence

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Series: Crisis Rescue Team, Bk 5

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Released: April 23, 2024

Genre: Romantic Suspense

*****************************************Solving a cold case

could rob her of her future.

When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Crisis Rescue Team

Book 1: Fatal Forensic Investigation
Book 2: Explosive Christmas Showdown
Book 3: Mountain Abduction Rescue
Book 4: Buried Grave Secrets
Book 5: Yukon Wilderness Evidence
Book 6: K-9 Ranch Protection

About the Author:

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at http://www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

My Impressions

Darlene L. Turner’s books just get better and better. Turner is now not only writing great romantic suspense, but has found a way to outmatch the best armchair detectives (and no, I don’t claim to be the best, but I sure try) with her twists at the end.

There is a new excitement when I read her books now, and Yukon Wilderness Evidence does not disappoint. We learn about forensic biology, and how people like Dr. Keeley Ash use it to help solve cold cases. So interesting!

Unfortunately, not only is Keeley working a cold case, but it becomes active as those working with Keeley lose their lives trying to deliver evidence. Enter another “cold case,” paramedic Brett Ryerson, whom Keeley dated more than 5 years ago and hasn’t seen since. This relationship left Keeley with a son, MJ, and a heart of steel.

Keeley and Brett share a renewed attraction, but both fight it. Keeley doesn’t want another broken heart, already has huge issues with her nearly-famous judge-mother, and the two are not in the same plane spiritually. When asked how she can endure her world crumbling so quickly and completely around her, Keeley responds, “ I have to trust that God is in the middle of this storm. He’s the only thing that’s keeping me from falling apart. If I don’t have my faith, I don’t have anything.”

You’ll have to read the book to discover all the answers to the different threads woven into this beautiful tapestry. Like why Keeley’s mom is so downright mean and demeaning to her. ( Even Keeley doesn’t know.) Why is Brett’s dad holding on to life against the odds of his cancer? ( I love the answer!)

Most of all, who is the mastermind behind the dangerous Diglo brothers gang? I had my mental whiteboard out. I had clues written, lines drawn, erasures, and it wasn’t a pretty site. And still Ms. Turner’s perpetrator eluded me! Bravo!!

All the while, there is some serious character growth going on!! Double bravo!!

I received a copy of the book from the author, plus I bought an ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“He didn’t know which was worse—facing the Diglo brothers or the wrath of Chief Justice Olivia Ash.”

“Peace washed over her. She knew its source. Her Father. Her life was in His hands.”

“Sometimes God allows us to enter the wilderness to shape us. Mold us.”

BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Love Inspired Suspense, NetGalley, Purchase

Tracking the Truth by Dana Mentink Review and Giveaway

April 4, 2024May 31, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Tracking the Truth

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 26, 2023

To expose a suspect, he needs evidence…

and a K-9’s instincts.

After Emery Duncan is abducted and dumped in a lake, private investigator Roman Wolfe and his bloodhound partner rescue her from an icy death. Someone doesn’t want Emery to find out what really happened the night her father confessed to attempted murder. To keep Emery and her baby nephew safe, they must uncover the connection between her father’s confession and the attack…or they’ll be silenced for good.

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 and Publisher’s Weekly 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 Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

Bloodhounds everywhere! I was thrilled to be offered a contract to write a WHOLE SIX BOOK SERIES with these amazing creatures and their private eye humans! Bloodhounds have been described as “noses with dog’s attached.” Isn’t that quaint? I hope you will enjoy reading about Wally. He’s a young dog who did not receive the proper training and he’s a tad…well…naughty. Good thing he’s got a handler who’s equally as stubborn. It’s a battle of wills between Wally and Roman and there’s plenty of room for fun along with the suspense. Bloodhounds, take it away!

My Impressions

“It’s not a question of can he find the trail, it’s a question of does he want to…He tends to decide which scents he’s interested in following.”

“Wally, the disobedient bloodhound…” the blurb read. I double-checked the genre for Tracking the Truth. Romantic Suspense. How is author Dana Mentink going to present a romantic suspense book with a search and rescue dog, Wally, who has a mind of his own? Not only is Wally the main K-9 representative from Security Hounds Investigation in this novel, but he provides much of the humor relief I so appreciate in a romantic suspense book.

The human main characters are Emery Duncan and Roman Wolfe. Having been close years before, Emery’s father’s confession of attempted murder sharply separates them. Roman’s bitterness towards Emery’s father almost keeps Emery from letting the Wolfes’ Security Hounds Investigation team take her case. Roman’s past threatens to capsize his future.

With her sister comatose, and her father in jail for attempted murder, Emery is forced to return to her father’s cabin with her sister’s baby. Instead of a place to call home, Emery finds someone is out the kill her, and the townspeople hold her father’s crime against her.

As someone else had said, Wally is my fave character. He’s a hoot, but can he get the job done when the chips are down?

I find Emery’s strength of character and determination to keep going amazing. When she thinks she can’t go on, she revisits her father’s words: “If there’s too much, Ree Ree, pick the top three things you have to do for that day. Three is easy, right?” Sometimes, we can find life so overwhelming, we have to focus on just doing the next, most important thing. I love that Emery doesn’t give up on her dad, despite his confession. “This might rock your world but I’d love him just as much if he was guilty…

“Love doesn’t turn on and off like that. It doesn’t with God and it shouldn’t with us.” Wow, words to chew on!!

I tried to solve the case. Let’s just say I would have arrested the wrong person(s). Great job, Ms. Mentink!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You have to look in the mirror and decide you’re worth loving because God said so and He’s the only one that’s going to do it perfectly. No man, or woman, can deliver.”

“Patience wins over force.”

“Home is the people who chose you.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 28

Madi’s Musings, March 28

Bigreadersite, March 29

Texas Book-aholic, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

EmpowerMoms, April 1

She Lives to Read, April 2

Blogging With Carol, April 2

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

For Him and My Family, April 4

Splashes of Joy, April 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 5

Devote To Hope, April 5

Blossoms and Blessing, April 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 6

Labor Not in Vain, April 7

Betti Mace, April 8

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 8

Wishful Endings, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Pause for Tales, April 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 10

Giveaway

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2aa74/tracking-the-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Love Inspired, NetGalley, Purchase

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink Review and Giveaway

March 20, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Trapped in Yosemite

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: February 27, 2024

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana 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 the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

I won’t ever forget October 17^th, 1989. I was finished with my student teaching duties, chatting with my mother while we watched the World Series. It was an epic matchup of two Bay Area teams. As we watched, the floor lurched and the entire house began to rattle and pitch. We ran outside and watched the street undulate like ocean waves. We’d later come to learn it was a 6.9 earthquake on the Loma Prieta fault. The shaking only lasted 20 seconds but 63 people were killed, 3,757 were reported injured and 12,053 displaced. The damage estimates reached as high as $10 billion, with 18,306 houses leveled. Approximately 2,575 businesses were impacted and 147 were destroyed. The part I will remember most was the collapse of a section of the freeway in Oakland which trapped people in the pancaked structure. I remember watching the close space rescue teams work night and day to find survivors.

Little did I know that memorable event would someday lead to a book! This novel combines the iconic California setting of Yosemite and the big fear buried deep in every California’s mind…the big one, the massive earthquake we know will be coming someday. Of course you know there will be a happy ending in the novel, but I hope you will feel the edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning pages. God bless you, dear readers!

My Impressions

“Stella Rivers scoured the dense shrubbery like she’d been doing for the past hour as if the branches might somehow reach out and snatch her van off the mountain road. Ridiculous, but the isolation raked her nerves.”

Yikes!! Dana Mentink knows how to build tension in the first sentence, and in Trapped in Yosemite, that tension only gets more and more taut until the last sentence!

Stella Rivers is an arborist with something to prove and a nine-month-old daughter to support on her own. She becomes a human target while going to an appointment near Yosemite. As Stella flees, her vehicle is destroyed, and she is rescued by her former fiancé, Von Sharpe. Von is ex-military and grudgingly leads tours in Yosemite at his brother’s wilderness survival camp.

Stella is keeping a huge secret from Von and has put up a wall around her heart. She vows to stay away from Von and to never make him as important in her life as he once was. “She wouldn’t and couldn’t make him her everything, the source of her happiness and fulfillment.”

Von doesn’t understand how to deal with a young child, but his precious Malinois is like a child to him. Burned once by Stella, Von finds himself protecting her from incredible natural and human disasters. Von doesn’t believe God gives second chances, and he’s not about to give himself or Stella any grace.

I loved the eventual solution to Stella’s mysterious stalker. I didn’t see it coming until just before the reveal.

If you love high-octane romantic suspense with mystery or secret baby trope, you will enjoy Dana Mentink’s Trapped in Yosemite.

Notable Quotables:

“Why hadn’t he told her the truth? Truth and facts were what kept people alive.”

“If you aren’t tied together by God, the world will tear you apart in short order.”

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I also purchased my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

“‘You weren’t put on this planet to be happy.” ‘Tate’s equanimity only infuriated Von further. ‘Yeah? Then why am I here, oh, wise sage?’ ‘To learn how to love.’”

“‘I try very hard not to dwell in what ifs.’ That would turn into a spiral of intrusive thoughts that would hold her hostage. “

“Love couldn’t be enough without the bedrock of faith.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! My fave Dana Mentink romantic suspense yet!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 21

Bigreadersite, March 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Betti Mace, March 25

The Sacred Line, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Daysong Reflections, March 26

EmpowerMoms, March 27

Life, Love, Writing, March 27

Cover Lover Book Review, March 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 28

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Tell Tale Book reviews, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Blossoms and Blessings, March 31

To Everything There Is A Season , March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, April 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 2

Labor Not in Vain , April 2

Lily’s Corner, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 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/2a8f5/trapped-in-yosemite-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink Review

February 26, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Trapped in Yosemite

Author: Dana Mentink

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Released: February 27, 2028

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.
When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.
Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

Buy here!

https://tinyurl.com/TrappedinYosemite.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at http://www.danamentink.com to sign up for her newsletter, or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Bookbub.

My Impressions

Yikes!! Dana Mentink knows how to build tension in the first sentence, and in Trapped in Yosemite, that tension only gets more and more taut until the last sentence!

I loved the eventual solution to Stella’s mysterious stalker. I didn’t see it coming until just before the reveal.

If you love high-octane romantic suspense with mystery or secret baby trope, you will enjoy Dana Mentink’s Trapped in Yosemite.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I also purchased my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Why hadn’t he told her the truth? Truth and facts were what kept people alive.”

“If you aren’t tied together by God, the world will tear you apart in short order.”

“‘You weren’t put on this planet to be happy.” ‘Tate’s equanimity only infuriated Von further. ‘Yeah? Then why am I here, oh, wise sage?’ ‘To learn how to love.’”

“‘I try very hard not to dwell in what ifs.’ That would turn into a spiral of intrusive thoughts that would hold her hostage. “

“Love couldn’t be enough without the bedrock of faith.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An exciting, clean, and faith-filled high-octane novel with both a dog and a baby!

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

The Marine’s Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson Review and Giveaway

February 25, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Marine’s Deadly Reunion

Author: Loretta Eidson

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 26, 2023

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister, and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe . . . before the killer finds them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Loretta Eidsonloves writing inspirational romantic suspense. Her first novel, Pursued in the Wilderness, published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, won the 2023 Romance Novel of the Year award in AWSA’s (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) Golden Scroll Awards and was a finalist in the 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Director’s Choice Award in General Fiction.

She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys challenging her characters to trust God in all things. Loretta is an AWSA Certified Coach for aspiring writers, and she lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.

More from Loretta

One of the fun parts I enjoyed writing in The Marine’s Deadly Reunion is the interaction between US Marine, Jake Fisher, and his eighteen-month-old niece, Emma. He knows nothing about caring for a baby. He thinks if he isn’t hungry, Emma isn’t either. During one scene, he glances at her in the rearview mirror. She had tossed everything out of her diaper bag and found her juice cup. He grins, thinking this little human is self-sufficient and they’ll get along just fine.

My Impressions

“Something isn’t right. ‘Daria, I just received word from my confidential informant that this case isn’t over…And they’re after the rest of the evidence.’”

Can old friends from another lifetime reconnect in their new lives to help solve a murder and to keep a town safe? Loretta Edison brings us this question, along with a myriad of others, in The Marine’s Deadly Reunion. Police Sgt. Daria Gordon attempts to break up a parking lot scuffle, only to find her middle school best friend. Long since moved away, and now a former Marine Sergeant, Jake Fisher is furious that she intervenes in his protection of his 18-month-old niece, whose parents he believes were murdered. Can Daria and Jake get past their own ideas of “doing their job” their way and make room for help from each other? Both Jake and Daria have to relearn trust in God and their fellow man.

Did I say fellow man? Maybe bad word choice. Nobody is trustworthy, except hopefully our protagonists, until the end of the story. Now I know why I wear a neck pillow when I read. Eidson will whip you back and forth so fast, as you think you know the antagonist, then pull that rug out from underneath you and set you on another direction. ( Full-speed, of course!) Then, extreme action, apparent quiet, but no, that wasn’t the answer to safety for Jake, Daria, and little Emma, either! Back off to the races you go! I don’t think I’ve ever seen an author who made me think “peace and safety” so many times, and then added so many twists!

As the stakes heighten, Daria and Jake both individually realize their need to return to faith and prayer. I appreciated that their prayers were included. As Daria reminds Jake, “God hears all prayers, including yours and mine. Prayers don’t have to be perfect.”

The novel is brightened by the season, as well as baby Emma. I also loved the short respites of time Daria and Jake share with Robert and Gina. Those are precious.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also purchased my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I would advise a neck pillow when reading, to avoid whiplash!! ☺️

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

The Lofty Pages, February 28

Betti Mace, February 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 29

For Him and MY Family, March 1

Holly’s Book Corner, March 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 3

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

Mary Hake, March 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Loretta is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook 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/2a257/the-marine-s-deadly-reunion-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Rescuing You by Robin Patchen Review and Giveaway

February 12, 2024February 12, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Rescuing You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 9, 2024

A heart-pounding tale of danger and devotion, the riveting second installment of the Wright Heroes of Maine series by a USA Today bestselling author.

CIA agent Michael Wright’s world crumbles when his girlfriend, Leila, is snatched off the street and later seen in the grasp of a terrorist he’s been tracking, Michael blames himself. Keeping his identity secret from her clearly didn’t protect her. Now he must defy the Agency and fly to Iraq to rescue her.

Leila Amato escaped Iraq a decade earlier, only returning in her worst nightmares. But those nightmares have come true when she finds herself captive and all alone, or so she thinks until she sees her identical twin sister.

Michael tracks Leila to a desert compound, but his rescue mission goes awry when he discovers her sister needs to escape as well. His detailed strategy can only ensure one woman’s safety. Now they’re on the run, trying to get out of the country before their enemies track them down.

But Leila’s kidnapping is only one small part of a larger plot—one that endangers thousands of lives—and now he can’t trust anyone. Not even the woman who’s stolen his heart. A woman who’s been keeping secrets of her own…

A high-stakes international chase full of romantic suspense, spies, and a ticking time bomb that will keep you reading all night long.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Patchenis a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

More from Robin

I spent a week this year serving refugee women on the Greek island of Lesvos. Along with helping to distribute food and clothing, I gave hand massages. It seems like such a little thing, but it was powerful.

Many didn’t speak English, and I found it difficult to connect even with those who did. What do I have in common with women escaping war or oppression?

But I could perch on a tiny stool at their feet and rub lotion on their hands. I didn’t know their stories, but God did. So while they chatted with friends in languages I couldn’t understand, I prayed silently. As I did, God stirred in me a deep love for each one.

Imagine the courage it must take to leave everything you know—your home, your community, in some cases, even your family—to seek freedom. Imagine how desperate or afraid or, frankly, hopeful a person must be to attempt it.

The heroine in Rescuing You did just that. An Iraqi who came to Christ as a teenager, Leila feared her family would discover her secret and felt she had no choice but to run away. Resettled in Germany, away from her mother, father, and twin sister, she built a life for herself and fell in love.

And then someone snatched her back to Iraq.

Rescuing You is about a man determined to save the woman he loves. It’s about a woman willing to risk everything for the freedom to…

…Love the man she chooses

…Live a life of purpose, and mostly…

…Worship the One True God

It’s easy to take our freedom for granted—and to forget that true and lasting freedom isn’t political or social but spiritual. Christians are free in Christ no matter what their society looks like.

But what an incredible blessing to live in a free country.

Rescuing You barely scratches the surface of the refugee crisis. It’s mostly about a man and a woman and whole bunch of terrifying villains. Even so, I pray it’ll stir in you a deep love for refugees seeking freedom worldwide. Pray for them and for the nations they’ve escaped. Our world needs Jesus.

My Impressions

“She was keeping secrets, but he was too. And he wasn’t ready to reveal his.”

Honestly, I fell in love with one of Robin Patchen’s books about another Wright brother, so I knew I had to read the stories of the other brothers as they are launched in this series, The Wright Brothers of Maine. Rescuing You is the second book of the series, and features the story of Michael and Leila. Michael, an undercover CIA agent in Germany, is horrified to find his girlfriend has been kidnapped by Vortex, the terrorist he is trailing.

Leila is a native Arab who left Islam to turn to Jesus. Her captors would not treat her well for defecting from the faith, their perception of a Middle Eastern woman’s role, or her first escape into Germany. Michael chomps at the bit when histeam leader, Brock, asks him to remove himself from the situation and let the team handle it.

Explosions, daring escapes, and shoot-outs up the suspense ante. Ruthless, strategic terrorists and a sick twin complicate matters. As does the fact that Michael does not stand down as told, nor does Leila like to be given commands without knowing ‘why.’

Secrets. This novel is all about secrets and trust. Both Michael and Leila hold dangerous secrets, and both need to learn to trust God and other people if they are to survive. There were a few times each I wanted to sit Michael and Leila down and “straighten them out, but good!”

Rescuing You is a novel that will also have you thinking about what some immigrants are willing to endure to reach our shores. By the end of the book, you’ll be looking to tie up a few loose ends and read more of the Wright brothers’ stories, starting with Bryan’s adventures in Finding You.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“But in his arrogance—and his fear—he’d gone it alone. As he so often did. And because of that, he’d lost…everything.”

“Hope seemed lost, but God was a God of hope, wasn’t He?”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent!! Ready for the other brothers’ stories!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 4

The Lofty Pages, February 4

Betti Mace, February 5

Blossoms and Blessings, February 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

An Author’s Take, February 8

Pause for Tales, February 8

Texas Book-aholic, February 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 10

For Him and My Family, February 11

Book Looks by Lisa, February 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 13

Blogging With Carol, February 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 15

Holly’s Book Corner, February 15

Lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of Running to You and a $75 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/2a0c0/rescuing-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L Turner

December 27, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Buried Grave Secrets

Series: Crisis Rescue Team, #4 ( standalones)

Author: Darlene L Turner

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Released: December 2023

Standing guard…

with threats on all sides.

When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Crisis Rescue Team

Book 1: Fatal Forensic Investigation
Book 2: Explosive Christmas Showdown
Book 3: Mountain Abduction Rescue
Book 4: Buried Grave Secrets
Book 5: Yukon Wilderness Evidence

About the Author:

My Impressions

“…forgive yourself first…It’s time to put the darkness behind us. Until light shines again, we’ll never move on…”

I would never want to live in this book, Buried Grave Secrets, by Darlene L. Turner. Yet, I sure enjoyed visiting Charock Harbour, Maine, from the safety of my armchair. Dr. Jordyn Miller is a part-time forensic anthropologist who is struggling to succeed without using her political father’s name. She would rather not have the protection he provides, either, especially when it comes in the form of Constable Colt Peters, whom she dated previously, and his K-9 co-worker.

Danger abounds. Lynx are at large. An unknown shooter takes aim. Bones threaten to reveal a past reality no one wants. Weather makes for even more suspense. Then there is the danger to two hearts, feeling betrayed and lonely.

I take notes when I read a book. This time, I was also jotting down names and alibis, or lack thereof. Besides the constant terror on the page and families in turmoil, could I flush out the killer before he or she was revealed? Ms. Turner led me on a frightening chase that involved so many twists and turns! I was very satisfied with the complexity of novel and crime. Buried Grave Secrets has risen to be one of my fave LIS books!

I challenge you to take your turn reading this book, as if your deduction skills will save the main characters or not! Be assured- The Bonedigger is watching!!

I received a copy of the book from the author. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Your job puts your family in jeopardy.”

”God, where are You? I have to see Your light. The rattling continued. The room remained still. A verse from her childhood emerged… I am the light of the world.“

“You’ve had so many bumps and potholes in your life, love. But God has been right beside you all the time, shining His light. You’ve just snuffed it out. Don’t be so scared of the dark, because sometimes the best things come from within our darkest places.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My fave Darlene Turner novel so far. Maybe also my fave LIS novel. A bit of a psychological thriller.

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink Review and Giveaway

November 2, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Snowbound Escape

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: October 24, 2023

To rescue a witness…

this K-9 team must face a killer and a storm.

After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

More from Dana

What a challenge to write the eighth book in this fabulous Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series! Writing a continuity (linked books with an overarching mystery) with seven other authors requires us to work closely together which is a rare blessing in this solitary business. There were so many good conversations, emails and texts that went into the construction of this series. Since wilderness escape novels are my favorite, it was great fun to write Tanner, Mara and Boxer Britta’s dramatic survival story. I hope you enjoy the book and the entire series as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you!

My Impressions

“She was exhausted from running, her body battered by cold and hunger, weakened by seven months of living as a fugitive. Not just a fugitive from the law, but on the run from the two predators stalking her since the moment she’d witnessed a double murder back in April.”

Snowbound Escape is a very fast-paced Christian romantic suspense novel about 24-year-old Mara Gilmore, a Pacific Northwest Canine Officer, who has been on the lam for seven months. Seven months of being totally alone, relying only on herself for survival, trying to stay one step ahead of the murderer who wants her dead for what she has witnessed.

Her teammate, Tanner Ford, who has come with his trained boxer K9, Britta, to rescue her, is hampered by the continual blizzard-like conditions and the wiliness and cunning of Eli, the killer. So many harrowing attempts on their lives. Will the weather finish them off before Eli does?

While Mara has severe trust issues, partly stemming from her upbringing, Tanner’s heart is frozen by more than the blizzard outside. Can the two work together under great duress without someone losing more than their life?

I liked how Mentink shows that God is working in Mara’s heart to become more open to those around her, and in Tanner’s as well. He is also working in a third heart very important to those two, to heal and restore.

Mentink has a humorous side, and some of that ekes out (just a little) in various places. One spot was deadly serious, and yet, oh, so funny, just in the way Mentink describes it. I should have been shaking, but I was rolling with laughter instead. I would need that bit of humor to carry me through all the dangers Mara and Tanner would face.

God, of course, is the most important help one can have when the chips are down. Mara and Tanner take turns edifying each other as needed. But next to God, bring in the dogs! Britta is a beautiful boxer who has already befriended Mara, has excellent tracking skills, and intelligence and loyalty like none other. She is a scene stealer, for sure! Be sure and grab your copy of this book to read in front of a warm fire with a hot drink and a canine or feline friend!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, plus I bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“God has the final word. Wait on the Lord and He will give you courage and healing.”

“We’re commanded to love one another and when you don’t allow people to do that, you rob them of a blessing.”

“Sharing was messy and painful, like picking a wound that hadn’t fully scabbed over.”

“God would give him enough, moment by moment, perhaps, but it would be sufficient.”