Title: Guarding Truth by Lynnette Eason and Kelly Underwood
Series: Elite Guardians Savannah Book #3
Pages: 297
Date Published: 10/15/2024
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Stars: *****
Blurb:
The truth might destroy them both…
The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow solider Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship.
So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings.
Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.
And then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb’s cyber-security company.
Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.
The last—very last—person Juliette thought she’d see again is Caleb Styles, let alone be assigned to protect him. And now, suddenly, the very last thing she needs is to let her heart take over. She must protect them both—which means ignoring…or trying to ignore—the attraction between them.
Caleb never understood why Juliette walked away from him…but he can’t deny that his feelings for her never died. Except maybe she doesn’t share those feelings because her only goal seems to be protecting Ivy. And, it’s probably for the best. After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.
And then they discover the hackers’ true intent—and it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?
An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.
My Thoughts:
*****
Wow! What a roller coaster ride this book was! There was jam packed action from beginning to end. Just when I thought the story-line was settling down a bit...WHAM!... there was another suspenseful situation that made me stay up way past my bedtime.
Juliette and Caleb were so good together. I loved how they could communicate with just a look! It was so much fun to read about a female main character being the "protector". Ivy, Caleb's niece, was a great character in and of herself, as well.
I've loved everything I've ever read by Lynette Eason and now Kelly Underwood is a favorite as well.
Guarding Truth is a contemporary, Christian, suspense novel that ticked all the boxes for me. Most definitely deserving of a 5 star rating!
I am very excited and thankful to review this book today!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The first book in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series!
Meghan Truman always had a dream to become a Hollywood actress. Hollywood decided she wasn’t good enough. She left Hollywood broken but with a burning desire to start afresh in the Pacific Northwest, pursuing her second dream – opening a bakery. She never expected that the owner of a rival establishment would be found dead and all eyes would be focused on her as the prime suspect.
As the new girl in town with a new bakery store, she’s determined to clear her name and find the murderer; otherwise she’ll have to leave Sandy Bay penniless and pitiful and possibly the murderer’s next victim.
No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!
My Thoughts:
Well, that was a whirlwind mystery!
I didn't realize this book was as short as it is and it only took me about an hour to read. I know cozy mysteries are quick reads but this is probably the fastest one I've ever read. I'm not complaining because it was super fun :)
Amber Crewes, a new-to-me-author, did a good job writing a likable character in Meghan, Karen, Jack and Lori. I also enjoyed the fact that it was set in a bakery.
I gave this book a 3* rating because I wanted MORE! More of the story. More of the characters. More of Shady Bay. Maybe that means I'll have to check out the rest of the series.
I had downloaded this book from Amazon on my Kindle a while ago and finally got a chance to read it.
Onto the next book :)
I read this book while partaking in 3 readathons:
Journey Through the Bible 3.0 - Cozy Mystery Prompt
My review of Apple Pie and Trouble will post on 10/16/2024!
My review of 70 NORTH will post on 10/18/2024!
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What I'm Reading:
Blurb:
Molly Carter’s come back to her family’s ranch in High Valley, Montana just long enough to take a breather before returning to her city life in Atlanta. But being home for the holidays is bittersweet, especially when she learns that Troy Clayton has returned to buy the Bitterroot ranch. Once they were sweethearts. Now being face-to-face with the handsome rancher is making her reassess everything — including the feelings she still has for him. But following your dreams doesn’t always mean following your heart…especially when love comes a second time around.
First Lines:
Nowadays, Molly Carter didn't belong in High Valley, Montana.
56%/Page 56
"I'd never do anything to put Cole's business at risk."
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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:
Blurb:
Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series
Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.
Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spy craft. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner Daniel Swann, who suspects her of a daring theft.
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission? Or will it lead her to a terrible end?
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Book Haul:
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Book Blogger Hop:
Q. Do you have a favorite book or author you turn to every October to celebrate Halloween? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
A. I'm probably in the minority, but I don't like Halloween. At all. I try to ignore it as much as possible.
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Other Bookish Posts From This Week:
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I'm participating in 3 readathons in October!!!! Check out these posts:
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Escape to Whispering Creek
Author: Barbara M. Britton
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors' money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend' s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up... until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart?
Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade' s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he's come to love in danger.
I love finding new-to-me authors that quickly become favorites and that is what Barbara M. Britton has done with Escape to Whispering Creek.
Wade was such a grump throughout most of the book and maybe rightly so. He had been through a lot. Emma was just what he needed to get past his woe-is-me attitude and move forward. Emma had a lot going on but I loved how she would turn to prayer and God for her comfort.
Both Wade and Emma were already Christians which I find rare in novels that I've read. Usually one or the other is going through a search for something and comes to the realization that they need the LORD. I enjoyed the shared faith aspect. They could talk about God and pray for each other which I thought was highly satisfying.
I found this book to be a really fun read! In my opinion it is mostly a contemporary Christian romance with a sprinkling of suspense and action. Exactly what I like in a good book!
I hope to revisit Whispering Creek sometime soon ;)
I am very excited and thankful to review this book today!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian romantic adventures for teens and adults from Bible Times to present-day USA. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.
Connect with Barbara by visiting barbarambritton.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive an Escape to Whispering Creek prize bundle which includes: a print Copy of "Escape to Whispering Creek" and book swag, a CD of Pelican Book Group Editor's Choice novels including Barbara's "Lioness: Mahlah's Journey", a $10 Amazon gift card, a teacup and a box of Emma's favorite tea, a scented candle, a Scripture stone, and cactus stickers...just like Herbie!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 14, 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.
As a teen, Texas Ranger Felicity Capshaw witnessed a murder. The traumatic incident—and the accompanying amnesia—has affected her entire life. She reopens the cold case, but the investigation is cut short when she’s assaulted and nearly killed.
Detective Noah Hodge is no stranger to loss. He’s buried his parents and his wife. All he wants is to raise his daughter and keep his hometown safe. When the killer targets Felicity, Noah commits to protecting her, even though each second in her presence makes him question why he’s locked away his battered heart.
As Felicity's memories return, the threats escalate. Can Noah help her uncover the truth? Or will the killer silence her forever?
My Thoughts:
Fractured Memories was a quick, fun read full of suspense and action from the beginning to the end.
The main characters, Noah and Felicity, had been friends for years before the book began. They had grown up together and had been through many of life's ups and downs. Both were now in law enforcement and working a case together.
It is most definitely a friends-to-more trope which I do enjoy a great deal. The author did a great job of giving back-story to make it believable even though the book itself took place over only a few days (except for the epilogue, of course).
I loved Harper's character. She was the epitome of a precocious 2 year old :) Aunt Imogene was also very lovable.
There were cameos of what I'm assuming were characters from prior books by this author, but it was a great stand alone book and is the first book of a new series.
I am very excited and thankful to review this book today!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Title: The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep
Series: N/A
Pages: 348
Date Published: April 1, 2020
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Stars: *****
Blurb:
What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common? Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.
My Thoughts:
Oh my! What a wild ride this story was!
From bogs on the Moor to the opera stages of Bath, this book had it all: faith, history, romance, suspense. All the best of the best!
I loved how the author built the story piece by piece and took me on the journey along with Maggie and Oliver. Just when I thought the story was winding down to the end...wham! another curveball!
Even the villains were crafted in a way that I loved to "hate" them. Barrow and Groat were horrendous in their evilness.
There was a strong message of justice, forgiveness and mercy throughout the book but especially toward the end.
This book is a Christian, historical, romantic, suspense. And it was amazing! Michelle Griep is a very talented author!
I had downloaded this book from Amazon on my Kindle a while ago and finally got a chance to read it. I'm so glad I did!
Onto the next book :)
I read this book while partaking in 3 readathons:
Journey Through the Bible 3.0 - Building on the Cover Prompt
Cozy Cottage Reatathon - In the Dark Prompt
Annetober - a book that has been on your TBR a long time
How was your first week of October? Mine was good but busy, busy, busy!
Here's to the week ahead!
The weather outside is:
After many, many days of rain (I really shouldn't complain), we have been having some beautiful Fall weather. It is supposed to cool off a good bit this week. Look at those night temperatures in the 30s! I don't know if I'm ready for that. We'll be starting the furnace sooner rather than later, I guess!
On today's to-do list:
Monday's tasks are fold laundry, sweep, reschedule a few upcoming appointments, make supper, dishes and other homemaking tasks.
Happening this week:
I finally got word that I start my new part-time job Wednesday. I'll be working three 6.5 hour days a week. My normal working days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. So, I"ll basically have a 4 day weekend every week :)
Other than getting into that routine, it should be a fairly normal week.
Currently reading:
I'm getting ready to start reading "70 NORTH" by Kimberley Woodhouse for a book review blog tour I'm participating in. I haven't read the first 2 books in this series so I'm very interested to see how well it can be read as a stand alone book.
Lainey Wilson's new song 4X4XU is so catchy. If you like Lainey and/or cowboys and/or horses check out this video :) Enjoy!
Watching:
Last night the hubby and I watched "Fall Guy" about a stunt man. I vaguely remember a TV show by the same name when I was a kid. It was a fun movie but it did have some language. It is so hard to find a good movie without bad language anymore :(
I also watched the first episode of "The Summit', a reality show where 16 people have to hike to the top of a summit in New Zealand within 14 days. There's money involved and a lot of plotting. I think I'll continue to watch the show.
I'm also looking forward to the new shows starting back up next week.
In the Kitchen:
Our church ladies made pies all day Thursday and Friday. I believe we had around 50 pies and we had not a oneleft at the end of Homecoming Celebration. My Mom and I also made a pan of peanut butter fudge and a pan of chocolate fudge. The recipe we use is SO good. It makes the best fudge I've ever had. If you're interested in the recipe let me know in the comments :)
In the Craft Basket:
I finished crocheting all 35 squares for the Japanese Fields Afghan. I even got the blocks joined while watching "Fall Guy". I'll be working on the borders this week.
I've already gone through my stash and picked out some colors for my next afghan which I am dubbine "Stashghan 2024". Let me know what you think of these colors together.
Picture(s) from the Camera
After a week of solid rain, the sun finally came out on Wednesday evening as I was going to Bible Study/Prayer Meeting. I had to stop and take a picture of the sight. It makes me wonder how Noah and his family felt seeing the sun again after 40 days of rain!
Prayer Requests
~Continued prayers for Laken as she has a full workload this school year.
~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids. (continued)
~Our Country, our Leaders and the Election coming in November. (continued)
~I've been following along with Sandra and praying for my husband. I always pray for him, but I'm loving the specific prayers for specific needs instead of a general "be with him". So, I'm asking for prayers for my husband and for the husbands of all my readers.
Bible Verse
"Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock." Isaiah 26:4 (NASB)
What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common? Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.
First Lines:
Death prowled the cellblock like a dark animal seeking prey--especially the weakest.
56%/Page 56
"I don't need a surgeon."
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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:
Blurb:
The first book in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series!
Meghan Truman always had a dream to become a Hollywood actress. Hollywood decided she wasn’t good enough. She left Hollywood broken but with a burning desire to start afresh in the Pacific Northwest, pursuing her second dream – opening a bakery. She never expected that the owner of a rival establishment would be found dead and all eyes would be focused on her as the prime suspect.
As the new girl in town with a new bakery store, she’s determined to clear her name and find the murderer; otherwise she’ll have to leave Sandy Bay penniless and pitiful and possibly the murderer’s next victim.
No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!
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Book Haul:
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Book Blogger Hop:
Q. Are there any books that you find particularly creepy or unpleasant, even if they aren't horror novels? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
A. I do NOT read anything that is creepy or unpleasant. I usually know which authors write in that genre and stay far away! lol I don't have any particular book but think anything like Stephen King.
