Saturday, October 19, 2024

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 10/18/2024


All things bookish!
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What I Read:


My review of "A Rancher's Return" will post on 10/23/2024!


My review of "Frittered Moments" will post on 10/25/2024!

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What I'm Reading:


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?



First Lines:

"If you lean out any farther, you'll wind up in the drink.  Which, I suppose, would be a fitting end to this disaster of a trip."


56%/Page 56

Ed had the most seniority amongst the Bow Street officers and was held in high esteem.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:


Blurb:

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Trapped by his own selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

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Book Haul:





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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What novel would you recommend that blends characteristics of your favorite genre with horror concepts, and why? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A.   Anything by Jamie Jo Wright.  I haven't read it yet, but I've heard amazing things about "Specters in the Glass House" that was recently released.  This author does a brilliant job of mixing Christianity with spookiness!


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Bookishly Yours,


Linking up to: 

   


https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/

http://www.fredasvoice.com/  http://www.rosecityreader.com/


Friday, October 18, 2024

Book Review and Giveaway ~ 70 NORTH by Kimberley Woodhouse ~ 10/18/2024

70 North JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

70 North Title: 70 North 
Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #3 
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 15, 2024 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

The Cyber Solutions team has managed to stay one step ahead of the madman who has killed so many. From the original 26 Below cyberattack in Fairbanks to the 8 DOWN serial murders in Anchorage and beyond, they matched wits with the killer and stopped him from reaching his ultimate goals.

But final judgment is coming. And this time, there may be no defeating him. 

David "Mac" McPherson has a personal stake in making sure this predator stays down for good. His family died in the cyberattack. Mac knows that God says "vengeance is mine"—but surely an exception can be made. 

Surgeon Tracie Hunter is determined to stay sober and keep saving lives in Fairbanks, Alaska—even if it means being a little obsessive. After all, that same kind of determination is how she kept Mac alive after the murderer targeted him. And she won't let Mac run himself into the grave looking for payback; he's come to mean too much to her. 

Then someone hacks into the system at Tracie's previous job as a medical examiner and frames her in a murder cover-up. There's no one else skilled enough to create a digital trail this incriminating—the killer is back in action, exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses to destroy lives. Can Mac stay focused and stop the next attack when his own vulnerability is exposed? Or will his need to make someone pay for his pain allow the maniac to pull ahead and win at last?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Thoughts:

I was very excited to receive an advanced reader's copy of 70 NORTH by Kimberley Woodhouse.  I thought I was receiving an ebook but was delighted to receive a physical book in the mail.  Who doesn't love book mail?

I savored this book from beginning to end.  I was excited to start reading and sad when it was finished.

The characters were so relatable and imperfect which made for a perfect reading experience.  Mac, the male main character, had a ton of physical and emotional trauma that he was dealing with but he still relied on his faith to get him through.  Tracie, the female main character, had been through a lot as well but, like Mac, hadn't let it stop her from relying on God and prayer.

Speaking of prayer, there were some of the most beautiful prayers in this book and I loved it.  Even the quick but heartfelt "help me LORD" prayers were so effective in helping me to connect with the characters because there have been many times in my life where that was all I could say as well.

I was very curious to see if 70 NORTH could be read as a stand-alone book.  I'm happy to say that it was thoroughly enjoyable but I believe it would have been even better (if possible) if I had read 8 DOWN and 26 BELOW.  There were characters that I could have met even earlier and I'm sure I would have loved reading their stories as well!

This book is a Christian suspense with some romance that isn't overwhelming.  It was just right :)

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.

More Books from this Series: 

26 Below 8 Down


About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "Craziest Mom" for "Nana the Great."

Connect with Kimberley by visiting kimberleywoodhouse.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of 70 North and a $25 Amazon gift card!

70 North JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2024. 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours



Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Book Review ~ Guarding Truth by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood ~ 10/16/2024


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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.


Book Review ~ Apple Pie and Trouble by Amber Crewes ~ 10/16/2024


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Title:   Apple Pie and Trouble by Amber Crewes
Series:  Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book #1
Pages:  72
Date Published:  July 20.2018
Publisher:  Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing
Stars:  ***

 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!

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

Cozy Cottage Readathon - Fresh Baking Prompt

Annetober - Free square

Friday, October 11, 2024

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 10/11/2024


All things bookish!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I Read:




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?

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:



   ~~~~~~~~~~

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:





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Do you follow me over on Instagram?

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Bookishly Yours,


Linking up to: 

   


https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/

http://www.fredasvoice.com/  http://www.rosecityreader.com/