Review: Claim Your Crown by Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

4 Stars!

A great read! I don't read a ton of non-fiction, but something about the description of this one caught my attention. I enjoyed this book even though I'm older than the age range that I think is the book's intended audience. As someone who has read several Christian living books in the past I didn't find a whole lot of information that was new to me, but I really liked the author's voice and writing style, her passion for helping girls and women to see their worth in Christ absolutely leaped off the page!  I particularly liked the parts that discussed the pitfalls of social media, and how to love ourselves just the way we are! This is definitely a great read that I recommend! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

Review: Don't Give Up On Me by Jodi Artzberger

4 Stars! 

This is a great romantic suspense novel! I was pulled into the story from the first page. Ryker was an awesome, swoon-worthy hero, I loved his faith journey! I liked Amanda, but I didn't feel like I ever really got to know her. This book has a lot of suspense, which I loved. When it comes to romantic suspense books I prefer an equal balance between the suspense and the romance, and this book strikes that balance beautifully! Another thing I loved is that this book combines two of my favorite tropes, friends-to-more and second chance romance, which is awesome! 

I did guess the identity of the villain, which made me happy because I love to play armchair detective! However, I was a bit confused by one thing and that was that at one point in the book I was under the impression that the person who turned out to be the villain had attacked Amanda or treated her badly in some way prior to the start of the book, but then nothing was ever mentioned about it, so perhaps it was just a misunderstanding on my part. There were several typos and some things that could have been a bit more polished. The author has a huge amount of talent, and I believe this is her debut novel so I am confident that her work will become more polished with time.

I truly did enjoy this book and didn't want to put it down. If you are looking for a fast paced Christian romantic suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning pages at lightning speed, this is the book for you! 

I recommend Don't Give Up On Me and look forward to the next Otter Bay novel! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink Review & Giveaway!

About the Book

Book:  Cold Case Connection

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 1, 2020

Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?

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 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 Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Through the Fire Blogs, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 16

janicesbookreviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

She Lives to Read, February 17

Genesis 5020, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 18

My Devotional Thoughts, February 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19

Just Your Average reviews, February 19

Remembrancy, February 20

Older & Smarter?, February 20

Blogging With Carol, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

EmpowerMoms, February 21

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

Christian Bookaholic, February 23

KarenSueHadley, February 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23

Emily Yager, February 24

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 26

Hallie Reads, February 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26

Livin’ Lit, February 27

To Everything There Is A Season, February 27

Daysong Reflections, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an 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/f5c6/cold-case-connection-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! Dana Mentink has earned a spot on my list of favorite romantic suspense authors, I love how she combines sigh-worthy romance with spine-tingling suspense, and she has a knack for writing in just the right amount of humor at just the right moment, all of this combined equals books that I love to read! 

I have been so enjoying the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series, and Cold Case Connection is my favorite of the series so far! I tend to really enjoy stories that feature cold cases and this one was incredibly well done, I had no clue why the first person had been murdered or what exactly was the link between the two murders until it was revealed! There were several possibilities as to the villain's identity, and I kept changing my mind about who I thought it was and ultimately I was surprised by who the villain was, something that doesn't happen often because I read a lot of suspense books and love to play armchair detective, so bravo Dana Mentink! 

I really liked Helen in the first two books in the series so I was really excited to read her story, and I was not disappointed! Helen was a great heroine, I liked that she was strong and determined, but that at the same time she had a lot of common sense and wasn't so determined to be independent that she ended up doing reckless and downright stupid things, that is something that you sometimes see with suspense novel heroines and I was so glad it wasn't the case with her. And Sergio, oh my word, there's just something about a hero who is a devoted daddy to the children in his care that makes my heart go pitter-pat, Sergio was such a good dad to Lucy and Laurel that I totally melted right along with Helen! 

This book is so good, and I absolutely loved everything about it! I highly recommend Cold Case Connection, and can't wait for Chad's story!

(5 Stars!)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased a copy of the audiobook. My review was not required or influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck Review & Excerpt!

About the Book

Book:  The Fifth Avenue Story Society

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre:  Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction

Release Date: February 4, 2020



An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.


Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.



Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.



Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.



Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.



Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.



When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.



Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.







Get your copy of the book here.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt Here

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

The Avid Reader, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

Genesis 5020, February 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

The Power of Words, February 11

A Baker’s Perspective, February 11

Rebecca Tews, February 11

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Older & Smarter?, February 12

Seasons of Opportunities, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Inklings and notions, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 12

My Devotional Thoughts, February 13

Just the Write Escape, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13

CarpeDiem, February 13

Remembrancy, February 14

Christian Bookaholic, February 14

Connect in Fiction, February 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

April Hayman, Author, February 14

Robin’s Nest, February 15

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15

Britt Reads Fiction, February 15

Just Your Average reviews, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Batya’s Bits, February 16

Bigreadersite, February 16

A Reader’s Brain, February 16

Worthy2Read, February 16

Stories By Gina, February 16

Back Porch Reads, February 17

janicesbookreviews, February 17

Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17

Inside the Wong Mind, February 17

Mary Hake, February 17

Through the fire blogs, February 18

Mia Reads, February 18

Baker Kella, February 18

EmpowerMoms, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18

Maureen’s Musings, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19

Coast and Anchor, February 19

Spoken from the Heart, February 19

SPLASHES of Joy, February 19

She Lives to Read, February 20

By The Book, February 20

Wishful Endings, February 20

Moments, February 20

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Andrea Christenson, February 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 21

For The Love of Books, February 21

Lis Loves Reading, February 21

Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22

Hallie Reads, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22

To Everything There Is A Season, February 22

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Daysong Reflections, February 23

SusanLovesBooks, February 23

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

My Thoughts:

An absolutely lovely novel! 

It has been quite a while since I've read a book by this author but something about the description of this one intrigued me! At first I wasn't sure about the alternating POV from five different characters, but I'm happy to say that it totally worked for this story! I was enthralled with all of the characters' individual stories, though I think I found myself most closely connecting with Coral's story. These are definitely characters that I will be thinking about for a long time to come! While there is romance in this story I would consider it more of a general fiction novel, which I absolutely loved and was a great change of pace without giving up the romance that I love so much! I so enjoyed The Fifth Avenue Story Society and am so glad that I read it! If you're looking for an engaging read that will touch your heart look no further! I highly recommend The Fifth

Avenue Story Society and I predict it will be in the running for all the awards in the next year!

(5 Stars!)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased a copy of the audiobook. My review was not required or influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Book Spotlight & Excerpt: Looks Like Love by Brandy Bruce

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Looks Like Love by Brandy Bruce, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Looks Like Love

Author: Brandy Bruce

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Re-release Date: November 13, 2019



After a devastating break-up, Kasey Addison needs to rediscover life and love. She starts by taking a whirlwind trip to London to visit her best friend. When she returns, she’s given a new assignment at the advertising firm where she works. The cosmetics company they represent is releasing a special fragrance called Love. Kasey is tasked with finding out exactly what love looks like and how to sell it.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandy Bruce is a writer, a book editor, a mom, a wife, and someone who really loves dessert! She’s the author of the award-winning novel The Last Summer, Looks Like Love, After the Rain, and The Romano Family Collection. Brandy, her husband, and their children make their home in Virginia.



CONNECT WITH BRANDY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Visit the landing post at JustRead Tours!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.


EXCERPT

"I stopped for a second and turned back to look at the huge stones. I silently told myself that I was really in England. I’d flown over the ocean. I was spending time with Amanda. I was standing at Stonehenge, absorbing the mysteries of history. 
Lincoln’s words from the night before ran through my mind again. And as the cold wind blew over me, I started to believe those words. I believed that God was near to me. And for all the years I’d believed in God and held fast to my faith, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d truly felt close to Him. 
My eyes watered from the wind, or maybe it was the cold—or maybe from my emotion. Whatever it was, the realization that I’d missed feeling close to God welled up in me. Along with a renewed hope that just maybe there was more in store for my life, too. 
I had a strong suspicion that I was, at that very minute, having a significant moment in my life. A tiny corner of my heart whispered to me that if Riley hadn’t broken my heart, I wouldn’t have been experiencing any of this. Of course, if I’d had to choose between new life experiences and Riley—I would have chosen Riley. 

But fate hadn’t given me a choice when it came to Riley. "

Review: Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale

4 Stars!

What a lovely debut novel! 

I loved these characters! Arno and Hattie were both very sweet and admirable characters, while also being flawed and relatable. 

I enjoy reading novels that are set during WWI, and I think this is the first one I've read set in the U.S. during that time, so it was fascinating to learn a little about what was happening on the American home front during WWI. 

I have been knitting since I was a young child, it's one of my favorite hobbies, and so I absolutely loved that Hattie was a knitter as well! 

One of my favorite things about this book was the letters Arno and Hattie wrote to each other, absolutely delightful! 

I also absolutely loved the ending! The final page of this story is one of the best I've ever read and put a huge smile on my face! 

I so enjoyed this story and am so happy I read it! I'm looking forward to this author's next book, and I'm really hoping Wilhelm will get a story since he was my favorite secondary character!

Highly recommended!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.