Texas Kidnapping Target by Laura Scott // Review

Lucie's Review: 

When Mari's son's safety is threatened, her worst fears are confirmed when a Texas Ranger comes to her aid informing her that her ex has escaped from prison. 

Sam Hayward can't help but be drawn to Mari and her young son, Theo, as he helps to protect them from the ongoing threats. Mari is suspicious of Sam at first but quickly comes to trust him as he goes the distance to keep them safe. 

Suspense filled read, with well-developed characters, a great plot, strong themes of faith, and engaging relationship building. Theo is a sweet boy, and I liked how Sam and Theo bonded throughout this ordeal. Highly enjoyable, and well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson // Just Read

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Squire of Truth
Series: Blood of Kings: Legends #1
Author: Jill Williamson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Genre: Medieval Fantasy

Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage. 

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future. 

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Blood of Kings: Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book:4: Heir of Light

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Sunrise Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review: An exciting follow up to the award-winning Blood of Kings Trilogy by Jill Williamson. 

Cole Tanniyn is swept into a high-stakes investigation with implications reaching beyond and to the throne. Can he get to the bottom of the murder, despite his lack of experience, and can he trust his new friend Mistal?

A wonderful follow-up to a beloved series, with familiar faces, as well as new ones, full of adventure and mystery. Cole is a talented young man, who is loyal to the king, and devoted to his job. I liked how he and Mistal bonded over their love of music, as well as working towards finding answers behind the mysterious death. Cole is an excellent protagonist, with relatable struggles, as he finds his strength and style of leadership. 

Overall, this was such an exciting read, with a great plot and return to Er'Rets. I enjoyed the strong themes of faith, as well as seeing familiar characters through different eyes. A great start to a new series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. She grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn't go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com, which has been named as one of Writer’s Digest’s “101 Best Websites for Writers.” She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Squire of Truth & a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 20, 2025. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Carrington Reed is a hostage negotiator called into to help with a case where two brothers have taken 15 undocumented migrants hostage. She makes an unlikely alliance with an investigative reporter, Levi Ehrlich, and together they uncover a winding trail of treachery with secrets reaching back generations. 

 Levi and Carrington find themselves absorbed into this case, uncovering secrets and working to uncover the levels of deceit. A slower burn read, with great relationship building and solid themes of faith. I liked how Levi was a man of faith, committed to living what he believed, and I liked how he was supportive of Carrington throughout. 

There is a lot going on in this book, with more to the plot than meets the eye--but I can't tell you about that! The plot builds up as the story progresses and all the pieces start to fall into place. An entertaining read with an original plot. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler // Just Read

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ambush on the Ranch
Series: Red Rock Country
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Seeking ranch refuge…  

with lethal threats at every turn. 

After running for her life through the forest, art gallery owner Janel Newman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past forty-eight hours. A car bomb and masked gunman make it clear she must’ve seen something she shouldn’t have. When she's forced to hide at deputy sheriff Zach Walker’s family ranch along with her twin sister, secrets are uncovered, and a murderous conspiracy is revealed. With ruthless criminals dogging their every step, will Janel and Zach be able to thwart these villains’ plan to silence Janel for good?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Lucie's Review: 

Zach Walker and his family are working hard to turn a profit on their family ranch, when he offers his ranch as a haven for Janel Newman who has become the target of a killer convinced that she saw something she shouldn't have. 

Janel wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the last days, all she knows is that all of her mother's paintings have been stolen along with a collection of original statues. Together, she and Zach must stay a step ahead of the attacker, who seems to know their every move. 

A high stakes suspense, full of drama, intrigue, with great character interaction. I liked that Zach wants to help Janel, and offers to let her stay with his family. He is very respectful of her space and her desire to help solve the mystery. I how welcoming Zach's family was, and how they all worked together to put a stop to the threats. 

Overall, an action packed read with a plot that had plenty going on, and kept me guessing. I loved that Zach and Janel where able to bond over their shared faith, and I enjoyed their interactions and problem solving teamwork. Highly enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 13, 2025. 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

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

Nothing Good Starts with Your Best Friend's Brother by Rachel E. Scott // Review

My Review: 

A holiday friends-to-lovers rom-com, full of witty banter, humor and heart. 

 A quick and enjoyable read that brought a smile to my face. I loved the well-developed characters and charming storyline, that was everything I could have hoped for--bantering and flirty but also packing a punch emotionally with characters that I related to strongly, working through a period of life feeling "stuck." Dinah and Dawson are a great team, working together and unapologetically supportive of each other throughout. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable novella, with characters that stuck with me after the book was completed. A wonderful mix of heart, humor and holiday romance. Definitely worth picking up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter // Review

My Review : 

A charming opposites-attract Christian rom-com, about finding beauty in a different perspective. 

Emma Trinket is a tech savvy computer programmer who has never enjoyed her family's more artistic pastimes, always feeling like she never fit into the spaces that they made for her. Carter Anderson is a confident and talented artist, who doesn't enjoy the way that technology threatens to encroach on his sanctuary. But for all her high tech ways, Emma inspires him like no other. 

Emma is an endearing heroine, tired of fitting into pre-selected spaces and just getting by, but she doesn't know what else to do. I loved the wonder in her curiosity, and how she likes to know that why of the process. She has a different perspective that challenges Carter to try and see things through her eyes. 

Overall, a charming rom-com. Emma was easy to like and cheer for all the way through, quirky and nerdy in a sweet way. I'd never thought of the juxtaposition of classic art and new tech before, and it was fun seeing it all play out. Engaging read that brought of the best and worst of the characters in ways that helped them grow and find something worth fighting for!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette // Review

 

My Review: 

A compelling new chapter in Cossette's Old Testament Saga that stands well on it's own, but is also a wonderful addition with familiar faces that you will recognize if you have been following along. 

Avidan goes with his cousins to fight with the newly anointed Saul, but a rift separates him from his cousins and instead his path crosses with that of Keziah, who is escaping an unwanted marriage. Together can they face the challenges before them and trust in the Mighty God who brought them together?

A well crafted novel set in the tumultuous time right after Saul is anointed king over Israel, I loved how the author brings this time period to life, showing the division and disunity of the times. Keziah has a beautiful horse, I loved his loyalty to her and protective nature. Avidan is a faithful friend, and I liked seeing how he matures over the course of the book, recalling the histories of his people and sharing it with others. 

Overall, this was a well done Biblical novel about a time period that I don't think I've often seen tackled in fiction before. I liked how the author brings to life the times through fictional characters, so that we can imagine what life might have been like for the Israelites. Engaging and well written, with captivating characters, plenty of adventure, romance and faith. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

One Last Stand by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review: 

London Brook's past is coming after her, and she must stay one step ahead in order to keep them from taking everything and everyone she loves again. Shep doesn't know everything in London's past, but he knows that now that he's found her again he will do everything he can to help her put her past to rest.

A fast paced read, with plenty of familiar faces, with a twisting plot that kept me on my toes. I liked the blend of high stakes suspense with dangerous surviving against the wilderness. Great protagonists, with wonderful character development along the way. I liked how Shep is determined to be by London's side through all of this. 

Overall, a great addition to the series, with a lot going on and great side plots as well. Strong themes of faith, as well as trust in this high stakes read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Ballet for the People by Lillian Joubert // Review

My Review: 

Ballet and forbidden love in the face of a contentious senate election. 

Max is running for re-election on community values and public service, not used to hob-nobbing with the rich stock that Mia Hamiliton and her politically aspiring family comes from. Can two people from opposite sides of the political aisle fight for their quickly blooming love against those bent on sabotaging them?

A sweet romance of forbidden love, and finding yourself. Mia has always loved danced, but has struggled to measure up to her high achieving brother. I loved how she found the strength to cut a different path than expected, and found something beautiful to pour her talents into. 

A clean romantic read, with tension, family drama, dance, with themes of standing up for what you believe in and yourself. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emma Jane's Guide to Matchmaking the Mayor by Drew Taylor // Review

My Review: 

A cute modern spin on a classic tale, with this charming Southern re-telling of Jane Austen's Emma. 

This modern rom-com does a great job of capturing the essence of the original story, while making it her own, with a well meaning and charming protagonist, flirty humor, and a good dose of faith. While the references to the classic are pretty on the nose, I think that the author did a great job of taking the inspiration and making it fresh. 

Emma is as much a flawed protagonist as she ever was, but still as lovable despite it all, with her own struggles and challenges to face. I loved how Knightley is always there for her when she needs him and isn't afraid to let her know when she's been shortsighted, but he loves her all the same. 

Overall, such a fun read with a fun political spin to it. An enjoyable rom-com great for fans of friends-to-more romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.