Crossfire by Lynette Eason // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A tension filled adventure, compelling and entertaining. 

Julianna James is a capable hostage negotiator, reliving a nightmare from her past when attacks begin to escalate at her sister's high school. 

A well written read it balances the suspense with relationship building as we get to know Julianna, Clay and their sisters. I loved that Clay was a resource officer and his heart for the students helping them feel safe and cared for in multiple ways as he works with Julianna to get to the root of the attacks. 

Overall, a thrilling read with great character development and relationship building. I loved how Clay grew in his faith through the situation. A highly entertaining read that crescendos into an explosive ending!

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

Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller // Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forgotten Memories 

Series: Wyoming Sunrise #1 

Author: Penny Zeller 

Publisher: Maplebrook Publishing 

Release Date: August 30, 2022 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

Some memories are best forgotten… 

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile. 

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk? 

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Review: Will their linked past bring them together or tear them apart?

An engaging western romance, set against the Wyoming plains, with strong themes of faith and second chances. I adored the humorous meeting in the schoolhouse. I loved how supportive Caleb's family was of him, and how they accepted him despite his past.

There was also a great secondary storyline, which I enjoyed as well. Annie's brother was such a nice guy, and I liked how he encouraged her. Annie is a likeable heroine, clever and up for a challenge. 

Overall, this was an entertaining read with wonderful characters and an engaging plot that kept me reading. Perfect for fans of western romance!

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of numerous inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ. 

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball. 

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website. 

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Forgotten Memories and a $25 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 30, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 2022. 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 HERE

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

 

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

To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh // Review

My Review: An American fashion designer and a disgraced prince find their hearts at risk in this modern fairy tale. 

Iris Blakely is ready to take the fashion world by storm, creating a sustainable line of clothes to bring more opportunities for fair trade and commerce to Oloro Ilé. I loved that Iris got her own story as she was one of my favorites from In Search of a Prince, I loved her passion for her project, as well as her heart for others. I liked getting to know more about her and her family as well as continuing to see her standing by her best friend Bri. 

One of my favorite things was seeing Ekon's evolution over the course of the book, his attitude and heart, as well as perspective. I admired his willingness to learn, and loved seeing him try new things. 

A wonderful follow up to In Search of a Prince, that brings to life a different side of Oloro Ilé outside the royal walls. Strong themes of faith and redemption, as coupled with a sweet modern royal romance make for a nearly irresistible combination! You won't want to miss Iris's story in To Win a Prince!

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

Gigi and Nate // Movie Review and $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Go see Gigi & Nate in theaters starting September 2nd!  https://www.gigiandnate.com/

This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story!

Gigi & Nate is the story of Nate Gibson, a young man whose life is turned  upside down after he suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic. Moving  forward seems near impossible until he meets his unlikely service animal, Gigi - a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. Although she is trained to assist Nate with  his basic needs, Gigi helps Nate find what he needs most of all: hope. 

Review:

A heartwarming and emotional film, about a young man who finds an unlikely friend in his unexpected service animal, a capuchin monkey named Gigi. 

Engagingly this inspiring movie tells the story of Nate Gibson a young man whose whole life is turned around when he is struck with meningitis that leaves him in a wheelchair and short on hope. A captivating film, with hope at its core.

An all-star cast tells this inspiring story, well-paced and full of heart. Gigi is a scene stealer, her monkey antics and expressions are so adorable and emotive. I loved seeing Nate bond with her and all of the tasks that she helped him with throughout the film. 

 An entertaining story of perseverance, hope and the power of a friend. I really enjoyed this film, everything was so well done and does a great job of showing such an inspiring and heartwarming friendship, with some twists along the way. Definitely worth seeing!

Content note: The movie is rated PG-13. I think that it would be okay for older teens at parent's discretion. The movie has some thematic elements and themes, a character attempts suicide, there are some scenes of teen partying and drinking, people become drunk, as well as strong language. Faith is briefly shown in prayer and symbolism, but this is not a faith focused film. 

#GigiandNate #GigiandNateMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Many thanks to Roadside Attractions for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

“As much as this is about a monkey and this kid, I think it’s about overcoming difficulties and things that you think are impossible that you’ll never come back from.”  -Charlie Rowe (Nate in GIGI & NATE) 

Buy your tickets TODAY to see GIGI & NATE in theaters starting 9/2! https://www.gigiandnate.com/

 Giveaway: One $10 Amazon giftcard 

(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron // Review

Review: 

A compelling read inspired by true events, about the courageous men and women who risked their lives to save Jews in Italy during WWII.

A multiple timeline read, it took me awhile to really get into it since it followed three main characters and then jumped forwards and back in the timelines of two of them, though I admit the mystery of what was going on did help pull me in. I loved how this book explored more of Italy's role in the war, as it is not as often represented as other places. 

A well written read, with well developed characters. I liked how Julia didn't want to rely on her family name to keep her out of danger, as well as her heart for others and determination. Court was probably one of my favorite characters for his story arc, and how he changes over the course of the story. 

Overall, this was a compelling and worthwhile read, with characters that slowly captured my heart and were hard to leave behind. A story of courage and hope resonating through time.  

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

An Unlikely Angel // Movie Review & Giveaway!

An Unlikely Angel will be exclusively on Pure Flix starting August 26th!  https://www.pureflix.com/movie/an-unlikely-angel

Janie is a workaholic who is falling apart at the thought of becoming a  first-time mom. She whispers a small prayer for help and it's answered in a very un likely way when an angel intervenes and fast forwards her life. Will her second  chance change how she approaches life? Janie is lucky enough to be given a second  chance, but will she change before it's too late?

“An Unlikely Angel” is a movie about second chances and prioritizing what’s truly  important in life.

Review:

A heartwarming family film about family, priorities, and second chances.

Janie and her husband are expecting their first child, but the stresses of work compete for her full attention until an angel steps in...

An entertaining family film, it reminded me a little of the famous Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, with a fun original twist. I liked how Janie was challenged to see how her workaholic ways had been tough on her family, and how her husband was willing to sacrifice everything he had worked for to care for their family. Samantha was a sweet girl, and I think that movie did a good job of showing that it isn't easy all the time to put family and faith first.

Overall, this was a heartwarming film about second chances, family, and faith. I enjoyed watching it with my mother, and we both agreed that it was well acted and had some surprising twists along the way. Don't miss this movie, streaming exclusively on Pureflix!

#AnUnlikelyAngelMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opin ions are 100% my own.

Watch An Unlikely Angel on Pure Flix starting August 26th!

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/an-unlikely-angel

The movie “An Unlikely Angel” helps bring us back to basics in an overcomplicated  world. 

https://insider.pureflix.com/life style/back-to-the-basics-list

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix

If you have won a Pureflix subscription through Momentum in the last 6mo, you are not eligible to win this prize. Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review: 

Ivy McQuaid can ride and rope with the best of the boys, she has big dreams and no one has been able to stand in her way until Jericho Bliss comes waltzing back into her life and threatening her secrets. 

A fast paced western romance with a headstrong heroine, set against the mountains of Colorado. From reading the previous books in the series I knew that this pairing was coming, and it didn't disappoint. Jericho is a principled man on a mission, he has a strong sense of duty and responsibility which I admired. Ivy is more impulsive, though I liked that she was always up for a challenge and never let fear stop her from doing something. 

It was fun to revisit to the McQuaid clan, and see how their families had grown, as well as learning more about Jericho's past. 

Overall, an action packed read, with sparks flying, and a thrilling ending that only made me want to read the next book even sooner! Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers romance and stubborn heroines! 

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

Walking in Tall Weeds by Robin W. Pearson // Review

My Review: 

A family drama that deals with racism, past wrongs, a struggling marriage, and new beginnings. 

Frederick and Paulette have worked hard to move beyond the mistakes of their forbears to give their only son McKinley every opportunity. But secrets that they are all keeping from each other threaten the delicate threads of their family, as they wonder if they can turn to a new chapter or stay mired in the past. 

A compelling read that explores each of the main characters in detail, unearthing their most painful secrets, as well as their dreams for the future. It was interesting to see how each of their struggles would affect the others, as well as what it would mean for their family. I liked how the characters were each compelling and raw, well crafted and explored.

An emotionally deep read, masterfully woven showing the power of God's love, mercy, and justice. A powerful read, that will not disappoint!

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

The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock // Review

Review: 

A delightful and engaging read, filled with adventure and romance!

Sophia Fairfield has always played by the rules following the path her parents have laid out for her, that is until they arrange a marriage to a man twice her age. How can she go along with the marriage when her heart is swiftly being won by someone else?

A wonderful read that once picked up I didn't want to put down. I admired Sophia for her kindness and willingness to learn attitude, taking on new challenges head on. She has a big heart for others, and I liked how she quickly made friends among the other young women despite her different upbringing. Carver is a noble man, and I liked that he saw Sophia and liked her for who she was, and not as a means to an end like the others, and was willing to fight for her. 

This was such a fun read, filled with faith, adventure, friendship and love. Highly entertaining, with likable protagonists that have you cheering for them all the way through, you won't want to miss this wonderful new romance from Grace Hitchcock!

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

Glad You're Here by Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper // Review

Review: 

A remarkable book about the extraordinary friendship and faith that inspired the hit song Craig.

Engaging and inspiring, Walker and Craig share chapters, switching narratives as they tell the amazing story of their unlikely friendship and how God has used them to encourage each other, even though they couldn't be more different. As someone who has heard the song Craig, and knew just a little bit about how it was based on a true story, I was intrigued. But the song is just the tip of the iceberg of how God brought these two families together. 

Walker shares of his struggles to provide for his growing family, as well as with his doubts about Christianity. While Craig Cooper was a man let go from ministry, but still passionate about  living and sharing his faith, even if not from a pulpit. I loved reading about how their families became a family, standing by each other through the hard chapters and the happy ones. 

Overall, this is an amazing and inspiring story that will blow you away with the remarkable way that God worked in the lives of these two families. Honest and approachable, this book was easy to read, great for anyone who likes to read uplifting and inspiring stories, and would be especially appreciated by fans of Walker Hayes as it gives great insight into the man behind the catchy songs. Highly recommend!

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

Enflamed by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review: 

A noble quest and a forbidden love, can Espen and Sylvi protect the Holy Lamp's flame and their love?

A thrilling addition to the Knights of the Brethren Series, this book pulled me in from the beginning and I read it in less than 24 hours. A fast paced read with sizzling chemistry, and great character interaction. This book is probably my favorite of the series so far!

 Espen has worked hard to earn his place among the Knights, coming from more humble beginnings than many of his peers, I admired his commitment to his duty as well as his loyalty to his friends. I really liked how Sylvi wanted to move past the perception of others and how she fought for Espen. I also admired Espen's sister and how she was willing to step in, risking her life to save her family. 

Overall, a fantastic adventure filled with romance, friendship, high stakes and true love. You won't want to miss it!

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

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser // Review

Review: 

Two resilient women decades apart are challenged by love and loss as the world changes around them. 

Allie Massey is watching her life go to shambles around her, the future that she had all mapped falling to pieces. She has a short time frame to pack up all of her beloved grandmother's things and clear out the property before everything is leveled and the commercial landowners take over. But going through the mementos reveals a secret side of her grandmother and her amazing courage. 

A well crafted read that is a mix between character and plot driven. The story meanders at its own pace, taking time to carefully bring all the pieces together in rich detail, while keeping me invested and wondering how it would all work out. I loved learning about Allie's grandmother, especially how she served in the war, as well as her courage and daring. I liked how the story was told through alternating viewpoints in the present day with Allie, and decades earlier with Dale, sometimes foreshadowing what would happen in the other time and place. 

Overall, a compelling, richly woven read, with a strong message of faith and hope. A compelling read that will take you through a gambit of emotions, captivating in the best way!

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

The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

Release date: July 1, 2022

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?

To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.

Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.

Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Healing hearts and finding love in the Blue Ridge mountains of  Appalachia.

Cora Taylor escapes an unwanted arranged marriage by joining her brother who is working as a teacher at a mission school high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place unlike anything she could have imagined. I loved watching Cora fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of the mountains as well as the unbending harshness, as well as befriending the many colorful mountainfolk. I admired her for not only bringing her own knowledge to her new friends, but also how she was willing to learn from them in return. 

Engaging from the start, I was quickly drawn into the story and cheering for both Jeb and Cora. Jeb is a strong man of faith, mindful of his personal struggles and fighting for a better tomorrow. There was great interaction between him and Cora, and even though it all happened over a short period of time, it felt right. 

Overall, a wonderful read with a compelling plot, and characters, I loved how the subplots added to the story, as well as the author's attention to detail and all the little ways that she makes Appalachia come alive. A satisfying, faith-filled read, definitely recommend!

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

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter.

 

More from Pepper

It’s so interesting how one idea can influence an entire series, or…how one person’s story can.

The idea for The Heart of the Mountains started in Laurel’s Dream with a hint of a family history story about a girl named Kizzie. (Someday, I hope to bring Kizzie’s story to the pages of a book). From there, the idea began to grow out of a love for my Appalachian culture into a series of books which highlighted (and fictionalized) stories from my family history.

 

The main story in The Heart of the Mountains is about Jeb and Cora, two different people with similar servant hearts, but the secondary story that touched me so much was the one based on my great grandfather’s life. I write about it in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, so I won’t go into detail about it. However, what I loved getting to do is bring the truth of God’s redemption in my great grandfather’s life…to life again.

 

I never knew “Papa Rat”. I only knew the stories handed down to me by my granny and my mama, but in writing this story, I feel as though I had a tiny opportunity to “meet” him in these pages. He was a gruff mountain man with a broken past which led him to make a whole lot of broken choices, but his story is incredibly encouraging, because it points to the God of broken people. My great grandpa wasn’t left in his brokenness, but, after years of running away from God, he would later recount that God pursued him. The beauty of Sam McAdams’ journey in The Heart of the Mountains is only a little glimpse into what I imagine my great grandpa’s redemption story looked like.

 

Because my great grandpa was forever changed when Jesus saved him (as any of us should be).

I think that’s what my granny and her siblings (and even “Papa Rat” himself) would want most -that his story would point to Jesus. I hope that’s what you see when you read about Sam McAdams in The Heart of the Mountains.

 

Have you ever read a book based on family history? One of my favorites is Catherine Marshall’s Christy.

Blog Stops

Bizwings Blog, July 28

Rachael's Inkwell, July 28

Bigreadersite, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Boondock Ramblings, July 30

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Reading With Emily, July 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 31 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Daysong Reflections, August 2

deb's Book Review, August 2

Live. Love. Read., August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Remembrancy, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 5

By the Book, August 5

Wishful Endings, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Books, Books and More Books, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 6

Connie's History Classroom, August 7

SodbusterLiving, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Back Porch Reads, August 9

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Labor Not in Vain, August 10

Miriam Jacob, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e- gift card and a paperback 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/20389/the-heart-of-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim // Review

Review: A delightfully whimsical romance, full of mouth watering confections, and single septuagenarians. 

Sophie Go returns to Toronto after attending a prestigious matchmaking school in Shanghai, she is excited to move into her own place and acquire a list of clients. But when it is revealed that her credentials are lacking, she finds herself scrambling for clients to keep her dream alive, offering her services to a group of seven single men in their seventies. 

A romantic comedy about a young woman finding her way, and making new friends, with elements of magical realism. A quick and light-hearted read, fun, with great cultural flavor. I loved how Sophie not only brought people together with her job, but also how they became her friends.

I found her parents to be horrifically manipulative and abusive to her, physically, financially, verbally, and emotionally. And I think that it played into the honor and shame culture, but her parents were just so jarringly terrible and outrageous that it took away from the book as a whole. 

Overall, a fun, quick read about finding love and finding yourself, in a magical Toronto setting filled with delicious sweets, and steadfast friends. 

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

*clean whimsical romance with moderate swearing, strong Asian representation and culture, as well as a m-m storyline

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan // Review

Review: 

A captivating read  that follows Megs Devonshire as she embarks on a quest to discover the answers to the questions of her terminally ill brother, George, about Narnia. 

A beautifully rendered novel that tenderly tells the story of a brother and sister as they discover the world created by C.S. Lewis as well as the about the inspirations that he drew from. I liked how the story flowed from Megs and George to Jack's years growing up, and how little pieces of his life made it into his stories and impacted his faith. This is a wonderful companion to Patti Callahan's other brilliant book about C.S. Lewis Becoming Mrs. Lewis, though this one is much different they compliment each other well. 

Overall, an excellent read. I loved they way that the book portrayed Jack and Warnie, and how the story was told by a story within a story. Hope filled and full of wonder, this beautiful book will stay with you after the last page is turned. 

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

Off the Chain by Janice Thompson // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Off the Chain

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Christian Fiction / Mystery

Release date: July 1, 2022

The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!

Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts?

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: A chain reaction of misunderstandings and mishaps only gets worse when the vet clinic that Marigold and Parker work at is vandalized.

Marigold is passionate about her job and helping animals, her dream is to open a pet rescue to help animals in need. She is determined to find the perpetrator as she works toward her dream with her dependable friend Parker by her side at every turn. I loved how this experience helps Marigold step out of her comfort zone and make new friends and connections, with humor and a community full of wonderful characters along the way. I liked the close knit workplace, community of faith, and the adorable animal friends, especially Mr. Bojangles. 

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, getting to know the townfolk, as well as following Mari throughout her days as she works to solve the case, find Mr. Bojangles a home, and make her dream a reality. A fun-filled, light-hearted read that brought a smile to my face. 

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

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

More from Janice

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! My world is full of dogs. If you follow me on social media you’re probably overwhelmed with dog photos, but I simply can’t help myself. I’m in love with pooches of all shapes and sizes.

My fascination with dogs began when I was six years old and I got my first pup, Spunky. He was a mixed breed terrier. From that day until now I’ve had the pleasure of owning many, many pups—some purebreds, some street dogs that needed a safe place to stay, some elderly with chronic or acute health issues. I can’t get enough. They offer unconditional love, after all!

A few years back I was asked to foster for a local rescue, My Chi and Me. The rest, as they say, is history. For a quick glimpse at some photos, follow this link. You’ll see that I’m mostly enamored with small dogs. (Hey, I live in a tiny townhome and have limited space!) That said, I’m always willing to take on one more.

My most recent rescue ventures landed me squarely in the middle of a book idea: Why not use a dog story as the basis for a cozy mystery? My editor at Barbour Publishing wanted something dog-themed and I was happy to oblige. That’s where the idea for Off the Chain (and the whole Gone with the Dogs series) came from—a simple idea involving dogs and crime.

I took the opportunity to focus solely on rescue dogs as the idea developed. These days (especially post-Covid) the need for homes for these pups is great. I linked arms with my BFF, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and together we set our series in Brenham Texas, not far from our stomping ground in the Woodlands. I felt strongly that we should merge two separate dog worlds: rescue and veterinary. (Hey, Brenham is close to A&M and they know a thing or two about veterinary training!)

Thus, the Gone with the Dogs series was born. And writing the first book, (Off the Chain), was a blast! I hyper-focused on one primary point of view character, a vet tech. (As the owner of three dogs I feel like I’m always in the vet’s office!) My stories, which is written in first person, took me back to my writing roots. I love, love, love writing in first person because I “become” the character. Fun, right?

My editors loved the book and it got some fun endorsements, so I’m excited to see what my readers think. I can’t wait to get their feedback. I hope it’s not too “Ruff!”

But, seriously. . .I’m hyped! And I’m feeling so blessed to merge my worlds—dogs and writing!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 26

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, July 26

Texas Book-aholic, July 27

The Book Club Network, July 27

An Author's Take, July 28

Remembrancy, July 28

deb's Book Review, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 29

The Avid Reader, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 30

Christina's Corner, July 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 31

Inklings and notions, August 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 3

She Lives To Read, August 3

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, August 4

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 7

Labor Not in Vain, August 8

Books I've Read, August 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a paper 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/1ffe2/off-the-chain-celebration-tour-giveaway