Shadowed Loyalty by Roseanna M. White // Review

Shadowed Loyalty

Sabina Mancari never questioned her life as the daughter of Chicago’s leading mob boss until bullets tear apart her world and the man she thought she loved turns out to be an undercover Prohibition agent. Ambushes, bribes, murder, prostitution—all her life, her father sheltered her from his crimes, but now she can no longer turn away from the truth. Maybe Lorenzo, the fiancé who barely paid her any attention in the last two years, has the right idea by planning to escape their world. But can she truly turn her back on her family?

All his life, Lorenzo’s family assumed he would become a priest, but he has different ideas—marrying Sabina and pursuing a career in the law. Despite his morals, he knows at the core he isn’t so unlike his mafiosi father and brothers. Has he, in trying to protect Sabina, forced her into the arms of the Prohibition agent bent on tearing her family apart? How can they rebuild what has so long been neglected and do it in the shadow of the dark empire of the Mafia?

Shadowed Loyalty, set amid the glitz and scandal of the Roaring Twenties, examines what love really means and how we draw lines between family and our own convictions, especially when following one could mean losing the other.

Review:

Love, faith, family, and betrayal, set amidst the treacherous glamour of the Prohibition.

Sabina Mancari is shocked to find out that she was cruelly used by a man she thought she loved, at the cost of breaking the heart of another. As the velvet curtains part she sees the seedy underworld that has given her the charmed life that is all she's ever known. 

A tension fraught novel about the bonds of family and the pain of betrayal. Lorenzo has worked hard to escape the life of crime that he was raised in, only to find himself pulled into defending a Mafioso boss by the woman he cannot forget. I admired Enzo for his determination to rise above what he was born to, he has high moral standards, and I could definitely sympathize with how he felt torn in so many directions. 

This book has strong, well developed characters, and the stakes are high. I thought that Ms. White did an excellent job of bringing to life the chaotic glamour of the Mafia, the sting of betrayal and cut of revenge. The characters grew on me even more as the story progressed, and I liked that Sabina is forced to reckon with parts of her life that she had ignored, seeing things as they were and what kind of men Lorenzo and Roman were. 

Overall, a gripping read with well realized characters and excellent tension throughout that made the book hard to put down. I liked how Sabina, Lorenzo, Sally  and Roman were forced to come face to face with questions of family, faith, love and loyalty, and make choices for better or for worse. A thrilling novel with an explosive ending you won't want to miss!

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

Pick up your copy : Amazon | Roseanna’s Shop 
 

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com

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Family Camp // Movie Review + $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Family Camp coming to Theaters May 13th, 2022!

By seeing it opening weekend (May 13-15), you are letting Hollywood know that you and  your family want more movies like this!

When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys, FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that will touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.  https://familycampmovie.com

The cast includes The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—along with Leigh-Allyn  Baker (“Good Luck Charlie”), Gigi Orsillo, Robert Amaya (“Courageous”), Cece Kelly, Mark  Christopher Lawrence, and social media sensation / comedian Heather Land.

Facebook: @familycampmovie

Instagram: @familycampmovie2022

Twitter: @familycampmovie

Review:

A hilarious family film with a heartfelt message of faith and family at its core. 

The Ackerman family begrudgingly goes to Camp Katokwah for some much needed quality together. But their vacation hits more than a few bumps along the way, as their trip to church family camp takes many unexpected turns. 

An entertaining comedy for the whole family, recommended ages 8 and up! I liked that the movie pulled me in right from the beginning, setting up the premise quickly and effectively, delivering laughs from the start. Brought to life by a fantastic cast, this movie strikes that sweet balance of bringing clean humor as well as heart. I appreciated that it acknowledged the target audience, with strong themes of faith, as well as self-aware humor that was able to poke fun at parts of Christian culture. 

I was not familiar with The Skit Guys going into this movie, and if you are like me that will in no way interfere with your enjoyment of this film. This movie was well cast, and brings a lot of great talent together. I liked that this film was well paced, it keeps rolling, with a steady influx of jokes. I never felt like there were lulls or slow downs. And even though the laughs kept coming, it definitely packs a great emotional punch too, with positive messages of family, importance of fathers, growing up, and faith. 

Overall, a enjoyable family comedy that you won't want to miss!

 #FamilyCampMovie #FamilyCampMovieMIN 

Many thanks to K-LOVE Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions  are 100% my own. 

Tickets: https://familycampmovie.com/tickets/ 

 Website: https://familycampmovie.com/ 

 Trailer: https://youtu.be/VQ6qHA3dbLM 

                      Heart Of: https://youtu.be/QoYgOtKdzpg

Check out the trailer!

Giveaway of $10 Amazon Gift Card ends May 14th, 2022. 

Use the Rafflecopter to enter. 

 

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The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: The Bounty Hunter’s Bride

Author: Janis Jakes

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: June, 2021

Bounty hunter Luke Lancaster brings the best of both worlds to his work—the tracking skills of his Comanche father and the marksmanship he learned from his missionary grandfather.

When Luke is hired to track down a young man wanted for murder, he assumes it’s a routine capture, but he’s taken on a wild ride when he discovers that the accused is actually an innocent school teacher who knows too much for her own good.

Determined to uncover the truth, Luke sets out to keep himself and Billie alive while bringing the real outlaws to justice. As they race across Texas, Luke falls more in love with Billie. But could a schoolteacher ever want a half-Comanche bounty hunter? Does Luke stand a chance or is he just her ride to freedom?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Luke Lancaster is a bounty hunter hired to bring in a bank robber, but much to his surprise his target turns out to be an innocent schoolteacher. 

A well paced read, with winning characters, an engaging plot, and a solid message of faith and family. I love a good western, so when I saw this one I knew that I would have to give it a try, and I'm sure glad that I did. I liked that Luke was willing to take time to listen, he is a man of integrity and grit, I liked how he and Billie got to know each other over the course of the book. Billie is brave and compassionate. I liked Luke's family, especially his father. 

Overall, this was an entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. Well balanced with multiple plotlines woven together expertly, with characters that you can cheer for all the way through.  Perfect for fans of western romance, with a solid foundation of faith.

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

About the Author

Janis Jakes encourages women through inspirational fiction and non-fiction. She is a Texas native with a penchant for winding country roads, faded jeans, street tacos, and fiery West Texas sunsets.

 

More from Janis

It wasn’t unusual to find dime-store western novels on my grandfather’s nightstand. As a young girl, I poured through the yellowed, dog-eared pages. There was just something about the characters—resilient women, courageous men, and hardened outlaws—combined with the rugged terrain and inevitable showdown—that drew me deeper into every story.

In writing The Bounty Hunter’s Bride I wanted to capture the western element while creating faith-filled characters facing an uncertain future. Billie and Luke confront relentless peril with true western grit—finding victory over past regret and love as big as the Texas sky.

Hidden Facts: Billie is named for my mother, who passed away unexpectedly when I was still in high school; she was in her late thirties. The boy’s ranch idea came from a Christian boy’s ranch less than ten miles from my home. And, the early scenery depicted in the story is from my neck of the woods and the land I adore—West Texas.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, April 23

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Texas Book-aholic, April 25

Of Blades and Thorns, April 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 26

For Him and My Family, April 27

deb's Book Review, April 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 29

Connie's History Classroom, April 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Labor Not in Vain, May 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3

Jodie Wolfe - Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janis is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Bounty Hunter’s Bride!!

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/1d0b2/the-bounty-hunter-s-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Shadows in the Mind's Eye by Janyre Tromp // I Read with Audra Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book:

Charlotte Anne Mattas longs to turn back the clock. Before her husband, Sam, went to serve his country in the war, he was the man everyone could rely on--responsible, intelligent, and loving. But the person who's come back to their family farm is very different from the protector Annie remembers. Sam's experience in the Pacific theater has left him broken in ways no one can understand--but that everyone is learning to fear. Tongues start wagging after Sam nearly kills his own brother. Now when he claims to have seen men on the mountain when no one else has seen them, Annie isn't the only one questioning his sanity and her safety. If there were criminals haunting the hills, there should be evidence beyond his claims. Is he really seeing what he says, or is his war-tortured mind conjuring ghosts? Annie desperately wants to believe her husband. But between his irrational choices and his nightmares leaking into the daytime, she's terrified he's going mad. Can she trust God to heal Sam's mental wounds--or will sticking by him mean keeping her marriage at the cost of her own life? Debut novelist Janyre Tromp delivers a deliciously eerie, Hitchcockian story filled with love and suspense. Readers of psychological thrillers and historical fiction by Jaime Jo Wright and Sarah Sundin will add Tromp to their favorite authors list.

Review:  

A gripping and gritty story about love, revenge, betrayal, and holding on for better or for worse. 

I didn't want to put this book down for a second, it kept me guessing all the way up until the explosive conclusion and I loved every minute of it. I liked how the book alternated perspectives between Sam and Annie, their scars and ghost from the past hindering their reunion. Sam is a veteran who has seen countless horrors that haunt his nightmares, returning to fight another battle for his marriage and family. I admired his fierce devotion to his family, and willingness to sacrifice him self many times over for the ones that he loves. 

Annie has always seen Sam as her hero, but the man who returns reminds her of her nightmares. I admired Annie for her strength and how she has grown while Sam was away, as well as her inner mama bear. There was  intensity, yet vulnerability to both Sam and Annie, that brought a genuine rawness and gravity to their plight. Rosemary is a darling child, but one of my favorite characters had to be Dovie May, a woman of strong faith, and the most quotable character in the whole book.

This is well layered read, intense and poignant, with honest, raw characters. Masterful storytelling pulled me in and didn't let go until I was finished, I loved the elements of a psychological thriller, as well as how it definitely kept me guessing and holding on tight for the answers. I couldn't have asked for anything more from this stunning and intense read, it checked every box for me and I can't recommend it enough! 

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

Janyre Tromp is a historical novelist whose loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. She’s the author of Shadows in the Mind’s Eye and coauthor of It’s a Wonderful Christmas.

She’s also a book editor, published children’s book author, and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her family, two crazy cats, and a slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog. And if you ever meet in person, you pronounce that first name Jan-ear.

You can find her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and her website, www.JanyreTromp.com (where you can grab a free copy of her novella Wide Open).

Giveaway:

The prize pack includes:
 
- A copy of Shadows in the Mind's Eye,
- A custom made silver peach tree necklace inspired by the book,
- A "Light speaks through the broken places" t-shirt also inspired by the book.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson // Review

My Review:

A sweet romantic comedy that brings the reader into the magical, yet cutthroat world of publishing. 

Savannah Cade is an Assistant Acquisitions Editor for a small publishing house that specializes in high brow titles. Savannah has a secret, she is a romance writer on the side, and is working towards her dream of publication. But when her manuscript needs an emergency rewrite on a tight deadline she finds help from an unlikely source. 

An engaging read set in the fast paced publishing world, I loved the setting of the book and how it felt like getting a sneak peek into the world of books. Savannah is a likable woman, fighting for her dream while trying to be a supportive friend and sister to those around her.

This was a fun clean romance, with a You've Got Mail vibe set in the publishing world. Will definitely has the Darcy-ish charm going for him. This was a quick read, sweet, engaging, with an entertaining premise. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Though published by Thomas Nelson, this is a clean romance and is not a Christian novel as there are no themes of faith subtle or overt. 

A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason // Review

My Review: 

Olivia Rosetti finds her passion for helping women through her own horrific experiences and estrangement from her family. But after making her dreams a reality, it is all threatened by a man who she is both drawn to and who could dismantle everything she's worked so hard for. 

My heart went out to Olivia for all that she had been through, and I loved how Ruth took her in and supported her dreams. Ruth was one of my favorites. Olivia has a big heart for others and I liked how she was able to relate to the women and understand their struggles. Darius is a man who has worked hard for his position, he wants the best for his daughter and has his own ideas about what that is. Sophia is a darling child, I loved her childish innocence and big heart. At first I wasn't sure about Darius, but he did end up surprising me. 

Overall, in some ways this was a difficult read because of everything that poor Oliva had to endure, yet I think that it did a good job of showing the very real struggles that women faced in that time period. I liked that she held to her faith, and used what happened to her to help others rather than be bitter. A gritty and heartwarming romance, with a determined heroine who has a heart for others. 

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

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright // Review

My Review: 

After three unsuccessful seasons Caroline Gray is forced to consider engagement with a man she's never met in India. But on her journey she meets a man who admires and appreciates the qualities that have turned away suitors in the past. But does their newfound love have a chance?

Caroline is a intelligent, independent, and compassionate woman who is is happily herself, though that has left her without a husband after a number of seasons. I liked how she stands up for herself and others while on the ship, befriending a young boy named Tom. 

Captain Scott is drawn to Miss Gray, a woman unlike any that he has ever met. She isn't afraid to challenge him, yet is full of compassion and fire. He is used to transporting single women to India who are in search of husbands, and he knows that the Englishmen in India have much to be desired by way of character. 

This was a quick read, Caroline is a likeable heroine from the start and I liked how she doesn't let herself be bullied by the other women. I thought that this book had a unique premise, and I liked the setting. An enjoyable period romance, though I wondered if the ending could have sorted itself out quicker. 

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

Family Camp in Theaters May 13th, 2022!

Family Camp coming to Theaters May 13th, 2022!

When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys, FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that will touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.  https://familycampmovie.com

 #FamilyCampMovie #FamilyCampMovieMIN 

Facebook: @familycampmovie

Instagram: @familycampmovie2022

Twitter: @familycampmovie

Check out the trailer!

 

In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem // Review

My Review:

A re-telling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son set in Hollywood during the Great Depression.

Minerva leaves her home in Odessa, South Dakota to chase her dreams in the bright lights of Tinseltown, but things aren't as they appear in the movies and soon she finds herself desperate, making compromises. When she wakes up next to a dead movie star, everything that she worked so hard to keep afloat comes crumbling down. 

A well written read novel that does a good job of bringing to life the gritty underside of Hollywood's early days, with all of the glitz and glamour, and fool's gold promises. I loved the complex and imperfect characters, each with their own secrets and desires. I think that the author did a great job of retelling the parable while making it her own. 

Max is the charismatic and enigmatic agent who takes Minerva under his wing, while Oscar fights for his family's survival while searching for the truth behind his employer's murder. I loved Lupita, her beautiful heart for others and how she offered friendship to Mina. 

This is an engaging read with a well crafted plot, but there also many things that might give readers pause. This book doesn't shy away from the darkside of Hollywood, and Mina makes bad choices that while not explicitly depicted, it doesn't shy away from them either going further than most books in the genre--if you are OK with Redeeming Love then you likely won't have a problem with this book . There is also the repeated use of a racial slur. Also the faith elements are not as overt as other books of the genre until the end.

In the end I did enjoy this book, but I know that it won't be for everyone. I would definitely recommend for more mature readers. A well rendered retelling, with flawed characters, and an engaging plot.

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

A Strike to the Heart by Danielle Grandinetti // Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Strike to the Heart by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Strike to the Heart 

Series: Strike to the Heart #1 

Author: Danielle Grandinetti 

Publisher: Iron Stream Media 

Release Date: April 12, 2022 

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense 

She’s fiercely independent. He’s determined to protect her. 

Wisconsin, 1933―When a routine mission becomes an ambush that kills his team, Craft Agency sniper Miles Wright determines to find the persons responsible and protect the woman he rescued. But the fierce independence that led Lily Moore to leave her family’s dairy business for the solitary life of a dog trainer and the isolation of her farm don’t make that easy. Neither does his unwanted attraction to her. Meanwhile, escalating incidents confirm that she’s far from safe. 

Lily fears letting the surprisingly gentle retired marine into her life almost as much as she fears whoever is threatening her. As Wisconsin farmers edge toward another milk strike, one that will surely turn violent, it becomes clear that the plot against Lily may be part of a much larger conspiracy. When the search for her abductor leads close to home, she must decide whether to trust her family or the man who saved her life. 

Review:

Engaging from the beginning, it definitely kept me guessing as the story progressed. 

Lily Moore likes her life, living alone and training dogs. She doesn't mind that her life is untraditional by the standards of others, and I liked her independent spirit. After the events that initially bring them together Miles is determined to help protect Lily and bring those responsible to justice. Set against the backdrop of milk strikes during the Great Depression, I liked that it brings back characters from the prequel, showing a different side of Joey. 

A historical suspense, with a twisting plot, intriguing characters, and a plot that kept me guessing at the motives. I enjoyed the drama of the historical setting. Miles is a gentleman through and through, I liked how he takes care of Lily, while being mindful of propriety and respecting her opinions. A fast paced read with a strong heroine, faith, mystery, and romance. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | Christianbook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Danielle Grandinetti is author of To Stand in the Breach and a book blogger at DaniellesWritingSpot.com. Her short stories have appeared in several publications and her writing has won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Danielle especially loves quiet mornings served with the perfect cup of tea.

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of A Strike to the Heart & $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 18, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 25, 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!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.