The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey // Just Read

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Shifting Current 

Series: Coastal Guardians novella 

Author: Dani Pettrey 

Publisher: Gracie & Johnny Inc. 

Release Date: May 2, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart. 

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him. 

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? 

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

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

Review: 

I was excited to pick up this story as soon as I saw that it was about Em and Logan, who have been supportive team members in all of the previous stories. 

Logan Perry rushes back home to New Mexico when the grandfather who raised him is murdered, Em accompanies him, and he is glad for the support. They quickly team up with the local authorities to unravel the case in this suspenseful read. 

I liked seeing Em and Logan work together and reconnect throughout the story, and how Em get's to see how much Logan has truly changed. I enjoyed the change of scenery in this story compared to the other books in the series, it was a fun twist. A riveting, fast-paced read, I was sad to see it end, but happy that everything got resolved.

Overall, an entertaining read that was hard to put down, suspenseful and romantic, I liked that Logan and Em where both mature and intentional towards each other. Thoroughly enjoyable and worth the read. Could be read as a standalone, but there is definitely an added level of satisfaction if you've followed the 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

Publishers Weekly, #1 Parable, #1 Amazon, ECPA, and CBA bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters (Publishers Weekly), gripping storyline[s], (RT Book Reviews), and sizzling undercurrent of romance (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" mug, gourmet roasted coffee from NYC, and the full Coastal Guardian series including The Shifting Current in paperback!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" notebook, gel pens, and a paperback copy of The Killing Tide!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" vintage sign and a paperback copy of The Crushing Depths!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 5, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 2023. 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

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

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: When Tomorrow Came

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review: 

A regency-era read with a gothic feel, about love, family and sacrifice. 

I was looking forward to this one after reading this author's previous book Beneath His Silence, but I found this one to be harder to get into initially, as it lingered more on their childhood and took a while to get to the present day where most of the story occurs. 

It was a hard read at times because of how bleak things got for them, and Nan was not making the wisest decisions. I liked Heath though, his kindness and self-sacrificing ways, as well as his heart for others. Gil is a solid man, and good friend to Nan, there for her through it all, considerate and kind. 

Overall, though it was harder to get into, it did pick up, and I thought that there was a lot going on, and enough intrigue to keep me reading to the end. A romantic read with a gothic touch, I liked the strong faith message shining even in the darkest of times. 

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

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 

More from Hannah

Love interests me. Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense, because love is the driving emotion behind so much of what we do. It’s the heartbeat of everything. What do we have but love? Yet isn’t it the very essence of our greatest pain?

 

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes love has no reason. Like a tumultuous wind or a wet branch that sways in different directions, love is often petulant and aimless and powerful. But sometimes it’s soft, like a flower lifting dewy petals to the sunshine. The epitome of everything good, sweet, and true.

 

What makes love change? What makes two friends who have always been fraternal one day confess romantic affection? How much wrong, how much affliction, does it take for sweet love to sizzle into hatred? Even then, is it really hatred? Or merely the charred crust of the adoration still throbbing beneath? And how strong are the cords of new love? Will they break at every pull and tug, or are they more unfaltering than anyone might think?

 

Maybe those are silly questions. Maybe, like snowflakes, every heart knows a different answer. But if I explored anything in When Tomorrow Came, it was this. I glided through the story and felt love shift from brotherly to intimate, from hopeful to disappointed, from untested to proven, from safe to betrayed.

 

Just as love is the heartbeat of life, it is also the heartbeat of this story. I hope you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and their journey as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

Connie’s History Classroom, April 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/25adf/when-tomorrow-came-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sun Moon // Movie Review and Giveaway

“Sun Moon” is a beautiful story about discovering joy and purpose despite cultural differences and difficulties.

Kelsey is running from failure, heartbreak and humiliation. In an attempt to under stand God’s purpose for her life, she goes to Taiwan to teach English. Will her leap of faith pay off?

Watch Sun Moon exclusively on Pure Flix starting May 5th!

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/sun-moon

Review:

A feel-good film about second chances and new beginnings. 

A young woman takes a job half-way across the world after being left at the altar, forging friendships and finding a regained sense of hope. 

I enjoyed this wholesome and hopeful film. I enjoyed seeing Kelsey grow in confidence and regain her hope over the course of teaching and learning alongside the children in Taiwan, opening up and befriending Horace. I especially liked how she bonded with the children, getting to know them, encouraged them, and also let them see another side of her. One of my favorite parts was the play that they put on re-telling a famous Bible story, it was so cute. 

I liked how Horace saw her, and was supportive of her even when the future was unclear. 

Overall, a very enjoyable film, with great character growth and a feel-good, wholesome romance and storyline. Great for fans of rom-coms who want a little more depth.

 #SunMoonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a subscription in the last 6 months).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Double the Lies by Patricia Raybon // Review

Review: 

An innocent gesture of kindness leads to Annalee being framed for the murder of a young barnstorming pilot. 

Annalee takes on the case, and proving her own innocence depends on it. A wonderful follow up to the first book in the series, picking up shortly after the events of the previous book, Annalee still has questions about her origins, and is exploring her new relationship with Jack. 

Fast paced and full of adventure this is a quick read, I liked the continued development of the characters as well as meeting all the new faces in this twisting mystery. I especially liked Mrs. Mason and her gruff, motherly ways. 

Overall, a fun adventure and great addition to the series. It will be fun to see where it goes. 

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

Before You Meet Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer // Review

My Review: 

A lovely 30 day devotional from authors Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn, filled with encouragement and sound wisdom for young women. 

Heartfelt and encouraging this was a well written devotional, with sound advice and beautiful prayers, with space for reflection. Each chapter was concise but with room to ponder as well. I think that this book could be enjoyed by all ages, but was definitely more skewed towards teens and young women in their early twenties. As someone who is older, still single, and has seen most of my friends married with a handful of children, there were somethings that were really great and encouraging, and other things that were well intentioned, but just not quite one size fits all. 

Overall, a wonderful heartfelt read for young women, I liked that the authors shared personal stories from their own lives and how they met their husbands. A faith-filled read that is encouraging, but also inclusive to people who have had different past experiences. 

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

Mail-Order Bride Substitute by Linda Ford // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Bride Substitute

Author: Linda Ford

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Release date: March 29, 2023

Olivia comes from a rich family, but it hasn’t protected her from malicious rumors. A marriage of convenience as a mail-order bride to Riley Shannon is exactly what she needs for a fresh start. Especially when he makes it clear he wants no romance. Something she is in complete agreement with. She’ll go in place of her friend, Sylvia, who has changed her mind about the arrangement she made with Riley.

Riley has bitter memories of loving a rich woman who doesn’t care to embrace ranch life. He has no intention of repeating that lesson. When Olivia steps from the train, offering to be his substitute bride, his answer is a resounding ‘no thanks.’ But Olivia isn’t about to take no for an answer and makes her way to the ranch, determined to prove she is the answer to his prayers.

What will it take for these two to overcome the barriers to their love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review: 

An engaging prairie romance of convenience. Oliva is a likable heroine from the beginning, a brave problem solver, going into the unknown to marry a man determined not to fall in love. 

An enjoyable western romance, the third in a series, though it stands alone quite well. I liked that Olivia has supportive friends and family, she is willing to try new things and doesn't even though she is against some mighty tough odds. Riley isn't the best at first impressions, but he is a good man who is thoughtful and kind, though he has been hurt in the past. 

A well written read, with a sweet romance that had great elements of meaningful interaction and relationship building. I really liked getting to know the characters and see them get to know and trust each other, as well as seeing Olivia's sister-in-law's help her adjust to ranch life. I loved the western setting and the marriage of convenience plot, which was well executed with wonderful characters. Well worth the read!

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

About the Author

Linda Ford is a multi-published author who makes her home in rural Alberta, Canada where she is near enough to the Rockies to see them every day. She didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, her dream came true. She married a rancher. They had four children then adopted ten, an experience which has given her much fodder for the happy-ever-after stories she writes. Growing up on the prairie and learning to notice the small details it hides has given her an appreciation for watching God at work in His creation. Her upbringing also included being taught to trust God in everything and through everything—a theme that resonates in her stories.

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is her 100^th title.

 

More from Linda

For the most part, I write westerns.  Historical western romances to be exact. Now I’m not a cowgirl. I don’t even ride horseback. (Shh. Don’t tell anyone.) So, you might well ask, what qualifies me to write stories of this era and these kinds of people?

 

Well, I could list a number of reasons. 1) I had a father who liked to visit museums and tell stories about settling the west. Not only that, but for a few summers when I was very young, my mother and my siblings accompanied him to live in a…well, the best way to describe it is to say it was a cabin on wheels with nothing inside but a few cupboards and rough bunk beds. You could say I experienced pioneer life firsthand albeit it through the eyes of a child 2) As a child, I read anything I could get my hands on, including Zane Grey. I fell in love with his heroes, his heroines and his settings. 3) I dated and married a man who lives to watch westerns. And as a good date and later, a good wife, I spent many hours watching them. 4). I still love those larger-than-life heroes (aka cowboys) and the stubborn but kind heroines.

 

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is the third in a 5-book (and counting) series of Montana Mail-Order Brides. I like creating families and have done exactly that in this series. There are four brothers—the Shannons–and then their friends who see how successful their marriages are and decide to try this mail-order bride business for themselves.

 

I tend to create strong families and this series is no exception. Mrs. Shannon was a kind, guiding mother. Mr. Shannon was tough as old leather yet fair. Their sons do their best to honor them. I also prefer settings that include mountains which is why I have set this series in beautiful western Montana.

 

I love these stories. Or maybe it’s the cowboys and the brides who gather their courage around them to travel west to marry—and yes, tame—these young men.

 

Incidentally, this is my 100^th book to be published.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 20

Connie’s History Classroom, April 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24

Mornings at Character Cafe, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Holly’s Book Corner, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Pause for Tales, April 27

Labor Not in Vain, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/2566d/mail-order-bride-substitute-celebration-tour-giveaway

All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon // Review

My Review: 

A year after the death of her father Professor Annalee Spain receives a clue about his death, implying that it wasn't an accident. 

An engaging and fast paced historical mystery, though the beginning was a little choppy and some of the choices didn't quite feel true to the sensibilities of the times, the action packed, twisting plot kept me engaged and delivered an explosive ending. Annalee is on a quest for answers about more than her father's death, though perhaps she doesn't know it at first. I liked her friendship with little Eddie, her determination and heart for others. 

Annalee though a theology professor at a Chicago Bible college, has her doubts about God, and I liked how this book has a strong message of genuine faith and a relationship with Jesus. 

Overall, an enjoyable adventure, fast paced and easy to read, with colorful characters and a web of deception in Colorado. Building suspense as the plot rises to a crescendo, with a satisfying ending and space for a sequel. 

 

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

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Lillian Doyle is shocked to find that what believed her entire life about her father is a carefully constructed falsehood. Upon her father's death she travels to claim her inheritance, and discovers a side of her family that she never knew, as well as chance to find love on her own terms. 

I liked how Lillian get's a chance to be out on her own, outside of her mother's plans, making new friends. She is smart and has business sense thriving in the new town and newfound freedom. I liked Jonah's mother and her words of faith and friendship towards Lillian. 

A little bit slower to start out, but it grew on me and I liked the gradual character development, strong faith, and dash of mystery along the way. 

Overall, an enjoyable read, well written, in an early 1900's setting. 

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

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Everything that Avery has always believed about the man who raised her is turned on its head when she finds hi standing over a dead body, gun in hand. She teams up with FBI Agent Marc Wilkins to find some answers, but the more clues that they find the more questions arise.

An engaging read, though it took awhile until everything started to fall into place. I liked that Avery was personally challenged to take a look at her own personal faith, while she and Marc look for the truth. A tangled web of deception, everything is not as it seems in this suspenseful tale that kept me guessing. 

Overall, a story that kept me guessing with likable characters, though it took awhile for things to really start rolling. I liked the strong threads of faith that ran throughout, as well. 

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

Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen // Review

My Review: 

A sweet proper romance set in the Edwardian era, about a young couple who bond over their love of motorcars and adventure. 

Spencer Hayes dreams of starting his own parts company for motorcars, but with no great wealth of his own he is hoping to gain investments into his business through his connections. He calls on his old school friend Andrew Wooding, and upon arrival is surprised to see how much Lydia has grown into a beautiful and adventurous young woman. But her brother already has a wealthy older match in mind for her. 

An enjoyable read, with wonderful characters in this lighter clean romance. I liked Lydia's friend group of "Wendys" how they supported each other and their passion for literature. It was fun seeing Spencer and Lydia connect over their shared interests, and I could understand why Andrew was more serious and why he thought he was doing what was best for his sister. 

Overall, a delightful, quick read, that was fun, and sweet. 

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