Book Review

The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Cathy McDavid – Review & Giveaway

November 11, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby
(The Sweetheart Ranch #3)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She gifted him with a daughter

He stunned her with the truth

When Tanner Bridwell discovers he’s a father, he gains some much needed hope. A year ago, Tanner lost his livelihood as a champion bull rider, and—more important—Jewel Saunders, the love of his life. Now this cowboy wants to do right by his family. But first he must reveal a stunning secret that will send Jewel and his beloved daughter either packing…or into his arms forever!

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin | iBooks

Deadly Christmas Pretense by Dana Mentink – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

November 10, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

About the Book

Book: Deadly Christmas Pretense
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Release Date: November 4, 2019
A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.
Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?
Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series

Click here to get your copy.

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters – Review

November 9, 2019 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

About the Book

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason–to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian’s only hope for finding the truth–and the next big story–is small-town law enforcement’s lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name–but no one knows your secret.

In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport – Review

November 8, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

About the Book

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.

On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.

In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

[Read more…] about In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport – Review

Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards – Review & a Giveaway

November 7, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 10 Comments

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Murder in the Family
Author: Ramona Richards
Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: September 17, 2019

Greed Poisons Even The Sweetest Well

Storm chaser Molly McClelland must return to her small Alabama hometown when she unexpectedly inherits her hoarder aunt’s house . . . and all of its contents.

Despite her suspicions that her aunt was murdered, Molly wants nothing more than to sell everything and get back to the life she loves. Especially once her homecoming reignites the decades-old family conflict that drove her away in the first place. But when Molly uncovers caches of cash, journals revealing secrets-and a body-amongst the stockpiles, she finds herself locked in a cat-and-mouse dance with a deadly endgame.

Molly teams with local sheriff, Greg Olson, to find the truth. But will her determination and his skills be enough, or will the killer-or killers-put an end to their efforts once and for all?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook

IN MY OPINION

Ramona Richards weaves a tale of a family torn apart by generations and years of greed.

The last thing Molly McClelland wants to do is return to Alabama and take care of her aunt’s estate. But she’s the only one her aunt trusted to distribute it fairly and according to her wishes.

The hoarding aspect of Murder in the Family is both unique and interesting to the book. Richards’ vivid descriptions of Aunt Liz’s home gave me the creepy crawlies at times (and made me ready to deep clean my own home). While Liz’s uncles, cousins, and other family show their callousness and selfishness, the flip side of generosity is displayed through the neighbors and many residents of the town. There are more people supporting Molly than fighting her every step of the way.

Molly is a tough cookie—one with a temper that aids her in standing her ground when it comes to her pushy family. She’s relatable in her reluctance to accept this task yet she’s also a take command person.

While I would have liked the romance thread to be a little more developed, this book serves as a cautionary tale of the quest for more stuff. Yet, along the way, readers will root for Molly to acknowledge the support surrounding her and for her to find her way home.

My Rating:

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ramona Richards is the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media, the parent company of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Kidz, and Ascender Books. She has been an in-house editor for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Rutledge Hill Press, and Ideals magazine, and has freelanced for a dozen other publishers. The author of nine novels, three books of devotions, and numerous magazine articles, she is a frequent speaker for women’s and writers’ groups, and has presented at numerous conferences across the country. Her latest book, Murder in the Family, released in October from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

CONNECT WITH RAMONA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive two signed copies of Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards (it’s Christmas!), a $15 Visa gift card, and a signed copy of one of the author’s older books!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 7, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 14, 2019. Open internationally except where prohibited by law or logistics. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.