Lost Down Deep By Sara Davison & Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Lost Down Deep by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Lost Down Deep
Series: The Rose Tattoo Trilogy #1
Author: Sara Davison
Release Date: April 1, 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense

She is the only one who can tell the police who attacked her in her home. If only she could remember…

Summer Velasquez is on the run from a man she has no recollection of after an attack she can’t recall. Every face in the crowd is a potential suspect, so how is Summer supposed to know who is a threat to her and who isn’t?

After fleeing her assailant and the parents who lied to her about what happened, she changes her name and seeks refuge in Elora, Ontario. The small town feels familiar, although she has no memory of ever having been here.

Even in what should be a safe place, she can’t shake the feeling that she is being watched.

When Ryan Taylor strolls into the Taste of Heaven Café where she works, Summer is immediately drawn to him. However, he may not be who he says he is either. As her suspicions grow, Summer prepares to run again.

But at least one person is determined to stop her. Permanently. And if she can’t remember who he is, this time he may succeed.

My Review:

This is my first time reading a novel by Sara Davison and my first Mosaic Press novel.

I'm not always eager to try new authors or new-to-me publishers, but they hit this one out of the ballpark and I'm glad I gave the book a try.

The story starts off with immediate action and while it calms down throughout most of the book, I feel like we, the reader, as well as the characters are always looking over our shoulder! One of the best parts of the story starts at the beginning because the author sets us up to not know who to trust. It certainly drew me in and hooked me right away.

Ana is a character I really appreciated. She is a strong character who can kick butt with the rest of them. She's also smart and kind. We're not sure what's going on in her life other than she was attacked, her parents aren't the warmest of people, and she's on the run from whoever attacked her.

Then there's Jude. Who the heck is he? Totally seems suspect right from the get go. He follows her and "meets" her as Ryan Taylor. I wanted to like him, but he makes it somewhat hard to.

Overall, the flow of this story was enjoyable with an underlying current of tension. A lot isn't answered until the end, which all of the pieces fall together to make the reader say, "Oh!" The supporting characters make me want to move to a small town and meet similar people. I also enjoyed the Spanish that was infused throughout the story. What makes it great for the reader is that the characters respond in such a way that you realize what the person was probably asking in Spanish (if you don't know the language)! That or the author explained it in such a way that gave a natural flow to the story.


I look forward to the next 2 books in the series!

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PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy and The Night Guardians. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol Award, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter  

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Lost Down Deep by Sara Davison and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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 April 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN mailing addresses 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.

Silent Shadows By Natalie Walters

Silent Shadows
by Natalie Walters
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800735340

Having read the first 2 books in the series I was excited to see that Revell was offering book 3 for review! I'm so glad they allowed me to be part of the reviewing team!

Summary:

They're running from their pasts into an unknown future. 
But first, they'll have to survive the present.

Nurse Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolves into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

My Review:

Where do I even start with how fantastic Silent Shadows was?! I was so glad to go back to Walton, Georgia, but sad because I knew it was going to be the last book in the Harbored Secrets series.

While each of these books are suspense novels, the banter between the characters adds a levity to it that keep me turning the page! First there's Pecca... and her "introduction" to Colton. That is a scene NOT to be missed! Then throughout the rest of the story, the characters give each other a lot of grief. That's right up my alley!

"And that's my cue," Charlie, making a face, stood up. "I'm just going to do... man stuff." He hitched his thumb toward Colton and the kids. "Sweat, compete in feats of strength -- not talk about The Bachelor."

There is an underlying threat that the reader needs to figure out (along with the characters), but connecting the dots isn't easy in this one! When I finally figured something out, as in right before it was revealed, I was messaging the author saying something along the lines of..."oh my gosh is this really happening?" Poor Natalie! Don't you ever wish you could have a conversation with an author at certain points in a book? Yea, that was me... x2!

The writing was fantastic. I was gripped to the story from page one. There are actually twists and turns that will have you scratching your head trying to figure out what's going on and who's involved with what! As always I appreciate the thread of faith that's woven into the storyline. It's important for me to see the characters who have faith that might be teetering, to get a good grasp of who God is in their lives! This quote really hit me as I read it:

"She told me life is a series of choices. We should always strive to make the right ones, but sometimes we don't. She said that when we face hardships, whether by our own making or through circumstances beyond our control, that's when we have to turn everything over to God -- because only he has enough grace to turn our messes into blessings."

One of the aspects Natalie Walters addresses is C-PTSD. I had heard of the disorder, but didn't know the acronym. I'm thankful for the background she has as a military wife because it gives credibility to her writing and Colton's disorder. Also, Maceo, Pecca's son has a storyline that fits SO well with Colton. Just... everything really came together in Silent Shadows!

Don't miss out on this book and this series. You will fall in love with the little town of Walton, GA along with its inhabitants.

About the Author:

Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of twenty-three years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.

The Thorn Keeper By Pepper D. Basham & Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Thorn Keeper by Pepper D. Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I have had the opportunity to read the first two books in the Penned in Time series thanks to JustRead Tours! They shared the books with me as ebooks and I have fallen in love with the characters and the author's writing! These were the first books by Pepper D. Basham that I've read and I can't wait to read more!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Thorn Keeper
Series: Penned in Time #2
Author: Pepper D. Basham
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: February 28, 2016
Genre: Historical Romance

With her past in shambles, how can she fashion a future of hope?

Catherine Dougall’s past of manipulation has left her future in threads. With a new faith, she longs to take the remnants of her life and make something beautiful, but shame, societies’ judgments, and the natural consequences of an unplanned pregnancy test her newfound hope.

Dr. David Ross doesn’t help either. His kindness, sacrifice, and tenderness tempt her to impossible dreams. A fallen woman doesn’t merit a fairytale. David Ross has made every effort to keep his life above reproach. His passion for the sick pump fresh purpose through his choices, but without financial support to maintain his war hospital, all is lost. When his notorious aunt offers an easy solution, David is tempted to give in to her demands, but his growing affection for the reformed flirt, Catherine Dougall, unwinds the careful wall around his heart and offers an unexpected choice.

When the worst of war tears them apart, can love renew the memory of what was lost or will tragedy steal away their hope forever.

From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who designs a masterpiece out of brokenness and fashions hope in the most unlikely places.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Here's an excerpt from the book:

“I’m truly fine,” he whispered to her. “Give me some gauze, and I shall see to the wound myself. You should help Michael.” 

She answered by taking his sleeve in both fists and ripping the bloody cloth up his arm. With rebel brow still raised, she looked up at him. “Is it your desire to pass out on the floor as you take care of your patients?” 

He scoffed. “Of course not.” 

She glanced at the ceiling as if weighing his answer. “Good.” She focused her attention on his sleeve. As she peeled it back and wiped away the blood, the size and depth of the gash surprised him. It was at least two inches long and had barely missed the main vein in his forearm.  “Then you must wish to develop an infection to such a degree we’d need to amputate your arm?”

She reached for a bandage by the sink. Her intention shone as clear as the needling look in her eyes.  

“I’m capable of taking care of myself, Nurse Dougall. I’ve been doing it for quite some time before you entered my life.” He attempted to pull his arm free, but she pinched down tight enough to produce a wince. 

“Pressure limits the blood flow.” A twinkle lit her gaze. “At least, a certain doctor in my acquaintance told me as much.” 

His lips twitched against his will. “You’re incorrigible.” 

“And you’re stubborn.” She leaned in and narrowed her eyes. “Not to mention struggling with a hint of pride.”

His smile broke free. He preferred her feisty wit over her distance any day. “Aware of that are you?

She poured peroxide over his wound, and he stifled another wince. “Personally, I am painfully aware of pride.” With gentle and confident movements, she began bandaging his arm, her fingers soft and swift. “It can cause some disastrous side effects, I’m told.” 

Her touch, her subtle confession, reignited the deep longing within him he’d felt earlier. Its vibrancy spread through him with a more potent and pleasurable sting than the peroxide on his wound. Attraction? Yes, but something else, an emotion with a great deal more substance. Dangerous. Powerful. And something he wasn’t ready to embrace. Not with a wager hanging over his head that could possibly separate them forever.  

Her raised brow nudged his reluctant admission. “Guilty.” 

“I hear an excellent remedy for pride is good care, hot food, and a long nap.” 

He tried to still the warmth branching out through his chest, to no avail. He internally repeated the words he’d so adamantly declared to his sister. Attraction was one thing but acting on it was another. “Is that so?” 

She nodded and pinned the bandage in place. “Wise doctors heed such thoughtful advice.” 

He looked down at her hand resting on his arm and another swell of tenderness and kinship gripped his chest. Their eyes met, tightening the growing bond, securing it against his will.

  PENNED IN TIME SERIES

 

 

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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 most recent historical romance, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, showcases her Appalachian heritage and history, 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.

 Pepper loves getting to know readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You may also learn more about her on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com


CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive all three Penned in Time novels in print or ebook format plus a stained glass dragonfly!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 14, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 21, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses 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.

Before I Called You Mine By Nicole Deese

Before I Called You Mine
by Nicole Deese
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764234958

I was thrilled to be one of the people chosen to be part of the launch team for Before I Called You Mine! As part of the tour I was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Review:

I'm SO happy to have a new author whose writing I love! Literally from page one, I was enthralled with the writing in Before I Called You Mine! In fact, I enjoyed it so much, it was the first time I've done a "first page" reading for my Instagram TV when I hadn't finished the book yet!

So, while the nature of the story is a serious one, the author adds levity with the characters and I really appreciate it! Adoption is rarely an easy experience and the author explores that with a variety of the characters and situations that show up throughout the book.

Lauren is a determined woman who is set on adopting from China! When we meet her, she's at the point of waiting her turn to be chosen to become a mom. How her family is involved in this as well as her life make for an interesting read. Lauren is also set against dating since that's the last thing she needs in her already complicated life. Not only that, she can't date because of the pending adoption.

Queue the entrance of Joshua. He's the all-American guy who loves dinosaurs about as much as he loves breathing. If ever there was a good complication to someone's life, he's the ringer for it! Not only that, who he's related to is a delightful addition to the story.

The whole adoption process, which we don't see a lot of, but the waiting part is where it's very interesting. The adoption group she's part of brings experiences that I think are important for readers to grasp. I liked her friend, Gail, whose life is what (aside from God) brought Lauren to the place of adoption.

And we certainly can't forget about Jenna. Well, Jenna and Brian. She's an incredible support to Lauren throughout the whole adoption process and it's such a special friendship! We all need a Jenna in our lives.

The ups and downs of the story certainly make for an emotional rollercoaster ride! It was a perfect balance of laughter (you will laugh out loud with the first text messages!), tension with family dynamics, anticipation of what might be, and a full heart with the hope of adoption!

This is a book that is a must-read! I realize now might be a difficult time to order a book, but this one will be a fantastic antidote to any doldrums you might be experiencing!

About the Author:

Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenoxseries. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

The Englisch Daughter By Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

The Englisch Daughter
by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
Publisher: WaterbrookMultnomah
ISBN: 9780735291027



Summary:

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own. 

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?

My Review:

I enjoy adding Amish stories to my line up of books every once in a while. The Englisch Daughter sounded like a storyline that would draw me in, and boy did it! I'm not used to being so drawn in immediately to an Amish novel. There were twists and turns that we're unexpected. I appreciated the grace that was given to the characters when oftentimes it seems the parents or Bishop are harsh and uncaring. While they had grace, they were firm in their stance.

Jemima and Roy seem to be in a difficult place. Turns out, there's more going on in their lives than Jemima realizes. From the start of the story their relationship is strained. It could be lingering effects from the accident Roy and his daughter had, but is that the case?

Then we meet Abigail, Roy's sister and the new farmhand, Chris, who has come from another district. Unfortunately, Chris is torn between making a full commitment to the Amish ways and the life he's taken on outside of the Order. I actually liked this storyline the most! Probably because it wasn't as intense as Roy and Jem's.

I found the story of roy to be a rather fascinating one. Had it been just a contemporary novel without ht Amish thread, it would've been just any other book. If it had been only about Chris and Abi, again, it probably wold've been just another Amish novel. Bringing both of them together hit the nail on the head.

The flow of the story was a fast one! I couldn't put it down once I got into it, which only took a few pages! This was a book full of meat and it pulled emotions from me I hadn't expected! It's a beautiful story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

About the Authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.