The Captured Bride

The Captured Bride
Daughters of the Mayflower, Book 3
Michelle Griep
(Barbour Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1683224747
June 2018/256 pages/$12.99
Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

A War-Torn Countryside Is No Place for a Lady
Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart. Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought. Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)?
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog "Writer off the Leash" or visit michellegriep.com


MY THOUGHTS

I have quickly become a fan of Michelle Griep's writing, and her latest release only solidified my admiration. The Captured Bride meets all my criteria for a compelling novel; a setting so real that my living room disappears as I am transported across time and space, authentically sketched characters that garner my admiration as well as my sympathy, a riveting adventure with enough danger and suspense to keep my heart pounding and my fingers rapidly turning pages, and a subtle but stirring romance. Griep perfectly paces this tale and tucks in a few surprises along the way. My jaw still hasn't recovered from its drop at the perfect, albeit unexpected, conclusion. Don't miss The Captured Bride and add this gifted author to your must-read list!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lone Witness

Lone Witness
Atlanta Justice (Book 2)
Rachel Dylan
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764219818
May 2018/320 pages/$14.99
She's the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. Now She Can't Outrun the Target on Her Back.

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust.

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives.


Read an excerpt.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of Atlanta's most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of Deadly Proof and four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Rachel Dylan became a must-read author for me with her first novel, and she only gets better with each release. I was captivated by the first book in this series and Lone Witness is even more compelling. Each book stands alone but you don't want to miss a single page of these gripping novels! Dylan's expertise as an attorney brings eye-opening authenticity to this story, and her knack for combining carefully crafted personalities, a believable and ordinary setting, and spine-tingling suspense makes this story impossible to casually read and set aside. This tale will likely come to mind the next time I dash into a convenience story for a quick snack! Legal wranglings have always fascinated me, and the courtroom scenes heightened the tension. I am already eagerly anticipating the next Atlanta Justice novel! Get your copy of Lone Witness today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


ATLANTA JUSTICE SERIES - CLICK THE TITLES FOR MY REVIEWS!

Storm Front

Storm Front
Montana Rescue, Book 5
Susan May Warren
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800727475
May 2018/336 pages/$14.99
Life and love hang in the balance during a deadly summer of storms.

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community, and among the missing are not only a group of students but also PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students or on her.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than 1 million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, and Storm Front. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.


MY THOUGHTS

Susan May Warren's newest addition to her Montana Rescue series is a heart-pounding novel that opens with a view from a stormchasing team's perspective and continues with the race against time to rescue those missing when the tornado hits a small town. Familiar members of the PEAK Rescue Team from previous novels in this series populate this novel as well as new characters. I couldn't put this one down as Warren perfectly portrays the worry and fear of the families impacted as well as the interactions among those on the rescue team. The clock almost audibly ticks as the hours run down on the window for rescue and move toward recovery. The sparks igniting between Brette and Ty elevates the tension and the pages practically turn themselves. I suggest you read this one on a sunny day, but don't miss Storm Front!.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Theory of Happily Ever After

The Theory of Happily Ever After
Kristin Billerbeck
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800729448
May 2018/288 pages/$14.99
According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious--serious science, that is. But science can't always account for life's anomalies, like why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.

Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.

Filled with unforgettable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile--because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels, including What a Girl Wants, Perfectly Dateless, and Perfectly Invisible. A Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year, Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in Northern California.

MY THOUGHTS

Kristin Billerbeck is known for her chick lit romantic comedies and I've enjoyed several of them. The Theory of Happily Ever After contains plenty of humorous moments and witty banter, making it a light beach read. I definitely felt my age as I read because some of Maggie's actions, as well as those of her friends, rather annoyed me. For someone with a doctorate, Maggie struck me as rather immature, and some of the situations were a bit over the top. Single women in their twenties will likely love this book, however, and that is the target audience for this novel. I did enjoy Sam Wellington's portrayal. In fact, he was my favorite personality in the entire story. His sterling character and his ability to challenge Maggie to look deeper into her theories--as well as her heart--is a delightful twist and adds a bit of depth to this light-hearted tale.Check out the other reviews and add this to youer suumer reading list.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Buried Secrets

Buried Secrets
(Harvest of Hope, Book 2)
Barbara Cameron
(Gilead Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1683700579
May 2018/272 pages/$14.99
Family secrets could get in the way of a second chance at love

After her husband dies, Rose longs to be near her family—especially her twin sister, Lillian—so she packs up her young son and leaves their life in Ohio to move back to Paradise, Pennsylvania.

Luke Miller is ready to settle down in Paradise. He soon forms a partnership with Rose to help farm her land. He finds that he's enjoying the company of the quiet, modest widow and she may be just the woman he's been waiting for. But is Rose hiding a secret beneath her reserved exterior—one that could keep her from having a future with Luke?

And Rose isn't the only one concealing something. Luke has a secret of his own, and it could threaten their partnership—and their chance at love.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Learn more at her website, www.barbaracameron.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I generally don't read a lot of Amish novels but Gilead Publishing produces quality books, so I decided to give this one a try and was not disappointed. Barbara Cameron creates a stirring tale of Rose, an Amish widow who returns to her family home after the death of her husband from leukemia. My heart ached for Rose as she adjusted to life without her mann and worked to provide for her five-year-old son, Daniel, by hiring Luke, recommended by her twin sister, Lillian. The development of their relationship from partners to friends and possibly more is gentle and sweet, and Daniel's boyish energy and innocence evokes humorous as well as awkward--and a few gasp-inducing--scenes. Cameron paces the novel well, and I also enjoyed the close family connections between Rose and Lillian and their children. My only disappointment was the ending, which was somewhat abrupt, as if the last scene had to be minimized to meet a word count. Overall, however, this is a pleasant read that will appeal to fans of the Amish genre.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Gilead Publishing for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



GIVEAWAY!



Click the image above or here to be taken to the Buried Secrets Giveaway page!

Together Forever

Together Forever
Orphan Train, Book Two
Jody Hedlund
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764218057
May 2018/352 pages/$15.99
Will the Mistakes of Their Past Cost Them a Chance at Love?

Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she'll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden.

As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at jodyhedlund.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Oh my. I have thoroughly enjoyed Jody Hedlund's books since I discovered her debut novel (The Preacher's Bride) way back in 2010, and with each series I think, "Now this is her best!" The Orphan Train series kicked off with a free novella, An Awakened Heart, followed by With You Always, and now Together Forever seared my heart. I immediately liked Marianne and Andrew, but of course, it is the children and their plight who touched me the most. I cannot begin to fathom what it must have been like to be placed on a train and sent across the country and then lined up in front of a town full of strangers who looked them over for strengths and flaws as if they were examining produce or animals for their stock. Hedlund expertly develops the characters and story, making the novel impossible to put down. As always when children are involved, there are humorous scenes as well as heart-wrenching moments. A tender romance and a compelling message of faith further enhances this compelling story. An inspiring tale of loving and letting go, Together Forever belongs on your keeper shelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Jody Hedlund and Baker/Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


ORPHAN TRAIN SERIES - CLICK THE BOOK COVER FOR MY REVIEW




Q&A WITH JODY HEDLUND

1. What is the inspiration behind your Orphan Train series?

I have long been fascinated by the era of the orphan trains and the heart-wrenching stories of the homeless and helpless young orphans who were taken from the streets of New York City and other eastern cities and shipped west by the dozens. I was familiar with stories of those scared orphans who were placed out in what was thought to be a more wholesome, healthy environment of the newly settled midwestern states. Some of the orphans found happy endings and were adopted into loving families. Others experienced great abuse and heartache in their new homes.

While stories of the orphans who rode the trains have been told—and rightly so—the stories of the women who were involved in the movement are not as well known. One of the things I particularly like to do when telling my stories is focus on women who have been overlooked within the pages of history. I consider it a great privilege to be able to bring forgotten women to life for our modern generation. Thus, throughout this series, each book will focus on a different aspect of the orphan train movement, particularly from the perspective of women who experienced riding the trains in one form or another.

2. How did you come up with the idea for the second book in the series, Together Forever?

Since the first book in the series centers around the jobless and homeless adult women who rode the orphan trains, I decided for this second book to show the orphan train experience through the eyes of placing agents who worked for the Children’s Aid Society.

The Children’s Aid Society (CAS), started by Charles Loring Brace, was the major orphan placing organization in New York City from its inception in 1853 well into the twentieth century. CAS hired numerous ministers, single men and women, as well as married couples, to escort orphans from the East to their new homes in the West. The agents spent weeks and months on the road caring for the children, all while trying to place them in loving homes. Thus the main characters in Together Forever take on the role of the placing agents, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of these dedicated men and women who wanted to make a difference in the lives of homeless children living on the streets of NYC.

3. What special research did you do in writing Together Forever?

In researching the roles of CAS placing agents, I came across one of the most well-known placing agents, Clara B. Comstock, who traveled west with children from 1911 to 1928. During her years as a placing agent, she made seventy-four trips and wrote about her experiences. I drew from her notes about what it was like before the trip, from the clothes the orphans were given to the detailed lists of supplies and food she packed. She also wrote about what it was like during the journey west and what happened once they arrived at their destinations—including an incident where she was quarantined with a young five-year-old boy who contracted diphtheria.

At the end of her life, Clara Comstock said this about her experiences: “The work was a great adventure in Faith. We were always helped and grew to expect kindness, deep interest and assistance everywhere. A sense of responsibility was keenly felt by all the workers. My life has been greatly enriched by the varied experiences found in everything the Children’s Aid Society has done. It is an honor to have followed from afar, the founder of this work.”

Blind Betrayal

Blind Betrayal
Defenders of Justice, Book 3
Nancy Mehl
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764217791
April 2018/320 pages/$14.99
After two years at the St. Louis U.S. Marshals Office, Casey Sloane is tasked with escorting a reporter to Washington to testify before a grand jury. The reporter's research on an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared is now even more vital than anticipated.

At first, Casey's assignment seems routine. But a dangerous attack on the Marshals Office puts everyone on high alert. When Casey and two other Marshals--one a man from her past--are forced on the run with the reporter, they'll do whatever it takes to protect their witness and make it out alive.


"The final book in the Defenders of Justice series comes to a climactic end with bombs exploding, kidnappings, hit men and bad guys who will stop at nothing to make sure their empire stays intact. . . . Nancy Mehl is a talented author who knows what fans of her books expect, and she never disappoints. Readers won't be able to anticipate Blind Betrayal's twists and turns!"
RT Book Reviews


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl (nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters, along with several other popular suspense authors (www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com). She is also very active on Facebook.


MY THOUGHTS

Nancy Mehl wraps up her Defenders of Justice series with an action-packed thriller. The explosive opening was only a precursor to the danger and suspense lurking on practically every page. Mehl kept me on my toes paying attention to the many characters, dissecting their words and non-verbal nuances for clues to the resolution. As a nurse, I did take exception to some of the hospital scenes, finding them rather unrealistic but I'm a a bit picky for those types of details. Overall, though, this is a captivating novel that will keep you eagerly turning pages and likely surprise you with its ultimate resolution.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Eye of Lariloth

The Eye of Lariloth
(The Breckonwood Chronicles, Book 1)
Grace Egert and DiAnn Mills
(DM Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0996300643
May 2018/178 pages/$8.99
“My birthmark speaks to me…” – Arroah

I long for adventure, to see what is beyond my valley and experience all of Breckonwood.

But I have a secret…

There is power etched in my birthmark, a golden sword. An unknown voice calls me to the forbidden, and it won’t leave me alone! Mama and Papa say others seek to harm me.

When I discover a fierce dragon, I learn the truth about my identity. The dragon urges me to accept a quest. If I refuse, my family and my people will continue to live in poverty. But I’m afraid. Will I survive the evil pressing in around me?





Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

GRACE EGERT
Grace Egert is an elementary school student in Friendswood, Texas. She loves to write short stories for her family and friends.

Grace’s hobbies are basketball, gymnastics, reading, making videos, and hanging out with her friends. Want to take her out to eat? Her fav food is Chinese, and she loves root beer. Grace is active in her church. She enjoys short-termed mission trips.

DIANN MILLS
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader's Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the following social media platforms or others listed at diannmills.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I generally eschew fantasy novels, much preferring reality-based fiction. However, I couldn't pass up the chance to review this middle-grade novel penned by one of my favorite authors and her granddaughter. DiAnn Mills sets the bar when it comes to suspense novels, but her granddaughter Grace Egert convinced her to join forces with her in this captivating tale of a girl with a special birthmark, a rare dragon, and a dangerous quest. Egert has a delightful imagination and her input adds a fresh voice to this story. I was enthralled by the Ancient Writings that headed each chapter and enchanted by Arroah and her innocent yet determined personality. The world of Elysium and its vocabulary charmed me. I would love to find some healing wardlefruit the next time I have an injury or illness! Mills tucks in some age-appropriate suspense, adding just the right amount of tension and angst. Allegorical lessons weave naturally throughout this story, and I smiled as the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Since this is Book 1, I am already eagerly anticipating more from this creative and talented duo. This is a great summer read-together novel for you and the young reader in your life. Get your copy today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from DiAnn Mills. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love Inspired Blog Tour and Giveaway

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are TWELVE new books each month! SIX from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and SIX from Love Inspired Suspense who like some danger with their romance stories.

The Wedding Quilt Bride
by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King's offer of assistance---but she isn't prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret---or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

The Rancher's Secret Child
by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo's simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had---and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she'd only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad---but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

Bound by Duty
by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she's secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she's not in league with the criminal---she's in danger. It's up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

Primary Suspect
by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend---and then attacked at the crime scene---fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence---and in his promise of love?

MY THOUGHTS ON Primary Suspect

Love Inspired novels are great for a quick read or to keep in the car or bag, and their Suspense line is my favorite. Primary Suspect grabbed me from the opening pages and kept me eagerly turning pages until the end. The fact that Dana is a nurse added to the appeal, and the danger chasing her and Mitch made my heart pound. Laura Scott paces the action well, which is to say she doesn't give the reader a chance to breathe as the story builds! Tension abounds, not only from the threats to their lives but from the romance building between them. Scott has written additional LIS novels featuring Mitch's siblings, and I'm now longing to know more about the Callahan family. Grab your copy of Primary Suspect today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of these books free from Love Inspired Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Enter the Love Inspired Blog Tour Giveaway for your chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!



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The Heart Between Us

The Heart Between Us:
Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List
Lindsay Harrel
(Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0718075705
March 2018/336 pages/$15.99
Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Oh. My. This is seriously going near the top of my list of favorite books of 2018, and the year is only a third of the way through! Lindsay Harrel grabbed my own heart from the moment I saw the title and description of this novel--not to mention the adorable cover!--and I was loath to set this book aside until the last sentence came to a reluctant, albeit quite satisfying, end. I'm at a loss for words to describe how perfectly crafted Megan and Crystal are. As I began reading, my natural inclination was to favor Megan over Crystal, but it wasn't long before Crystal found her way into my heart. I alternately ached and cheered for these twin sisters who have been through so much and who wonder if they will ever regain the closeness they once knew. I would never have guessed this is only Harrel's sophomore release, for she writes with the skill of a much more seasoned author as she perfectly stretches the tension between Megan and Crystal, alternates seamlessly between their perspectives, and sprinkles in just the right touch of romantic angst. And what a treat to travel the world vicariously as Megan endeavors to check off every item on her donor's bucket list. (Fair warning: keep a tissue handy for the scenes where Megan visits her donor's parents!) Do not miss this delightful and touching novel, and be sure to add Lindsay Harrel to your list of must-read authors!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins/TNZ Fiction's The Fiction Guild. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ACFW New Releases - May 2018

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Children’s:

Feebs to the Rescue by Kathy J Perry -- Feebs the kitten is new to the farm. She’s a long way from the farmhouse and doesn’t know her way home in the dark. Her new friend, Ollie the dog, needs help. Can she find the courage to lead a night rescue? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)

Nibbler and Captain Make Peace by Kathy J Perry -- Nibbler the beaver works hard to keep his lodge and dam perfectly patched. A river otter knocks a hole in his great work. Now he’s so angry, he could almost spit nails. Can he learn how to handle his anger? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)

Rascal’s Trip by Kathy J Perry -- Rascal the raccoon is sorry he ignored the warning signs He’s surprised by a whirlwind and he’s taken for the ride of his life. Now it’s up to the Bandana Buddies to help him learn the importance of thinking ahead. Can he stay out of trouble long enough to get back home? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)

Contemporary Romance:

Solo Tu: Only You by Narelle Atkins -- Can two high-school teachers, a girl from Tuscany and a boy from Australia, risk everything for love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck -- According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious--serious science, that is. But science can't always account for life's anomalies, like why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge. Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart. (Contemporary Romance, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Hometown Reunion by Lisa Carter -- Widowed former Green Beret Jaxon Pruitt comes home to face his toughest battle: reconnecting with his toddler son. He also makes an unwitting enemy of childhood friend Darcy Parks when he takes over the kayak shop Darcy hoped to buy! For little Brody’s sake, she’ll stay until summer’s end. But could a growing connection turn their temporary truce into an unexpected forever? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston -- When her best friend Savilla dies, Laura steps in to help Allen raise his infant daughter. She soon finds herself coping with the jealousy of her boyfriend Rudy, and her own growing attraction to Allen. Have Laura and Allen been brought together to console and support one another…or is there an even deeper purpose they must fulfill? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Cowboys of Summer by Mary Connealy, Tina Radcliffe, Lorna Seilstad, Sherri Shackelford, Cheryl St. John, and Missy Tippens -- Six of Christian fiction's most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Bella Notte by Heather Gray -- As a photographer who works primarily with fashion, Piero Carter is used to having his pick of beautiful women who want to be seen by his side. Felicity von Wolff is a makeup artist whose job takes her around the world. That's all the adventure she craves. She has little use for Piero the Playboy. But when Felicity peeks over the wall she's built to protect herself, she discovers there's more to the people around her than she ever realized. What will it take for Piero and Felicity to stop hiding from life and open their eyes to the rich beauty God has in store for them? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter -- Regardless of what any blood test says, Brady Collins will go to any lengths to keep his son. Even pretend his friend Hope is his fiancée. Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has finally been offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams. As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Finding Love on Bainbridge Island Washington by Annette M. Irby -- A “broken” therapist with PTSD finds a fresh start at her family’s beach cabin, but when her parents hire her ex-boyfriend to finalize repairs on the place, they’re forced back into close proximity. He’s falling for her again. But can anything heal the past? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

And Cowboy Makes Three by Deb Kastner -- Coming home with a baby and no wedding ring was just what everyone in Cowboy Country expected from bad girl Angelica Carmichael. But she’ll brave their scorn to fulfill Granny Frances’s dying wishes, even if it means ranching with Rowdy Masterson...her jilted ex-groom. Rowdy’s still bitter but this new, softer Angelica—paired with a precious baby—might be too lovable to resist! (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Falling for You by Becky Wade -- A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin — then suffered the consequences when their relationship fell apart. Now that a decades-old mystery has brought them together again, they'll have to confront their past and the feelings they still harbor for one another. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:

Long Way Home by Brenda S. Anderson -- Stuck on a six-day road trip with the man who once bullied her, can Lauren Bauman learn that love keeps no record of wrongs? (General Contemporary, Independently Published {ACFW QIP Author})

The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli -- The Hidden Side is about a family that is torn apart by the unspeakable actions of one of its members and how a woman from the past helps them to heal. (General Contemporary from Tyndale House)

Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt -- It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—until her middle sister Jillian’s engagement pulls the family back together to plan the festivities. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Tyndale House)

Where Hope Begins by Catherine West -- Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.
But soon, Savannah is given a challenge that she can’t run away from. Forgiving the unforgiveable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all. (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

General Historical:

Faithful by Carol Ashby -- When a foolish choice lands one man in a fight for his life, unlikely friendships are born, love blossoms, and broken relationships are restored as his best friend’s faith and courage guide the quest to rescue him. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Historical Romance:

All for Love by Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Jen Turano -- Three of Christian historical fiction's beloved authors come together in this romantic and humorous collection of novellas featuring prequels to their latest series. Mary Connealy's "The Boden Birthright" journeys to the Old West, where ranch hand Chance Boden's determination to be his own boss is challenged by his employer's pretty daughter. Kristi Ann Hunter's "A Lady of Esteem" follows a Regency-era young lady whose chance at love and reputation in society are threatened by a nasty rumor. Jen Turano's "At Your Request" tells of a young woman who is humbled at her newly lowered status in society when she is reunited with the very man whose proposal she rejected. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

The Perfect Bride by Debbie Lynne Costello -- Avice Touchet has always dreamed of marrying for love and that love would be her best friend, Philip Greslet. She’s waited five years for him to see her as the woman she’s become but when a visiting lord arrives with secrets that could put her father in prison, Avice must consider a sacrificial marriage. Philip Greslet has worked his whole life for one thing—to be a castellan—and now it is finally in his grasp. But when Avice rebuffs his new lord’s attentions, Philip must convince his best friend to marry the lord against his heart’s inclination to have her as his own. (Historical Romance from Forget Me Not Romances)

Backcountry Brides Collection by Angela Couch, Debra E. Marvin, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Pegg Thomas -- Travel into Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Rebecca’s Song by Dawn Kinzer -- A small-town teacher who lost hope of having her own family, and a big-city railroad detective driven to capture his sister's killer, must do what's best for three young orphans who need them both. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Love’s Silver Lining by Julie Lessman -- A soft-hearted suffragist incurs the wrath of a bull-headed bachelor when she reforms his favorite girl at the Ponderosa Saloon. (Historical Romance (Western), Independently Published)

Redeeming Light by Annette O'Hare -- While Sarah weathers the deadly storm inside the lighthouse, her prayers are for Frederick, caught in the midst of the tempest. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

To Claim Her Heart by Jodie Wolfe -- Elmer Smith didn't need a man when she competed in the Cherokee Strip Land Run and she sure as shootin' doesn’t need one to keep her land either. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Romantic Suspense:

No Safe Place by H. L. Wegley -- A young man returning from the far country trying to regain his honor, and a young woman with a heart broken by her parents' rejection because of her newfound faith, each have what the other needs, but will the assassin who put them on his hit list allow them enough time to discover what they have in each other? (Romantic Suspense from Trinity Press International)

Speculative:

No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens -- As far as David Galloway knows, he can’t die. He wonders where he fits in the world, in God’s plan for the past and the future. He believes himself to be the only person on earth who hasn’t aged in over a century. He’s wrong about that. (Speculative from Barbour Publishing)

Young Adult:

Porch Swing Girl by Taylor Bennett -- Left at her grandma's house in Hawaii after a family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Olive Galloway is desperate to fly home to Boston and stop her father before he does anything drastic. (Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)