Tell Tale Book Reviews

Book Review - Gaffe Out Loud by Christy Barritt

8/18/2019

Genre:
Mystery/Romantic Suspense

Gaffe Out Loud
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 7
by Christy Barritt

-From Goodreads-

Actress Joey Darling is beginning a new season . . . of her TV show and her life.

Joey Darling’s life is finally on track. Her hit series has been picked up by a new network, her relationship with Detective Jackson Sullivan couldn’t be better, and she’s even bought a house. But right after taking possession, Joey discovers a dead body upstairs.

Joey knows she won’t have any peace until she figures out why a dead woman was left at her house and who killed her. And she desperately needs peace as the “normal” life she’s trying to establish quickly progresses from great to the brink of collapse.

The countdown is ticking as Joey must soon leave to begin filming. But one gaffe after another slows her investigation and makes her question her choices. The closer Joey gets to answers, the more someone is determined to make sure this season of her life is canceled—permanently.

ISBN-13: 9781792606717

Joey is back!

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Author Website

I've been highly anticipating the next release in The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series and Gaffe Out Loud is it. I loved it! Christy Barritt takes readers on another fun and romance filled adventure with everyone's favorite drama-prone TV detective actress Joey Darling.

I'm probably using the word 'favorite' too much but Joey really is my favorite Christy Barritt created amateur detective. She is fun, funny, and is such a relatable mess. By turns Joey makes me laugh, shake my head, and nod in understanding.

I enjoyed Gaffe Out Loud immensely. The mystery was good, kept me guessing even though I came close a time or two, and I loved the romance between Joey and Jackson finally getting its chance to bloom. This story is a real winner and I personally can't wait for the next crazy adventure that Joey finds herself in...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gaffe Out Loud by Christy Barritt a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

8/17/2019

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Genre:
Suspense/Thriller

Storm Rising
The Book Of The Wars book 1
by Ronie Kendig

-From Goodreads-

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster.

ISBN-13: 9780764231872

The past and future are entirely intertwined....

I've never read a Ronie Kendig book before. There, I said it. Don't shoot me. I'm not exactly sure why I hadn't read one. I mean, I've heard a lot of good stuff about them. But, for some reason I just didn't. Until now. I have no clue why Storm Rising was the one to catch my attention, but, it did.

I went into Storm Rising not knowing what to expect. I mean, I did know that Ronie Kendig did several series about elite military types but that was it. What a got was an international thriller with apocalyptic repercussions that was slightly reminiscent of a Ted Dekker book.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Ronie Kendig

Author Website

While I can't say that I'm a diehard fan I can say that I will be looking forward to reading the next installment in The Book Of The Wars series. I found the idea behind the story, a book with the outcomes of past and future wars, to be quite fascinating. And, I'm curious where the search for said book will take our band of heroes....will Leif and Iskra finally find what they are each searching for...?

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Danger On The Ranch by Dana Mentink

8/15/2019

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Danger On The Ranch
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 1
Love Inspired Suspense
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

A Roughwater Ranch Cowboys story

After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life--until his brother escapes. Now Mitch's former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection...for herself and the toddler she's kept a secret. Mitch still isn't sure of Jane's innocence in his brother's crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer's grasp, trusting her is his only option.

ISBN-13: 9781335232168

Will a killer destroy everything...?

Danger, check. Romance, check. Intrigue, check. Family, check. A truly psychopathic killer, check. Once again author Dana Mentink ticks all of the required boxes for a thrill-a-minute edge-of-your-seat pulse-pounding romantic suspense novel. Plus, on top of all that, you also get cowboys. Tell me, what more could you ask for?

Despite the fact that I kinda disliked the hero at first, it took me some time to warm up to him, I think Danger On The Ranch is one, if not the, favorite Dana Mentink book that I've read so far. I couldn't seem to put it down and read far into the night, far later than I should have.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

With Danger On The Ranch the author is off to a good start in her Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series. I definitely recommend it to fans of Love Inspired Suspense and I, for one, can't wait for the next book in the series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Danger On The Ranch by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Identity Theft by Alana Terry + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

8/5/2019

3 Comments

She imagined Alaska would be the perfect place to hide. She found out it’s the most dangerous place to be found …
Lacy has a secret. A secret nobody knows — not even her fiancé.
A secret that would cost her life … and so much more.
So it’s a good thing she’s tucked away in the very heart of rural Alaska, where for once in her life she is finally safe.
But can she stay that way for long?
Suspenseful, thrilling, and impossible to put down, Identity Theft is an unforgettable novel by bestselling Christian author Alana Terry.

Buy your copy today … but be prepared to stay up late!

Genre: Christian fiction, mystery/suspense
Release date: March 15, 2019

My Review

It seems she can trust no one...

I got hooked on Alana Terry's books several years ago when I read her first North Korean book, Beloved Daughter. It's been awhile since then and in recent years I've mostly been reading her Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series where she took on controversial subjects with grace and grit.

Enter Identity Theft in the Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series. I've really been looking forward to the series as I know the author's own residence in Alaska adds a rare authenticity to the fine details.

Identity Theft is more of a traditional romantic suspense than Alana Terry's previous book, which, was something I really enjoyed. It was fun seeing her ace yet another genre. The book was a quick read, I was actually surprised at how quickly I breezed through it, perfect for a boring afternoon or quiet evening.

Loved the characters and trying to guess the motivation behind some of their actions. So, if you are in the mood for an easy to read romantic suspense novel set in remote Alaska, well, may I suggest Alana Terry's exciting Identity Theft...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Identity Theft by Alana Terry a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.

More from Alana

What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about Alaska? Are you a city soul or do you prefer the country? I’m pretty happy in small-town Alaska, but I’m afraid that wasn’t always the case.

Have you ever lived in a town with 400 residents? Even with all the wide-open spaces, it’s enough to make some personalities feel claustrophobic.

I thought of our move to rural living as our big adventure. (Because what’s more adventurous than feeding chickens and milking goats at negative 40 degrees?) Then I read my first draft of Identity Theftand realized the adjustment wasn’t going as smoothly as I hoped. It was more autobiographical than I had realized!

However, I learned to love rural Alaska, and that’s the main reason I wanted to write my Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense Novel series – so I could share some of my favorite parts with you.

Identity Theft is the first of three stand-alone novels, all filled with adventure, suspense and thrills, and all set against the backdrop of Alaska. I hope as you settle in to read, you will begin to experience a little of what I’ve grown to love living in this spectacular state.

Alana Terry

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a $30 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/e546/identity-theft-celebration-tour-giveaway

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3 Comments

Book Review - Nanny Witness by Hope White

8/2/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Nanny Witness
The Baby Protectors book 4
Love Inspired Suspense
by Hope White

-From Goodreads-

Running for her life—and for a child’s safety
A riveting The Baby Protectors novel

When gunshots echo through the baby monitor, nanny Carly Winslow acts fast, fleeing with seven-month-old Mia. Help comes suspiciously soon in the form of Brody “Whit” Whittaker, who says he’s Mia’s uncle—and a policeman. If he’s lying, he could be one of the attackers. And if he’s really a cop…what will he do after he uncovers her troubled past?

ISBN-13: 9781335232205

They'll do anything to protect baby Mia...

It's been quite awhile since I've read a Hope White book. As soon as I cracked open Nanny Witness I was reminded just how much I enjoy them and why.

The action starts on page one and doesn't let up. Trust me, Carly and Whit don't get a chance to breathe and neither do readers. Mixed in with the danger and intrigue is a wonderful message of faith - and forgiveness. Forgiveness, especially of one's self, and letting go of the guilt isn't easy for Carly or Whit...something that will resonate with many readers.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Hope White

Author Website

I have to say that Carly is probably one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense heroines. Her strength of character and faith despite a rough childhood are simply amazing. She is strong, tough, gentle, fiercely protective of her charge, and doesn't let her past destroy her.

Hope White did an amazing job with Nanny Witness and I breezed through it surprisingly fast, just couldn't seem to be able to set it aside. If you love romantic suspense, I know I do, this is one book I'd definitely recommend.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Nanny Witness by Hope White a 5 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Fragments Of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

8/2/2019

2 Comments

From award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes a new novel with danger that
reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish-Tavish to her friends-had her almost perfect world in Albuquerque, New Mexico, come to a crashing end with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she’s given the news that her dog is about to be destroyed at the dog pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine-with her name and address-makes it hers.

Tavish recognizes the dog as one owned by an archaeologist named Pat Caron because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them months earlier. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner, but she arrives only to discover Caron’s murdered body.

After meeting undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price the mystery deepens as more people start disappearing and Tavish becomes a target as well. Her only solution is to find the links between microchip technology, an Anasazi site in the desert, her fiancé’s death, a late-night radio show, and the dog. And the clock is ticking.

Genre: Suspense
Release date: July 23, 2019

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

Can she trust anything...or anyone?

Carrie Stuart Parks is definitely one of my go-to, must-read, favorite authors. All I have to do is see her name on the cover and I know I am going to seriously love the book. Her brand of suspense/thriller, sometimes with a dash of romance, is right up my alley. And I simply love her no nonsense writing style.

Needless to say, I've been pretty excited about reading Fragments Of Fear since I first heard about it several months ago. And, oh, I was so NOT disappointed! It was everything I had hoped for and more! Sorry, but I just had to gush a little there. I wasn't kidding when I said that she is one of my favorite authors.

Anyway... Fragments Of Fear was an excellent read. It's a taut psychological thriller slash romantic suspense novel and I was totally engrossed in the story right from the start. One of the things that Carrie Stuart Parks does well, aside from painting vivid mental images of the characters and settings, would be the psychological element. Seriously, you feel every bit of Tavish's emotional roller coaster as she seeks the truth, and a little justice, while being gaslighted and terrorized by some very nasty bad guys.

Carrie Stuart Parks brings the New Mexico landscape alive, from the elegant art world to a dusty archaeological dig, in Fragments Of Fear. It's a story that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Fragments Of Fear by Carrie Start Parks a 5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Carrie

Using Art to Solve Crime: Techniques Used by Forensic Artists

Since 1981, I’ve been a forensic artist—an amazing feat since I’m only . . .um. . . well, younger than that. In those years, I’ve seen some shifts and trends, but some things have never changed. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of computers in almost every other field, they have never been able to replace a trained forensic artist. Artists have an amazing toolbox of techniques we use to gather the information we need to help solve crime.

The pencil. Any forensic artist worth her weight in graphite knows the power of the lowly pencil and a sketchpad. Law enforcement would love a photographic image of the suspect, but all we have to work with is memory…and memory is faulty. The more the image looks perfect, the more imperfect it is for helping to identify a suspect. We want the drawing to just suggest a likeness and eliminate those not similar.
Now that we brought up the subject of memory, a forensic artist needs to understand how memory works. The average witness will remember between four and five facial features. When they describe the person they saw, they will do so from their strongest memory to their weakest memory, from most important to least important. We listen carefully to the order of facial features.
Whole vs Parts. We don’t look at faces as individual parts, although a particularly outstanding nose or Marty Feldman eyes might catch our attention. We will remember the face as a whole, with the proportions of the face an unacknowledged part of that. Forensic artist prefer to use reference photographs where the whole face is viewed.

Want more? Check out the rest of my article at The Strand Magazine

Carrie Stuart Parks

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol Award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of her book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/e592/fragments-of-fear-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review - A Family For Gracie by Amy Lillard

7/28/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Amish

A Family For Gracie
The Pontotoc Mississippi Series book 3
by Amy Lillard

-From Goodreads-

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi,
faith and family are everything--even
when they pose the greatest challenge . . .

Gracie Glick is known for being the helpful one, always available for a relative in need. But now that she's longing for a home and family of her own, it's time to help herself. With few eligible men in Pontotoc, Gracie's choices, and her time, are limited. So she takes a bold leap of faith: she proposes to Matthew Byler, a handsome, recently widowed, father of five. It's not until after they're married that Gracie learns Matthew doesn't want more children...

With his grief still fresh, and his children needing care while he tends to his farm, Gracie is the answer to Matthew's prayers. But a marriage in name only suits him fine. And when he finally tells Gracie the dismaying reason why, they must decide whether to continue together--or apart. It's a choice that will force them both to look deeper into their hearts than ever before...

ISBN-13: 9781420145700

She got a lot more than she bargained for...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Amy Lillard

Author Website

I've been waiting for A Family For Gracie since Gracie was first introduced. She was the girl always helping others and wanting nothing more than a family of her own to care for. She seemed lonely and even a bit neglected by her relatives. I was beyond curious about what kind of story she would get. I was actually a bit surprised at the direction, marriage of convenience, that Amy Lillard took. But, it was perfect for Gracie, the storyline allowed her to shine, well, at least as much as an Amish girl can sparkle.

As with every other Amy Lillard book that I've read, I sincerely enjoyed A Family For Gracie. I quickly became emotionally invested in the lives of the characters. Seriously, there were several times I wanted to knock some sense into Matthew's head! Totally not an Amish reaction, I know. The kids were adorable, especially the little scamp Henry, and I couldn't help but laugh at their antics. For anyone that has read the story all I'll have to say is "chicken and ducklings."

Humorous and poignant moments are expertly blended into a lovely, and original, Amish romance that tugs at the heart...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Family For Gracie by Amy Lillard a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Midnight On The River Grey by Abigail Wilson + Review & Excerpt & Giveaway

7/20/2019

5 Comments

Abigail Wilson returns to Regency England with
another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery
Release date: July 2, 2019

Click here to grab your copy.

My Review

She can't trust anyone....or can she trust him?

I've been interested in this author since her debut novel came out awhile back. I really liked the idea of merging Regency era historical romance with romantic suspense. When I saw the blurb for this book, Midnight On The River Grey, I was even more intrigued.

Needless to say, Abigail Wilson more than exceeded my expectations with this book. Midnight On The River Grey reads less like a second book and more like a tenth or.... Not every author can pull off a first person narrative but but Abigail Wilson did so with true skill. I was totally involved with Rebecca's story, from her painful past to her precarious present to her potentially tragic future.

I loved the wonderfully chilling Gothic overtones to the mystery/suspense. You just can't beat reading about dark passages, family betrayal, midnight riders, mysterious murders, shadowed by madness. You can't beat it, especially on a dark night, all alone in the living room with only a single light on...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Midnight On The River Grey by Abigail Wilson a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Excerpt

from Midnight On The River Grey

My heartbeat turned sluggish as an ache swelled in the back of my throat. This man—the person responsible for my brother’s death—expected me to live with him? In his house? Madness.

“And if we refuse?”

“I’m afraid there is little choice in the matter at this point. The arrangements are already complete.”

Mr. Browning narrowed his blue eyes, scrutinizing me, no doubt, as the numbing shock of his declaration faded to resignation across my face. He sighed. “I do realize Greybourne Hall might hold unfortunate associations for you—”

“Unfortunate?” My voice came out a bit louder than I’d expected. “Is that what you choose to call it?”

He gave a sideways glance at Aunt Jo then returned to me, a pained look hovering about his eyes. His voice, however, remained firm. “Forgive me if I startled you. I hadn’t expected such a violent reaction to what I assumed was the logical next step. Perhaps I should make myself a bit clearer.” He gave a curt sigh. “I only intend for you to stay at Greybourne Hall till some place more suitable can be arranged. Unfortunately, there are few options at present.”

Ice enveloped my heart. I had no wish to travel to, let alone live at that dreadful house, not even for a single night. In his letters, Jacob had described the rambling structure as a gray pile of stones fit for vampires, or worse. I could only image Mr. Browning, this dark-headed devil before me, at home in such a place.

Abigail Wilson

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: acwilsonbooks; Facebook: ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Abigail is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/e5a8/midnight-on-the-river-grey-towers-celebration-tour-giveaway

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5 Comments

Book Review - The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

7/16/2019

1 Comment

Genre:
Historical Romance / True Crime

The Pink Bonnet
True Colors book 2
by Liz Tolsma

-From Goodreads-

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

How far will a mother go to find
out what happened to her child?

ISBN-13: 9781643520452

Will a mother's love and determination triumph?

I had heard of Georgia Tann and her heinous crimes against children before I read The Pink Bonnet but it was this book, though a fiction, that really brought out the sheer magnitude of the evil she perpetrated for over two decades. Through the plight of one little girl and the relentless search of her mother, author Liz Tolsma brings the shocking tragedy to life.

Liz Tolsma is a relatively new-to-me author, this is only the second book that I've read, but I am very impressed with her heart-wrenching writing style that shows the darkness of human actions in history while still pointing to the Ultimate Hope.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Liz Tolsma

Author Website

Rich in historical detail and entertaining, The Pink Bonnet is not only my favorite book in the True Colors series, but, it is also one of my favorites so far for this year. This is one book I would definitely recommend to historical fiction fans and true crime fans, trust me, this book has them both...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma a 5 Bark rating.

1 Comment

E-Book Review - Mourning After by Stephanie Damore

7/16/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Mourning After
The Funeral Fakers book 4
by Stephanie Damore

-From Goodreads-

Aspiring stage actress Maven Mackenzie tried to take a bite out of the Big Apple… and choked. Returning from NYC with her head down and ego shattered, she had no idea what to do next. Until the Funeral Fakers find her and offer her a role as a Professional Mourner. It isn’t the best gig she’s ever gone after, but, hey, it’s something.
Her boring new life goes from 0 to 60, however, when a family friend winds up murdered. Now finding the killer lands squarely on Maven’s unprepared shoulders.

But when the deceased was a real pistol, and everyone in town seems to have a motive, the killer could be anyone--and they could strike again at any moment.

Can Maven uncover all the right clues to solve Asheville’s latest funeral fiasco? Find out whodunit in this hilarious mystery series filled with fake tears and a very real body count... Order your copy and start reading today!

Mourning After is book four in The Funeral Fakers series. Each book stands completely on its own, but you'll have more fun if you read them all together!

ASIN: B07JD65T52

Will it be all over when he discovers her identity?

Oh boy, where to start with this one? Mourning After almost starts off with a cat fight in a retirement community and it takes off on a whirlwind of murder and mayhem that may or may not include a romantic meal at the Biltmore Estate. Not to mention the group of sassy senior citizens that will keep you laughing and made me hope that I'm half as much fun when I reach that age.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Stephanie Damore

Author Website

Stephanie Damore did a great job with this book. I have to admit that I did actually guess the killer's identity fairly early on but then the author tossed in some distractions and I set aside my guess for quite awhile.

The Funeral Fakers series of cozy mysteries has been such a delight to read and when I finish one I find myself more than ready to just keep right on going and start the next one. If you love cozy mysteries with a dash of romance and some definite comedy this book, and series, will be right up your alley.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mourning After by Stephanie Damore a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Cold Case by Susan Sleeman

7/15/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Cold Case
Cold Harbor book 4
by Susan Sleeman

-From Goodreads-

When the one thing strikes that she never saw coming…

Former FBI cyber security agent Eryn Calloway has successfully cracked countless complex cyber investigations. Her expertise is highly valued working as Blackwell Tactical's cyber expert. But when her computer is locked with ransomware, she suddenly finds herself facing the biggest challenge of all. She's brilliant when it comes to saving others, but this perpetrator proves he can outsmart her and threatens to kill her. The stakes are too high, and she can't take him down alone.

Can she let the one man who can protect her get close enough to do so?

Former Green Beret, Deputy Trey Sawyer wants to serve as her bodyguard while tracking down the criminal. Trey has been in love with Eryn for a year, but she's kept every man at arm's length since she lost her husband several years ago. Eryn has proved she is fully competent to take care of herself, but now her four-year-old daughter is in danger as well. When Trey and Eryn are thrown together in a race for her life, Trey needs to convince her to overcome her past and truly rely on him or she won't make it out alive.

ASIN: B079Z8HFPH

Cyberspace has never been so dangerous...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Susan Sleeman

Author Website

I think Cold Case is probably my favorite Cold Harbor book, at least so far. With this one Susan Sleeman relied a little less on physical suspense and brought her mastery of psychological suspense to a whole new level. And this is something that I really liked, A LOT.

The ins and outs of this romantic suspense novel kept me on my toes and glued to my Kindle. I found myself unable to put the book down and when I finally had to I still thought about the characters and tried to guess the who and especially the why.

If you love romantic suspense featuring cutting edge technology and with a strong message of faith through the most difficult circumstances you'll definitely want to check out Susan Sleeman's exciting novel Cold Case.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Cold Case by Susan Sleeman a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

E-Book Review - Mourning Express by K.M. Waller

7/15/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Mourning Express
The Funeral Fakers book 3
by K.M. Waller

-From Goodreads-

C-list actress Rosie Collins’ name is making headlines… unfortunately it’s only with the tabloids. Now, with a freshly minted reputation for being a troublemaker, not even the local Dollar General store will hire her to twirl their sign.

Problem is the job offers stop, but the bills don’t. Rosie needs cash fast, like, express-lane fast. Might Professional Mourning be the answer? Sure, yeah, whatever.

Never one to mince words, her first job is to deliver the eulogy for the most hated man in all of Asheville. Now she’s got a new problem. Namely, that the newly deceased’s slip-and-fall accident seems like it may have been more of a push-and-fall murder.

Will Rosie find a way to solve this deadly mystery, or will her next role be as Harold’s replacement in the coffin? Find out whodunit in this hilarious mystery series filled with fake tears and a very real body count... Order your copy and start reading today!

Mourning Express is book three in The Funeral Fakers series. Each book stands completely on its own, but you'll have more fun if you read them all together!

ASIN: B07JF4J3R5

Can she balance life while solving a murder?

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

K.M. Waller

Author Website

Mourning Express is the epitome of a sweet cozy mystery. It's well written, very fun, a little quirky, poignant at times, and has just the right dash of romance to flavor up the murder and mayhem. What else could you ask for in a cozy mystery?

I really enjoyed new-to-me author K.M. Waller's charming writing style and delightful characters. Both of these pulling the reader very effectively into the story and getting you to put your own amateur sleuth hat on to try and solve the mystery alongside Rosie and the others.

If you are as much of a fan of The Funeral Fakers series I am, seriously, series titles don't get any better than this, Mourning Express, K.M. Waller's addition to said series will be sure to charm your socks off just as it did me.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mourning Express by K.M. Waller a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Book Review - Act Of Valor by Dana Mentink

7/14/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Act Of Valor
True Blue K-9 Unit book 2
Love Inspired Suspense
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

She saw something she shouldn't have...
A True Blue K-9 Unit story

When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she's thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone's gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too...especially now that she's gone from friend to the woman he's falling for.

ISBN-13: 9781335232076

Will she let him protect her....?

Dana Mentink is by far one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors and I read any of her novels that I can get my hands on, whether it's a standalone book or part of a continuity series like Act Of Valor happens to be.

Act Of Valor is a nail-biting tale of danger right from the start. Readers, and the characters, are dropped into the action from the first chapter and you are kept on the edge of your seat from there until the end. Speaking of the characters, Zach is the quintessential tortured hero and Violet has tough exterior and gentle heart, but it was the homebaked-gourmet-organic-treat-eating Beagle, Eddie who captured my heart. What can I say, I'm a sap for a cute dog in uniform...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Dana Mentink's contribution to the True Blue K-9 Unit series was an excellent one and a book I definitely enjoyed. Now I just need to read to the rest of them and find out about the overarching mystery...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Act Of Valor by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

E-Book Review - Love's Belief by Linda Shenton Matchett

7/14/2019

1 Comment

Genre:
Historical Romance

Love's Belief
Wartime Brides book 3
by Linda Shenton Matchett

-From Goodreads-

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

ASIN: B07QJ7VN9K

Can they find love amidst the falling bombs?

Over the years I've read a number of books and novellas set during WWII but Love's Belief is the very first one set in Germany with a German hero and heroine. I found the portrayal of average Germans, who are Christians, trying to survive the war and to do the right thing to be quite fascinating. Seriously, we've all read about the Blitz and Pearl Harbor, but how much have you thought about the everyday citizen in Germany attempting to live through the Allied bombing? I know I hadn't thought much about it but Linda Shenton Matchett sure got me doing just that.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Linda Shenton Matchett

Author Website

Love's Belief is a short, quick read. In fact, I was surprised when I realized my Kindle said “book completed.” I found this WWII retelling of Shiprah and Puah from the book of Exodus to be quite interesting and the romance between the wounded Deiter and gentle Sabine to be quite sweet. Made so by the backdrop of falling bombs in an evil regime on its last legs. And, of course, now that I've read book 3 in the Wartime Brides series I'll need to go back and find books 1 and 2...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Love's Belief by Linda Shenton Matchett a 4 Bark rating.

1 Comment

Book Review - Lone Star Standoff by Margaret Daley

7/13/2019

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Lone Star Standoff
Lone Star Justice book 6
Love Inspired Suspense
by Margaret Daley

-From Goodreads-

A high-profile trial turns lethal…
The next exciting Lone Star Justice novel

Presiding over the trial of a powerful drug cartel member, Judge Aubrey Madison finds her life threatened, and Texas Ranger Sean McNair isn’t taking any chances. Protecting the widow and her twins comes naturally to Sean—maybe too naturally for a guy who’s convinced he shouldn’t have a family. But he can’t help wishing for a future with Aubrey…if he can keep her alive.

ISBN-13: 9781335232083

Can he keep them all safe...?

Ya know, I think Lone Star Standoff just may be my favorite book in the Lone Star Justice series. I just couldn't seem to put it down and I finished it in record time for a Margaret Daley book.

I loved the danger, the mystery, and of course, the romance. I had a lot of fun trying to guess the who and the why, and boy, did Margaret Daley really keep me guessing! I did figure out one identity but, wow, did she surprise me with all kinds of twists and turns.

Looking for an exciting story with edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, a story that you can read in fairly short order? Check out Lone Star Standoff, it's a good one!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Margaret Daley

Author Website

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lone Star Standoff by Margaret Daley a 4.5 Bark rating.

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7th Blogoversary

7th Blogoversary Countdown

Tell & Jasmine
He does the talking
She does the reading

Author

Reading and history have been my passion since early childhood when my parents encouraged both. I was introduced to Christian fiction around age 4-5 while listening to radio drama adaptations of books by great authors including Janette Oke. I have been a voracious reader and avid library patron ever since. I started Tell Tale Book Reviews in December 2012. I am also an active volunteer in the areas I hold most dear, library, museum, and pets. Hobbies include a small bead jewelry business, watching classic movies/ TV, listening to Irish/Celtic music, and autograph collecting.

TELL
2008-2017
Born in October, he was a purebred Alaskan Malamute. His red fur and sparkling green eyes highlighted his happy and loving personality. He loved walks, hugs, sneaking human food treats, and Milk Bones.

Our Rating System
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2 Barks - Good!
3 Barks - Great!
4 Barks - Excellent!
5 Barks - WOW!
+ Barks - .5 (1/2)

If I consider a book less than OK I won't review it.

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Jasmine's bookshelf: Currently Reading

Here Is Where: Discovering America's Great Forgotten History

by Andrew Carroll

2019 Reading Challenge

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Gaffe Out Loud
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 7
by Christy Barritt

Storm Rising
The Book Of The Wars book 1
by Ronie Kendig

Danger On The Ranch
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 1
Love Inspired Suspense
by Dana Mentink

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Nanny Witness
The Baby Protectors book 4
Love Inspired Suspense
by Hope White

It's Time For A Giveaway!

A Family For Gracie
The Pontotoc Mississippi Series book 3
by Amy Lillard

The Pink Bonnet
True Colors book 2
by Liz Tolsma

Mourning After
The Funeral Fakers book 4
by Stephanie Damore

Cold Case
Cold Harbor book 4
by Susan Sleeman

Mourning Express
The Funeral Fakers book 3
by K.M. Waller

Act Of Valor
True Blue K-9 Unit book 2
Love Inspired Suspense
by Dana Mentink

Love's Belief
Wartime Brides book 3
by Linda Shenton Matchett

Lone Star Standoff
Lone Star Justice book 6
Love Inspired Suspense
by Margaret Daley