Tell Tale Book Reviews

Audiobook Review - This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller

3/28/2020

Genre:
Historical Romance

This Wilderness Journey
Heart Of The Mountains book 2
by Misty M. Beller

-From Goodreads-

A Christian Historical Romance novel

Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.

After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.

As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.

ASIN: B07CH3BBG9

Danger and romance abound in the rugged wilderness...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Misty M. Beller

Author Website

I was a bit surprised by This Wilderness Journey because I think I liked it quite a bit more than the first book in the Heart Of The Mountains series from Misty M. Beller. The adventure and romance is good and I liked the characters, especially Monti, whose full first name is quite an unusual mouthful.

I listened to the audiobook version of the book. The sound and production quality were good. The narrator's voice is one of those that you can listen to for hours, it's pleasant and fairly soft-spoken which is perfect for a nearly 6 hour audiobook. She also narrated the first book in the series and I appreciate that continuity between productions.

This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller was an enjoyable listen and one I would recommend if you like historical romance in general. The audiobook was easy to listen to and keeps the mind busy while the hands are occupied with the mundane.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Turning Tide by Melody Carlson + Review & Giveaway

3/27/2020

7 Comments

As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: Feb 15, 2020

Click here for your copy!

My Review

Will the Tide finally start Turning...

I'm gonna admit that I had some mixed emotions while reading Turning Tide. Not because the book wasn't a good one but because of current events. The parts about the war were quite interesting, and I don't remember having heard of the Sedition Act before, but it was pretty eerie reading about the Spanish Flu of 1918 while sitting at home during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic and shut-down. I mean, some of this stuff is identical to what I see on the news every day now. Businesses closed or hours limited, self quarantine, social distancing, all of it is in this book. I know that this book was written months ago but I would imagine that Melody Carlson had absolutely no clue just how on the spot she would be when it would be released. Like I said, it's eerie...

Normally, I tend to view The Great War through the lens of the first WWI book that I read, L.M. Montgomery's Rilla Of Ingleside, but that was a Canadian story so I really appreciate reading stories like Turning Tide that have an American perspective. The honesty about returning soldiers having difficulties readjusting to civilian and home life is both accurate and appreciated. While it had a different name 100 years ago PTSD was just as real then as it is today.

So, the book itself was a nice historical romance and even features more than one wedding. The details of the lives of the people on the Home Front were interesting. We hear so much about the rationing of the next war that we often forget that WWI did at least some of the same. While I did read the first book in The Legacy Of Sunset Cove series, I missed books 2 and 3, and read this one, the 4th book. I missed a lot of stuff by skipping those books, so I recommend not making the same mistake I did, but I was still able to get into and enjoy the story.

Melody Carlson has a good series in her The Legacy Of Sunset Cove books. The bridge of 3, and later 4, generations of friends and family who live and work together is a nice break from all of the single, no family, workaholic stories out there. So, if you like that kind of thing, like I do, and want to learn a little history, you really should check out this book and the entire series from start to finish.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Turning Tide by Melody Carlson a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Melody

Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of
a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e9/turning-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 16
For the Love of Literature, March 16
Through the Fire Blogs, March 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Inklings and notions, March 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18
deb’s Book Review, March 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19
By The Book, March 19
Wishful Endings, March 19
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
She Lives To Read, March 20
Betti Mace, March 21
Remembrancy, March 21
janicesbookreviews, March 22
Mary Hake, March 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 23
For Him and My Family, March 23
Maureen’s Musings, March 24
My Devotional Thoughts, March 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24
Christian Bookaholic, March 25
Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Older & Smarter?, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27
Blogging With Carol, March 27
Daysong Reflections, March 27
SPLASHES of Joy, March 28
Vicky Sluiter, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Pause for Tales, March 29
For the Love of Books, March 29

7 Comments

Audiobook Review - A Killer Plot by Cynthia Hickey

3/26/2020

0 Comments

Genre:
Mystery

A Killer Plot
A Nosy Neighbor Mystery book 2
by Cynthia Hickey

-From Goodreads-

ANOTHER FAN WANTS THEIR MOMENT OF
FAME AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET IT.

After Stormi Nelson's first mystery hits the NYT Best-Selling List, Stormi begins receiving threatening emails and is stalked by a clichéd person in a trench coat and hat. Her stalkers requests are straightforward; Finish writing her next book quickly, or face the consequences. When nothing Stormi does satisfies this unknown stalker, she and her best friend concoct a plan guaranteed to draw the stalker out of the shadows. While Stormi's boyfriend, Matt, isn't excited about the plan, he knows things must come to an end before the stalker makes good on one of their threats. Accidents, threats, and mishaps keep the reader turning the pages. Who will suffer the consequences of Stormi's plan first?

ASIN: B07R92YSYM

Life has settled down for Stormi...or has it?

I gotta say how much I'm enjoying Stormi and her crazy clan in the Nosy Neighbor Mystery series. They are cozy style mysteries, with just a touch of faith, and they are just so much fun to read, or as in the case of A Killer Plot listen to. Cynthia Hickey has a real winner in this quirky series! There's mystery, romance, and enough tasty sounding edibles that you can enjoy calorie free but still make you hungry anyway. I had a great time trying to guess the stalker's identity, I did partly figure it out but there were enough red herrings to keep me cheerfully distracted.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Cynthia Hickey

Author Website

I listened to the audiobook version of A Killer Plot and I have to say that the production and sound quality and a well chosen narrator did perfect justice to Cynthia Hickey's book.

I sincerely enjoyed A Killer Plot and I am more than anxiously looking forward to getting my mitts on the next book in Cynthia Hickey's fun A Nosy Neighbor Mystery series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Killer Plot by Cynthia Hickey a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Stolen Secrets by Sherri Shackelford

3/25/2020

1 Comment

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Stolen Secrets
Love Inspired Suspense
by Sherri Shackelford

-From Goodreads-

From investigating a security breach
to becoming the target of an unseen foe

Someone has been impersonating software engineer Lucy Sutton to steal classified technology secrets, and it’s up to her to figure out who. National Security Agency employee Jordan Harris is the only person she trusts to help her set a trap. But with an unknown enemy watching Lucy’s every move and threatening her life, capturing the culprit becomes an even deadlier task than they expected.

ISBN-13: 9781335402707

Can they find the truth before she is blamed for Stolen Secrets?

WOW! Now this, this is what Love Inspired Suspense is made of! Stolen Secrets had me from page one to the very last surprise at the ending. And the setting for the final showdown with the villain? Well, let me just say it was one of the most unique that I've ever read in a Love Inspired Suspense novel. Sherri Shackelford sure kept me guessing with all of the threads, red herrings, and plot twists! To be honest, I almost suspected one character of being the villain even though it was impossible!

I read Sherri Shackelford's first Love Inspired Suspense book last year and I loved it! I missed her second book, which I'm going to have to remedy one of these days. And now, with Stolen Secrets, I am totally hooked!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Sherri Shackelford

Author Website

Can you tell how much I enjoyed Stolen Secrets? Well, I'll tell you, I pretty much didn't put it down all afternoon/evening and finished it in pretty short order. How could I stop reading? I had to know what came next and if Lucy and Jordan would finally figure out that the only thing keeping them apart was themselves. Sherri Shackelford sure put them, and readers, through the wringer, including a scary stint in a cemetery! Have I gotten to you yet? If you love thrills and chills try this book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Stolen Secrets by Sherri Shackelford a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Monday Movie - March 23rd, 2020 (Follow That Dream)

3/23/2020

1 Comment

Follow That Dream
starring
Elvis Presley
Arthur O'Connell ■ Anne Helm ■ Joanna Moore ■ Jack Kruschen

(1962)

Elvis hits the road to laughter and hits a new high in romance!

When the Kwimper family car runs out of gas on a new Florida highway and an officous state supervisor tries to run them off, Pop Kwimper digs in his heels and decides to do a little homesteading. He and his son Toby and their "adopted" children - Holly, Ariadne and the twins - start their own little community along a strip of the roadside. The fishing is good and the living is easy until the mob sets up a gambling operation and the state supervisor sics a sexy social worker on the Kwimpers in an effort to take away Ariadne and the twins.

A few years ago on a whim I watched Blue Hawaii on Netflix, I got a few questions from family about what on earth I was doing watching Elvis. Surprisingly, awhile later my 20-something brother became a fan of his music, and his movies, and then I kinda followed along. Follow That Dream is one of my favorite Elvis songs and movies. It's cute, funny, and it's just a feel good movie.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about the movie is that it was actually filmed where it was set, in Florida specifically, and whether you have visited the state or not that authenticity really shines through.

One have to suspend belief a little with this movie. But isn't that true of most movies? There is no way any of the plot would fly in real life but that is the fun of the film experience. This kind of movie, musical romantic comedy, wasn't meant to be real life but rather make the viewer happy, cheerful, and maybe even whistle a catchy tune.

Follow That Dream is a family movie, maybe a little edgy in spots, well, at least edgy by 60s standards, but it wouldn't be an Elvis movie without girls. The kids are adorable, watch the two mischievous little boys and their antics splitting candybars for them to share.

So have a little fun. Enjoy The King at his best. Go back to a time that wasn't simpler but at least the movies were better. And don't forget to“Follow that dream wherever that dream may lead...”

1 hour 49 minutes

Principal Cast

Elvis Presley...Toby Kwimper
Arthur O'Connell...Pop Kwimper
Anne Helm...Holly Jones
Joanna Moore...Alisha Claypoole
Jack Kruschen...Carmine
Simon Oakland...Nick
Roland Winters...Judge
Alan Hewitt...H. Arthur King
Howard McNear...George
Frank DeKova...Jack (as Frank de Kova)
Herbert Rudley...Mr. Endicott

Filming Location(s)

Crystal River, Florida, USA
Inverness, Florida, USA
Ocala, Florida, USA
Yankeetown, Florida, USA

Quotes

Alisha Claypoole: Has anyone ever told you you're very handsome?
Toby Kwimper: Only girls.

Toby Kwimper: That's why I use my education against 'em.
Holly Jones: Your education?
Toby Kwimper: Sure. Whenever some pretty girl starts to bother me I just close my eyes and say, "One times one is one. One times two is two. One times three is three, and all the through to the eights. Usually, I only get the sixes and they get discusted and walk away."

Nick: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five...
Toby Kwimper: You do the multiplication tables too, Nick?
Nick: [Nick rolls his eyes at Toby] Three, two, one.
[Nick's trailer explodes]
Toby Kwimper: Well, I'll be dogone. Your place done blowed up, Nick. It's on fire too.

DVD

3-MOVIE
DVD SET

Affiliate links used.

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - In The Garden + Review & Giveaway

3/22/2020

5 Comments

Consider not only the lilies of the field, but all the plants, trees, herbs, shrubs, and flowers that play a role in the biblical narrative through this illustrated guide. From the barley Ruth harvested to the hyssop David craved, from the frankincense the wise men brought to Jesus to the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed, the Bible is peppered with allusions to the plants that were a part of daily life in the ancient Near East and in New Testament Israel. With original illustrations, this beautiful gift book clarifies the biblical references to fifty plants and provides delightful new insights into the Word of God. Includes indexes to each plant and its corresponding Scripture references, a calendar of Jewish festivals and the growing seasons in Israel, and tips for growing your own biblically inspired garden.

Genre: Christian non-fiction, Biblical history, cultural, Biblical reference
Release Date: January 10, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Learn a bit more about the plants of the Bible...

I'm always up for learning something new, and hopefully useful, so In The Garden was a natural choice for me to read. They did a pretty good job at Whitaker House of putting this book together. The layout is pretty simple, easy to read, and interesting. Each chapter features a Bible verse(s) mentioning that particular plant, a description of the plant, Latin and Hebrew names, and a lovely color illustrations.

While this book is not an exhaustive plant guide it does provide a nice overview of some of the most interesting plants mentioned in the Bible and it's a great way to enhance your Bible reading. My favorite part of In The Garden was the growing section, complete with zone information, with information on growing your own Biblical inspired garden. They say that the sense of smell is extremely important to humans, especially in relation to memories, so can you imagine smelling those same scents as you are reading about them in your Bible? Talk about the Bible coming to life right off the page!

Anyway, In The Garden was a good read and I wouldn't be surprised if it makes my favorite non-fiction reading list for 2020. It's laid out nicely and you can either read it straight through, like I did, or you could take the time to slowly enjoy it one plant at time. As I said before, the people at Whitaker House did an excellent job with this book and I enjoyed very much.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives In The Garden by Whitaker House a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Whitaker House

Rather than being a dictionary of the plants mentioned in the Bible, In the Garden, with its original illustrations and plant descriptions, is meant to spark the reader’s spiritual imagination. It is our hope that these pages about the plants of the Bible will prompt your imagination and inform your study of the precious Word of the living God.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package
of a $20 Starbucks gift card and finished copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6fd/in-the-garden-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, March 11
Texas Book-aholic, March 12
For the Love of Literature, March 13
For Him and My Family, March 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15
deb’s Book Review, March 16
Mary Hake, March 17
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18
CarpeDiem, March 19
Inklings and notions, March 20
Robin’s Nest, March 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 22
Mamma Loves Books, March 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

5 Comments

Audiobook Review - Never Borrow A Baronet by Regina Scott

3/20/2020

0 Comments

Genre:
Historical Romance

Never Borrow A Baronet
Fortune's Brides book 2
by Regina Scott

-From Goodreads-

After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

This sweet, clean Regency romance is the sequel to Never Doubt a Duke. Fortune’s Brides: Only a matchmaking cat can hunt true love.

ASIN: B0842597ZN

Will they both get more than they bargained for...?

I think this book had me at the title. For whatever reason it really tickled my fancy. I've enjoyed several of Regina Scott's historical romances, with settings in later eras, so other than knowing it was a Regency Era story I wanted to read/listen to Never Borrow A Baronet because of the author alone. I wasn't disappointed.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Regina Scott

Author Website

While reading about or listening to a Regency Era houseparty really does sound monotonous and a trifle boring, this story was not. Sure, there are all the trappings of a Regency novel, teas, pretty dresses, polite conversation, and amusements for mixed company, they are well broken up with humor, intrigue, spies, a fake engagement, questionable beauty treatments that lead to both amusement and near crises, there might even be a little gunplay and a possible kidnapping. But, what really delighted me was to find out who the 'Fortune' in Fortune's Brides was, the owner of the employment agency's cat! I loved it! As a pet owner myself, I know if my dog doesn't like somebody, something is wrong, and, just like Miss Thorn I pay attention to what my pet 'says'.

While I haven't read book one in the Fortune's Brides series I can say that I was able to enjoy Never Borrow A Baronet without a problem as it is fairly standalone. Though, I now know that I'll snag any chance I get at reading the other books in Regina Scott's series.

I did listen to the audiobook version of this book. The production was well done, the audio itself was good quality, and I have to say that the narrator's accent was perfectly charming and totally fit the story. I felt that the production and sound quality, as well as the talents of the narrator, did complete justice to this fun Regency romance.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Never Borrow A Baronet by Regina Scott a 4.5 Bark rating.

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First Line Friday - March 20th, 2020

3/20/2020

1 Comment

Buy

E-BOOK

Includes affiliate links.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Enduring Love by Danyelle Scroggins + Interview & Guest Post & Giveaway

3/19/2020

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No one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…

Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.

Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?

Genre: Christian fiction
Release Date: March 16, 2018

Click here to get your copy!

More from Danyelle

I am so elated that you are a part of this awesome Enduring Love blog tour. I’ve always been a love child per se…loving all things romance. When my second grade teacher introduced me to Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parish, I knew I would write. Then my mom introduced me to romance by Danielle Steels and the bad girl of books—Jackie Collins. Finally, I decided I’d be the Danyelle with the “y” who will write books about love.

Life has been so rewarding as I finally realize that everything I’ve ever faced was simply for my good. The good, bad, and the ugly now find itself woven in the corridors of my books and I’m grateful to be able to share stories with the world of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love.

And you know what’s even greater? We don’t have to be perfect to be a part of His family, to receive His love, or to be a recipient of His grace.

He has shown me that I can write about love, problems, situations, and circumstances that we face as humans but also show how we overcome the situations and circumstances we face, by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.

As you read this book or any of my books, understand that they are in fact a testimony to God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love towards His people.

Be Blessed, Danyelle Scroggins

Danyelle Scroggins

Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a dynamic author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies, and a Masters in Religious Education from Liberty University. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Danyelle is giving away the grand prize package
of all five (5) of the books from the E Love Series!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e6/enduring-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12
Godly Book Reviews, March 13
Batya’s Bits, March 14
Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, March 16
Texas Book-aholic, March 17
A Diva’s Heart, March 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, March 20
Just the Write Escape, March 21
deb’s Book Review, March 22
SusanK. Beatty, Author, March 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24
Simple Harvest Reads, March 25

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Killer Harvest by Tanya Stowe + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

3/19/2020

2 Comments

Can she stop a deadly crop virus from ending up in the wrong hands?

Biologist and single mom Sassa Nilsson just witnessed her mentor’s brutal murder by environmental extremists. Now she’s the last link to a deadly pathogen they plan unleashing—and their number one target! But can handsome border patrol agent Jared De Luca shield Sassa and her baby long enough to find a cure…before the entire world faces the unthinkable consequences?

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March, 2020

Click here for your copy.

My Review

They hold the safety of the world in their hands...

Killer Harvest is only the second book I've read by Tanya Stowe, I've also read Fatal Memories, but it's definitely my favorite. What's not to like? The book starts off with a murder, add some terrorists, toss in a deadly plant pathogen with the ability to destroy the world, liberally sprinkle in some flying bullets, don't forget the adorable baby, shake it all up with trouble from the past, and the final ingredient is some serious sparks between the heroine and hero, and you've got some pretty exciting reading!

I really enjoyed every bit of Killer Harvest and found it almost impossible to put down. Just when you thought you had it figured out Tanya Stowe would throw another monkey-wrench in the works and away you'd go. The twists and turns were great, the characters likable, and the California setting came alive on the page. Killer Harvest was a good read and I'm definitely looking forward to more Love Inspired Suspense from Tanya Stowe...I'm going to have to see if I can find her first LIS book, too...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Killer Harvest by Tanya Stowe a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Tanya

As a teenager, I spent my summers water-skiing on the King’s River in Central California. Even though we lived on the coast and the ocean, we traveled inland to the smooth river waters every other weekend for our sport. We camped on a sandy beach, skimmed over the water all day long and at night sat under a sky full of brilliant stars and listened to the sound of the water rippling past. Since we lived on the coast with a heavy marine layer, the amazing sky always fascinated me. Surrounded by massive cottonwood trees, with the smell of ripe fruit drifting toward us, my river experiences were different from home and more than memorable.

On some nights we’d hear the splash and laughter as teenagers, somewhere across the river, came down to swim. I always wondered what it would be like to live in the nearby small, neat-as-a-pin town, to know the same people all of my life and to be able to drive down to the river with my friends on any given night. I envied those teenagers and always knew I’d someday write a story about central California. I didn’t know it would involve biological warfare and crazed killers…but that transition is another story all its own! I’ll stop here and hope you enjoy Killer Harvest!

Tanya Stowe

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/f640/killer-harvest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7
deb’s Book Review, March 7
Texas Book-aholic, March 8
Simple Harvest Reads, March 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 9
Among the Reads, March 9
Genesis 5020, March 9
For Him and My Family, March 10
Kat’s Corner Books, March 10
April Hayman, Author, March 10
Inklings and notions, March 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11
Betti Mace, March 12
Reading Is My SuperPower, March 12
Bigreadersite, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, March 13
Maureen’s Musings, March 13
Older & Smarter?, March 14
She Lives To Read, March 14
Remembrancy, March 15
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 15
Blogging With Carol, March 15
Emily Yager, March 16
Blossoms and Blessings, March 16
janicesbookreviews, March 17
Daysong Reflections, March 17
Mary Hake, March 17
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 18
Pause for Tales, March 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19
SPLASHES of Joy, March 19
Hallie Reads, March 19
Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 20
To Everything There Is A Season, March 20

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Book Review - Strike Force by Mary Alford

3/18/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Strike Force
Courage Under Fire book 1
by Mary Alford

-From Goodreads-

Out of the ashes of defeat
A brand new mission is born

From the frozen tundra of Alaska to the deserts of Afghanistan, former CIA Agents Piper Morgan, and Reed Decklin will span the globe to try and bring down Legion, before they can follow through with their deadly threat.

In this sequel to the USA Today Bestselling story, Storm Warnings, the Strike Force team rises from the ashes of defeat determined to finish the mission that started two years earlier with the deaths of Piper's entire team. Failure isn't an option. Because if they fail, the freedom of the entire world might be at stake.

ISBN-13: 9781691685424

The world as we know it will never be the same...

Wow, I really didn't see this story coming! If I didn't know better I'd almost swear Strike Force was ripped from today's headlines! Then again, who knows how much of this stuff is really going on beyond the knowledge of the average American. Anyway, Mary Alford has a strong start to her Courage Under Fire series with this novel.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Mary Alford

Author Website

Strike Force is a short, easy, read coming in at around 135 pages. It's almost reminiscent of a serial story with each 'chapter' in its own book. Although this is book one in the Courage Under Fire series I do recommend reading Storm Warnings from Mary Alford first. I didn't and I know I would have been able to catch on faster to certain elements of the story if I had.

Strike Force was a good read with plenty of action, adventure, intrigue, betrayal, and yes, definitely some romance. It was fun taking a break from the usual longer romantic suspense novels and I find myself looking forward to the next book in Mary Alford's new series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Strike Force by Mary Alford a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Healing Knife by S.L. Russell

3/18/2020

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Genre:
Suspense

The Healing Knife
by S.L. Russell

-From Goodreads-

To Rachel Keyte death is the enemy. The early loss of her beloved father from heart failure ignited a single-minded determination in her: to save as many patients as she can, and to become a consultant before the age of forty. Everything else – friendship, love, empathy – is sacrificed to her obsession.

Now Rachel’s surgical skills are twelve-year-old Craig’s only hope for a normal life. His mother Eve holds a deep distrust of doctors, and her son is all she has. Reluctantly, she agrees for the operation to go ahead. But surgery is never predictable, nor is a devastated mother’s terrifying reaction. Eve, it seems, wants a life for a life...

ISBN-13: 9781782643036

Before healing comes the pain of brokenness...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Well now, I'm not sure what I was expecting but it was not what I got in The Healing Knife. I guess I was anticipating a straight on romantic suspense, but no, S.L. Russell had a lot more in store for our heroine and for readers. Sure, there are some definite suspense elements, tragedy and a crazed stalker, but even more this book asks the questions of how a person would deal with the trauma, the staggering emotions, and the general aftermath from such frightening events.

Rachel really thinks that she's got life by the tail...until one day she doesn't. She isn't close to her family and she let go of whatever faith she had as a child so she really has nothing and no one to rely on her world is completely tilted of its axis. But then she meets people with faith despite hard times, finds a place of peace where she can start to heal, and lets a four-legged friend into her life. I think that was my favorite part of The Healing Knife, author S.L. Russell's accurate portrayal of Rachel's slow transformation from grief to healing, and, maybe someday even to forgiveness.

I'm just going to say it. One of the most interesting things about reading this story is, as an American reader, seeing the differences between American and British Christian suspense. Drinking and sex outside of marriage are not quite as frowned upon, though often painted as a crutch, and even faith is expressed differently. I found the cultural differences to be quite fascinating. At times it was reminiscent of reading a Mary Stewart novel, she is probably my favorite British author, and I liked that.

Whether you love British fiction from actual British authors, like gritty Christian suspense, or just want see a little of the world through fiction, S.L. Russell's novel The Healing Knife might be up your alley.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Healing Knife by S.L. Russell a 4 Bark rating.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

3/17/2020

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

from

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Book Review - The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

3/14/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

The Spice King
Hope And Glory book 1
by Elizabeth Camden

-From Goodreads-

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

ISBN-13: 9780764232114

Scandal and intrigue bring unexpected romance...

I have to admit that I've been a little hit or miss with reading Elizabeth Camden's books in recent years. I'm really not sure why because I really enjoy them. But, anyway, I am glad that The Spice King was one of the 'hits'. Not only was I completely entertained by this story but I also learned a lot, about vanilla which is one of my favorite flavors, to something I hadn't really thought of because it is the norm now, the need for requiring food labels to fully disclose the contents.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Elizabeth Camden

Author Website

Anyway, I was won over right away by the heroine's job, I'm a museum fan so her work in the Smithsonian was way cool! The hero's work as the head of an international spice company was quite interesting, I was even inspired to check out the history of vanilla because of him.

I found The Spice King to be interesting, intriguing, and a very good read. There's some great dramatic moments, a bit of danger, and definitely some romance. I think it's probably one of my favorite Elizabeth Camden books so far. There were some surprises and I couldn't help but wonder when the heroine had to make a difficult decision what I would do if I were in her shoes.

The Spice King was a an enjoyable story and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth Camden has in store for the Delacroix family in the next book in the Hope And Glory series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Author of the Month March 2020 - Kathleen L. Maher + Giveaway

3/13/2020

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March Author of the Month

The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men--a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has captured her heart--she must choose between the two. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, Rose’s decision could mean the difference between life and death.

ASIN: B0851WX4JC

Buy

Interview with author Kathleen L. Maher

How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Bachelor Buttons was the fastest story I have ever written. It’s only a 20,000 word novella, so that has something to do with it. But it also seemed ready to spill out onto the screen for me. My first two books took me thirty years to write, rewrite, edit, hone, and send through critique before I was ready to share them. This story took me a month, beginning to end.
The original release of this novella was 2013 as part of a Civil War sesquicentennial collection commemorating events from 1863. This re-release took me a week to secure a cover, edit, format, and gather a marketing strategy. I call that a miracle!

What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
The story behind the light-hearted romance is one that involves some pretty heavy themes. Racism and prejudice, vengeance, poverty, and redemption. I hope that each of us can listen to the still small voice of the Lord who tells us how to walk through difficult times, when the way is uncertain and all around us has turned to chaos. He still orders the steps of the righteous.

What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
The story is based on real events, namely the draft riots in Manhattan in the summer of 1863. But beyond that, my family can be traced back for generations in the New York City area, and though I live in upstate NY, I love writing anywhere that features my state’s history. I really love New York, and hope to portray its people, places and pastimes as deserving as any other region where Christian historical fiction is set.

Are you a full-time author or do you have a another job?
Aside from being a mom, grandmother and wife, writing is my primary calling.

What is the hardest part of being an author?
I would have to say marketing. Because I have not mastered how to best create buzz for my writing and my books, my sales numbers and income can be discouraging. I have to remind myself that as long as the Lord opens doors for me to walk through, He must have a purpose. My earnest desire is to write messages of hope and redemption, to impart the hard-won faith I’ve come to hold, walking with the Lord for 40 years. I try to show God’s faithfulness, even when we are faithless, and that there is no pit so deep that he cannot rescue us from it. I guess you can’t quantify the impact of that in money or even sales numbers. I just have to pray each story falls into the hands of whoever needs it, and trust the Lord to meet my needs.

What is the craziest thing you've done in the name of research?
I don’t know if this is crazy, but it makes me smile when I think of it. I was researching Civil War artillery, and I heard that a reenactment event would happen at the local community college. I am as introverted as a person can be, but I somehow mustered the courage to walk up to the man handling the 3” Ordnance Rifle (huge cannon) and pepper him with questions. He was such a good sport. He explained and demonstrated each facet of loading and firing the weapon (with a blank cartridge), including the commands and positions of the artillerymen serving the gun. It was quite a thrill.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
I would tell myself to pursue self-publishing sooner. I went the route of securing an agent, and querying traditional publishing houses, and I do have two traditionally published stories, but there is a freedom in self-publishing that exceeds the benefits of having a publishing house. I can write what I feel called to write,

rather than meet a set of prescribed market tropes or formulas or guidelines. For example, it has become somewhat unpopular in Christian Fiction to show a character’s salvation experience. Many houses want an “organic” spiritual growth arc, and nothing too overt. I just want the freedom to show how a person gets saved if that’s what the story calls for.
And besides, if my sales numbers ever do improve, self-publishing allows the author to keep a higher percentage of their earnings. So there’s that, too.

Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I just want to encourage your readers, whoever needs to hear this… we work for an audience of one. Whether we are authors, mothers, wives, employees, etc, there are seasons where you can feel underappreciated, and even invisible. Times when you question if any of your unseen work matters. Let me encourage you that there is One who always sees. One who counts your tears and puts them in a bottle. A friend that sticks closer than a brother. A God who never forgets or forsakes, even if mother or father or spouse or children abandon you. Your reward is with Him. He is faithful.
Keep pressing on!

Thank you, Jasmine. It’s been a privilege to share today. I am offering a giveaway to one of your readers of an e-copy of Bachelor Buttons. All they have to do to enter is share this post on social media. The more shares, the more entries. Just tell me in the comments where you shared to claim your entry(ies). And a way for me to reach you if random dot org selects your name. (email is great.)

Giveaway ends March 20th, 2020 at 11:59 pm MDT

Also, I am hostessing a huge Rafflecopter giveaway with another Christian historical author.
Please take a moment to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes!
Rafflecopter runs from March 9-18th
Grand prize is $50 Amazon GC
Second prize is a $25 Ammy GC
Third prize is an Irish goodie basket
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cc4b6534/

Kathleen L. Maher

"Where every underdog has his day."
Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.