MontanaMade by Jasmine - Tell Tale Book Reviews

MontanaMade by Jasmine

Throwback Thursday - October 14th, 2021

10/14/2021

Rock and roll may never die, but the King is definitely dead . . . again. To pay off some bills, crime scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a job doing mold remediation, but she finds a surprise in the dilapidated home's crawlspace: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this? A sequel to the popular novel Hazardous Duty.

ASIN: B001QOGJWM

OK, this is it. Suspicious Minds has remained my favorite Squeaky Clean Mystery ever! Well, maybe I've only read a few of them, but still. This book has ELVIS! Yes, I am a millennial, and yes Elvis died, or least he moved to Kokomo, IN, over a decade before I was born. But, still. This book has The King! What more could you ask for? The mystery itself was well done with suspects galore and plenty of plot twists to keep you off guard. But the best part, and what I loved most about the book, was every single song reference that Christy Barritt so cleverly wove into this fun and crazy mystery starring Gabby, whose crime scene cleaning exploits continually get her into trouble. If you love cozy mysteries check out Suspicious Minds in Christy Barritt's zany Squeaky Clean Mysteries series...

E-Book Review - A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer

10/11/2021

Genre:
Romance

A Harvest Heart
Georgia Peaches book 16
by Denise Weimer

-From Goodreads-

Hope Richardson is good at just that—hoping. Problem is, she’s often disappointed—by fathers who die, boyfriends who ghost her, and promotion at her event planning firm. It’s her twin sister, Faith, for whom things work out. When Faith’s fiancé lands an out-of-town job, Hope is called home to plan a wedding in the Georgia foothills … and jumpstart the tea room Faith was supposed to run with their mother.

Of all the people to make the first reservation for his family farm’s new event barn, Tucker Bradshaw least expects Hope Richardson. She might’ve rebound-dated him their senior year of high school, but she was all too eager to run back to the star football player in college. Always wanting something bigger and better than their hometown of Clarkesville. Than him.

Her sister’s wedding plans land Hope in the midst of the opening season for Tucker’s corn maze. When a harvest romance reignites, Hope searches for the faith to finally live up to her name.

ASIN: B09GYN6TZ8

They are headed down different paths..or are they?

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Denise Weimer

Sometimes you just need a little break, to step away from all the bad news out there, and instead focus on the wholesome and heartwarming things in life. Things like family, and heritage, fat orange pumpkins, and sweet peaches, corn mazes, and finding the place you are meant to be. All of those things make up the charming and delightful novella that is A Harvest Heart.

Every bit as good as Denise Weimer's first Georgia Peaches novel, this one captured my heart from the very first page. Like a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of spiced chai, A Harvest Heart was exactly what I needed and didn't know it. By chance or by blessing, I wasn't into the story very far before I realized that I had unwittingly picked up precisely the escape I was in need of; a truly heartwarming tale of family, faith, and second chances.

A truly liked Denise Weimer's better-than-a-Hallmark-movie style of storytelling. Her characters kept me entertained and entirely absorbed in their story. I laughed, I cheered, and I flat-out enjoyed myself. Seriously, what more could you possibly ask for in a good novella? This Georgia Peaches tale is definitely going on my favorite novellas list for this year!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer a 5 Bark rating.

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller (Rview, Guest Post, Giveaway)

10/9/2021

Brielle Durand still feels haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way and insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he’s made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart is leading him down? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts, if they’ve any hope to find the peace the seek.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: August 31, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Can they trust each other with their secrets?

Misty M. Beller has been an interesting author to read over the last couple of years. She's known for her small casts of characters and for pitting them against some of the most beautiful and harsh landscapes in the north. A Warrior's Heart was quite different and yet the same.

This first book in the Brides Of Laurent series had Misty M. Beller's trademark elements of danger mixed with romance and vividly painted word pictures of the unforgiving surroundings. But A Warrior's Heart also had a surprisingly large cast, an entire village in fact, and the adventure and romance all take place in the near vicinity of the mysterious hidden community of Laurent.

The idea of a village hidden away for decades in the mountains of Canada is what first caught my attention about the Brides Of Laurent series. It was just so intriguing to think about. Toss in the fact that the story is set during the fictionally neglected War of 1812 and you have the makings of pretty good novel.

I finished A Warrior's Heart a bit sooner than I expected, Brielle, Evan, and the villagers of Laurent just kept drawing back within the pages. I enjoyed my first foray into Misty M. Beller's exciting historical romance Brides Of Laurent series and I am definitely looking forward to my next adventure into the wilderness...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Misty

A secret village living in hidden caves for a century…

One of the fun things about being a writer is letting your imagine run away with itself at times. In general, I’ve never considered myself a creative person. Not like my grandmother, who’s an amazing artist and decorator. She can look at something plain and normal and, with a little paint, create something truly beautiful.

But little by little, I’ve finally learned that just because I don’t feel creative like she is, I still have an imagination that can come up with intriguing ideas.

For example, I was listening to a historical podcast a few years ago that talked about the Vikings and the female warriors who would sometimes gain fame among them. As the hosts talked about the first Viking raids to North America, I started thinking… “What if one of those groups went farther west than any of us thought? What if they found the Rocky Mountains and lived there in a hidden community for centuries?” The thought took hold, and little by little, the idea for the Brides of Laurent series came to life.

I eventually changed the village to be a French settlement named Laurent. The village’s primary warrior was a woman named Brielle Durand, who’d worked hard to win her place as Le Commandant, leader of the Guards and Hunters. I love Brielle’s strength and wit, but also how real her personal struggles became as I wrote her character.

Add in a mountain man spy working for the United States government, and you have the secret for a romance with sparks to light up the mountain sky!

I pray you love A Warrior’s Heart, the first book in this new series. And keep an eye on some of the other characters in the book who might get their own stories soon!

Blessings!
Misty

Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/11dc9/a-warrior-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 30
An Author’s Take, September 30
Remembrancy, October 1
Bigreadersite, October 1
lakesidelivingsite, October 2
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 2
Joanna Bair, October 2
Inklings and notions, October 3
To Everything There Is A Season, October 3
Reviewingbooksplusmore, October 3
Wishful Endings, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 4
Mary Hake, October 4
deb’s Book Review, October 5
Life of Literature, October 5
Betti Mace, October 6
Blossoms and Blessings, October 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 6
Blessed & Bookish, October 7
Connie’s History Classroom, October 7
For the Love of Literature, October 8
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 8
Connect in Fiction, October 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 9
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 10
Through the Fire Blogs, October 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 11
Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 12
Pause for Tales, October 12
Live. Love. Read., October 12

Book Review - Lethal Cover-Up by Darlene L. Turner

10/7/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Lethal Cover-Up
Love Inspired Suspense
by Darlene L. Turner

-From Goodreads-

Some secrets are dangerous…
But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?

ISBN-13: 9781335554475

Can they trust anyone at all...?

Wow! Darlene L. Turner's books just keep getting better and better! Lethal Cover-Up starts with an overheard murder and takes off with non-stop action from there on out. I was caught up in the mystery and drama right from the very beginning and pretty much couldn't put this very exciting Love Inspired Suspense down.

Lethal Cover-Up was a little on the intense side for a Love Inspired Suspense but that's what I loved that about it. Darlene L. Turner doesn't give her characters time to take a breath and readers don't get the chance either. But, then, you really don't want to, you just want to keep flipping those pages as fast as you can to find out if you guessed right or if you've been outwitted by her villains.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Darlene L. Turner

I kinda think that Lethal Cover-Up is probably my favorite Darlene L. Turner novel that I've read so far...of course, that just might change with the next one, but for now it's the best one yet. If you want to take a jaunt north of the border into Canada I can highly recommend this quick read from Love Inspired Suspense...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lethal Cover-Up by Darlene L. Turner a 4.5 Bark rating.

E-Book Review - Shatter The Silence by Carol J. Post

10/7/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Shatter The Silence
Harmony Grove book 2
by Carol J. Post

-From Goodreads-

The hidden wounds bleed the worst...

Tia Jordan almost died at the hands of an abusive, cruel husband and carries the scars, both inside and out. She is using those experiences to help other women and children find solace. Right now, her abused women’s shelter is bursting at the seams. When she learns she’s heir to a huge two-story house outside of town, she thanks God for unexpected blessings, until a grandson shows up with another will, threatening to contest hers.

For the past several months, Jason Sloan has kept his nose to the grindstone, watching his mother’s cancer treatments dwindle away his savings. When he learns the inheritance he counted on has been left to Tia and her shelter, he’s torn. With his mother and him having been forced to flee an abusive situation themselves, Tia’s cause hits too close to home. All disagreements take a back seat, though, when he and Tia find themselves working together to fight an unseen foe. But which one of them is the target?

ASIN: B08LP9V3TC

Will their similar past ruin allow them a future?

When reading a series it's pretty common for a second book to just not quite have the same, well, oomph, as the first. But that's just not true about Carol J. Post's romantic suspense series, Harmony Grove. Nope, Shatter The Silence most definitely keeps up with its predecessor in both the romance and chilling danger departments.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Carol J. Post

There is a lot to take in with Shatter The Silence. Though it deals with a very difficult subject, Carol J. Post manages with sensitivity to entertain with story while raising awareness and inspiring the reader to step out and do whatever they can to help victims of domestic violence. She also tells those facing abuse in the home that they are loved, they are of value, and they are not alone.

Gritty and quite suspenseful, Shatter The Silence is one of those stories that is hard to forget. It tugs at the heart and makes you want to DO something. I was impressed with the very real way Carol J. Post portrayed her characters, their challenges, and even more importantly, their triumphs.

I very much enjoyed Shatter The Silence, and, though it will take some work to keep up with the second Harmony Grove book I know that Carol J. Post is definitely up to the task. I can't wait to dive into book three...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Shatter The Silence by Carol J. Post a 4.5 Bark rating.

Book Review - Amish Country Threats by Dana R. Lynn

10/6/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Amish Country Threats
Amish Country Justice book 10
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana R. Lynn

-From Goodreads-

Her brother was murdered.
Will she be next?

While searching for proof that her brother's death was no accident, Lilah Schwartz is almost killed by a sniper in her Amish community. Hiding in Levi Burkholder's barn is all that keeps her alive. The former soldier will do everything in his power to protect Lilah, but can he and Lilah uncover the evidence her brother hid before she's the next to die?

ISBN-13: 9781335405265

Will her brother's secrets get them killed too?

Well, there's nothing like starting off a book with a little arson! Of course, this is one of Dana R. Lynn's Amish Love Inspired Suspense novels so I expect nothing less than danger and mayhem right off the bat.

Amish Country Threats is actually a book that I've been waiting awhile to read. Ever since Levi first appeared in his friend's story I've been curious about this somewhat mysterious former Amish-turned soldier-turned Amish man again. Lilah? Well, I genuinely liked her right away. She's sweet and kind but also has a backbone that surprises even her. But most importantly, Lilah is the perfect match for Levi even though he isn't exactly ready to admit it.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Dana R. Lynn

It's hard to believe that Amish Country Threats is the tenth book in Dana R. Lynn's page-turning Amish Country Justice series. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed every single one and it's a series I sincerely hope will be continued. So, take my advice and take a page from my book by not missing a single exciting book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Amish Country Threats by Dana R. Lynn a 4 Bark rating.

WORD Wednesday - October 6th, 2021

10/6/2021

Just Read Blog Tour - Blood From A Stone by David James Warren (Review, Giveaway)

10/5/2021

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Blood From a Stone by David James Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his one chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

PURCHASE LINKS*:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Other Books in the Series

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE:
Website | Instagram

My Review

Can his life possibly fall apart any farther?

Gee whiz! Rem just can't seem to win for losing! His time travel choices have disintegrated his life almost to the point of being irreparable. But at least now he's trying to make the right decisions in order to put his life, and those closest to him, back together in a positive way...

Blood From A Stone is the fifth book in the True Lies Of Rembrandt Stone and is one of the best. As I've said before, Time Travel is just not my genre but this series has really been an exception for me. The whole question of how important even our tiniest choices are, how they affect others, and just how responsible we are for what happens, is fascinating to explore through fiction. A lot of that existential stuff may be above my pay grade but it's been interesting to watch as Rem's character has changed and grown as he wrestles with those questions.

The combined talent that is David James Warren has really run their main character through the wringer thus far but the ante has been upped exponentially in this book. I kinda surprised myself at how fast I finished Blood From A Stone, I read it all in one day which is definitely quicker than the previous True Lies Of Rembrandt Stone. Maybe it had something to do with the bombshells that just kept dropping on poor Rem.

James Rubart, Susan May Warren, and David Curtis Warren were pretty gutsy to take on writing a story with a single main character but I can tell you that it's been a winning combination so far! And after the cliffhanger at the end of Blood From A Stone I can't wait to read the conclusion to the True Lies Of Rembrandt Stone...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blood From A Stone by David James Warren a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/
CONNECT WITH JAMES:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.
CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Blood from a Stone and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 5, 2021 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway
and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

Book Review - Shielding The Amish Witness by Mary Alford

10/4/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Shielding The Amish Witness
Love Inspired Suspense
by Mary Alford

-From Goodreads-

Seeking refuge in Amish country
puts everyone she loves in danger.

On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place—her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose

ISBN-13: 9781335405142

Will her past destroy his future?

There are a few authors that I always head for when I want a good Amish Love Inspired Suspense to read, Mary Alford is one of them. Since Montana is not a state that comes to mind when you think of the Amish people, I've really been enjoying her last several books set in the very real West Kootenai (pronounced Koot-nee by locals) Amish settlement in northwest Montana. Shielding The Amish Witness has the same setting, but wow, I'm pretty sure that Mary Alford really amped up the action and danger in it!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Mary Alford

Shielding The Amish Witness was non-stop suspense, the characters never get a chance to breathe or take a break and neither do readers. This book was almost impossible to put down because I just HAD to know what would happen next. Snowstorms, fire, car and buggy chases, murder, betrayal, shocking secrets, this book has it all.

If Amish romantic suspense is your thing I would wholeheartedly recommend Mary Alford current Love Inspired Suspense 'series' of books, and Shielding The Amish Witness in particular. They are quick, easy, fast-paced reads and are perfect for an afternoon of escape into a tranquil setting with a surprising penchant for danger and intrigue.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Shielding The Amish Witness by Mary Alford a 4.5 Bark rating.

Movie Review - God's Not Dead: We The People

10/4/2021

The God’s Not Dead franchise continues in God’s Not Dead: We the People as Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.

This next film in the God’s Not Dead franchise is an inspiring, must-see
movie for everyone, especially those in the homeschooling community!

Get your tickets to see GOD’S NOT DEAD: WE THE PEOPLE, only in theaters October 4, 5 & 6!

My Review

Sometimes We The People make all the difference...

Finally, a movie where the homeschoolers aren't ridiculed and are not portrayed as the weird family next door or psychotic serial killers...

By way of confession, I actually started God's Not Dead: We The People after watching only the first two God's Not Dead films. However, it's one that's been at the top of my want-to-watch list since I first heard about it several months ago.

I watched this movie with my parents and brother. We've all liked the God's Not Dead films but I also knew that this film would be close to our hearts. You see, 3 decades ago my parents made the then, even more controversial decision to homeschool my younger brother and myself. They did so not only for religious reasons but also because the school system in our area had a high failure rate. Interestingly, God's Not Dead: We The People brings up both of those reasons as well as several others.

All four of us liked the movie. God's Not Dead: We The People was another excellent Christian film from Pure Flix, a company that I've been increasingly impressed with over the years. The quality of the filming itself was quite good as were the dialogue and acting. Little kids may not find the movie riveting but it's definitely one to watch with your whole family.

This series of movies, and God's Not Dead: We The People in particular, are more relevant than ever. Our environment is fast becoming even more hostile towards Christianity, while not as violent as the rest of the world, persecution is alive and well in the USA. This movie, and the others, encourage people to stand strong in their faith and to stand up for what's right and for our rights even when it hurts. We need that encouragement now more than we ever before...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives God's Not Dead: We The People a 4.5 Bark rating.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

#GodsNotDeadMIN #GodsNotDeadWeThePeople #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Just Read Reviewer Tour - Blessed by Lisa T. Bergren

10/3/2021

The fellowship of the Gifted is thirteen in number-each in possession of a divine purpose, each forging ahead as catalysts in a war between light and dark. Among them are Sir Gianni de Capezzana and Daria d'Angelo, a couple in pursuit of new goals-to face down the Church and yet avoid being burned as heretics. Trailed by the enemy, and on the run in an unpredictable land, they're offered tenuous sanctuary… Behind the walls of the wondrous Castle Les Baux, Gianni and Daria find respite and, at long last, love. Yet the enemy draws nearer-promising that the Gifted will know sorrow, fear, and ultimate defeat-hunting them every step of the way. But God's Gifted shall not be thwarted…

Paperback: 400 pages
Published: September 27th 2021
Publisher: Stonewater Books

ISBN-13: 9780988547698

My Review

Their greatest battles lies ahead...

I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to start. The Gifted has been such a sweeping epic that encapsulating my thoughts on the dramatic and wrenching conclusion into a few paragraphs is quite difficult.

In many ways Blessed was the hardest book of the trilogy to read. Evil seems to triumph and reminiscent of Tolkein's books things only get darker and seem more hopeless as the end draws closer. But...when things are darkest is when faith shines the brightest, when things seem hopeless is when God can do great miracles. I honestly don't know what Lisa T. Bergren intended to be the deepest message through this story but I know that the things that reached down into my heart mainly revolved around the need to, use the Word of God as a sword when battling the enemy, to as the Bible says 'count the cost', that while obedience is better than sacrifice they often go hand in hand, and that our faith should match our God.

As to the fiction aspects of the story, Blessed is a very moving tale that engages your emotions and transports you to medieval France and Italy. I'll admit that the plot didn't always go the way I wanted it to, and sometimes I wanted to yell “NO!” out loud, but it tells you just how invested I was in the novel.

Once again I was completely impressed with Lisa T. Bergren's skill at telling a story rife with the impossible without painting her characters with a modern brush. Thanks to the Age Of Enlightenment we have long been out of touch with the spiritual realm and with the miraculous aspects of our faith, both elements which people of the era in which The Gifted is set would have been familiar. The characters are wonderful in their tragedies, triumphs, and in their relatable human frailties.

Medieval era historical fiction, yes. An epic tale of intrigue and romance, yes. Valuable lessons in faith and spiritual warfare, yes. Blessed has all of that and more. Don't miss The Gifted series from the talented pen of Lisa T. Bergren. Just remember the most important thing...after darkness comes light...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blessed by Lisa T. Bergren a 4 Bark rating.

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

Book Review - Butterfly Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

10/2/2021

Genre:
Women's Fiction

Butterfly Cottage
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

-From Goodreads-

Life-changing journeys begin when three generations of women unexpectedly spend a summer at the family’s Straits of Mackinac cottage

Three generations of women unexpectedly head out to the family’s cottage at the Straits of Mackinac for a small-town Michigan summer together. Each has her own journey to pursue during this short respite time from “normal” life. One of them has a secret that will change all of their lives. Can she make this one special summer to remember or will all be devastated? Faith for family and friends will be tested, with some finally able to put the past behind them and begin anew.

(Set in 2018, pre-Pandemic.)

ISBN-13: 9781736687505

Three generations...One summer together...

I'll be honest upfront. Women's Fiction is not a genre that I make a regular habit of reading, though there have been a number of exceptions. However, Butterfly Cottage just happens to be a Carrie Fancett Pagels novel which means it's one that I wanted to read.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Butterfly Cottage was different from pretty much every other Carrie Fancett Pagels novel that I've read. The most noticeable difference, of course, is that it's contemporary and not historical romance. But even her 'voice' has changed a little bit for this book. She's a tad more blunt, spent less time on romance elements, and her characters are even more flawed. But those differences are all in the best way possible, it's refreshing, honest, and skillfully portrays three generations of women in different phases of life.

As I'm sure you can tell, I really enjoyed this book. I laughed, I got so mad I wanted to yell at people who are only characters and are not real, and I let myself become invested in their fictional lives. Whether you are into women's fiction or not, whether you are in your twenties or forties or sixties or even more, whether you are married or single, I can wholeheartedly recommend Butterfly Cottage to you. Carrie Fancett Pagels's novel is all about the messiness, the unexpectedness, and the beauty of life...something that I think we all, no matter our generation, know a little bit about...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Butterfly Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels a 4 Bark rating.

Epic Book Launch - Unintended Detour by D.L. Wood

10/2/2021

A hundred-year-old secret might be the cause of and the key to solving a murder.

Jack and Chloe Bartholomew just wanted a romantic second honeymoon in the beautiful Hudson River Valley at the legendary hotel his family recently acquired. However, instead of spa treatments and horseback rides through the snow, things are all wrong at the Stonehall Estate Resort.

First, she learns of months of unexplained mishaps.

And now murder.

It soon becomes clear someone wants the resort to fail and will stop at nothing to make that happen. The question is…why?

In an effort to help the family business, Chloe picks up where the hotel’s last historical curator left off. But things quickly grow dangerous as her research uncovers truths hidden for decades—clues related not only to the mysteries sparked by a young girl’s death in 1931, but also those haunting the estate today. Soon Chloe is caught in a deadly race to expose the mansion’s secrets before more innocents become victims of the malevolent force behind it all.

Will Chloe bring the long-lost truth to light in time, or will she be the next to fall prey to the dark scheme, costing her everything, including her life?

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 21, 2021

Excerpt from Unintended Detour

The sheer number appalled him. They must have taken on extra help for the night. Will knew the owner of this house did not employ that many on a regular basis.

Of course they had gone to extremes.

After all, appearances must be kept up. Thankfully, not a single person seemed to notice him as maids, footmen, and cooks alike raised and clinked their glasses, cheering and laughing. They were celebrating too. He wondered how, when questioned later, they would explain their failure to see him. His stomach clenched at the thought of causing them trouble. But it couldn’t be helped.

He took the stairs two at a time, his shoes pounding on the wood, sacrificing stealth for speed, his right hand holding the revolver, his left gripping the railing, pulling himself onward—harder, faster—until he landed on the first floor in the corridor directly behind the banquet hall.

His heart banged against his rib cage, spurred on by nerves and fear and doubt. But there was no time for that now. Now, there was only action. He inhaled deeply through his nose, set his shoulders back, and barged through the door to the butler’s passage. He veered to the left, barreling to the end, then flung open the final door into the banquet hall.

D.L. Wood

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited.
D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies – Frodo and Dobby – bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: http://travelerswife4life.com/unintended-detour/

Excerpt Two: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2021/09/unintended-detours-by-dl-wood-epic-book.html

Excerpt Three: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2021/09/unintended-detours-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Four: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-unintended-detour-by-dl-wood

Excerpt Five: https://blissbooksandjewels.com/special-book-feature-excerpt-unintended-detour-by-d-l-wood/

Excerpt Six: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2021/10/01/unintended-detour-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2021/09/13/unintended-detours-epic-book-launch/

Book Review - Cold Case Trail by Sharee Stover

10/1/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Cold Case Trail
Love Inspired Suspense
by Sharee Stover

-From Goodreads-

Following the clues
could be the last thing they do…

Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure?

ISBN-13: 9781335405227

Can she forgive him before it's too late for them?

There are Love Inspired Suspense authors that I've read and enjoyed for years and then there are newer ones that I'm quickly coming to like just as much. Sharee Stover is one of the latter, Cold Case Trail is the 4th book of hers that I've read in as many years and with each one I'm hooked a little more.

I'll admit that I had a little bit of a hard time with Justine for awhile, but it was her stubborn and kind of unreasonable belief that Trey was at fault for their friend's death that actually made her seem more real. I did like Trey, but, for me, Magnum was the character I loved best. I know, he's a dog but he was such a hero in Cold Case Trail that I just couldn't help myself.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Sharee Stover

Sharee Stover did a great job keeping the action hopping all throughout the story. Her characters didn't get a chance to take a breath and neither do readers. If you are a fan of the quick-reading Love Inspired Suspense novels I would would definitely recommend checking out this book and author...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Cold Case Trail by Sharee Stover a 4 Bark rating.

E-Book Review - Never Envy An Earl by Regina Scott

9/30/2021

Genre:
Historical Romance / Regency

Never Envy An Earl
Fortune's Brides book 3
by Regina Scott

-From Goodreads-

The saucy Yvette de Maupassant is used to danger. She’s spent the last 10 years spying for England in Napoleon’s court. Now that her work has been discovered, she must hide, and what better place than the remote wooded estate of the Earl of Carrolton? Her friend Miss Thorn and that delightful cat Fortune place her in a position where she can pretend to be companion to the earl’s sickly mother. Yet one look at the earl has Yvette rethinking why she wants to stay.

Gregory, Earl of Carrolton, is used to power. So why does one moment in the company of his mother and spinster sister leave him feeling powerless? And why does the look in a certain Frenchwoman’s eyes leave him weak at the knees? As danger draws closer, Gregory and Yvette must work together to protect her, his family, and the future of England, as they discover the greatest danger and delight is falling in love.

ASIN: B07DM9R21V

With her, his world will never be the same...

I've always been a little leery of Regency Romance as they so often tend to be either silly or trashy but neither word ever enters my mind when picking up a Regina Scott novel. I have a few favorite Regency era authors and it's because of books like Never Envy An Earl that Regina Scott is right up there top with the best of them.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Regina Scott

I fell in love with Fortune's Brides, and of course, Fortune herself, the very first time I read one. Never Envy An Earl is the third book in the Fortune's Brides series and it's the third one that I've read, though I did not read the first two chronologically. I am completely hooked on this series and invested in the characters.

I'll confess that I did not care so much for Yvette in book two, for no real reason she just rubbed my fur the wrong way. But, I am happy to say that she completely changed my mind and just like Gregory she quite won my heart. I absolutely loved how she spoke her mind, stood up for the defenseless, and completely turned one earl's life totally upside-down.

Never Envy An Earl had all of the wit, sparkle, and charm of the first two Fortune's Brides books. And also like them, the liberal helping of danger and intrigue was the perfect yin to the historical romance's yang. If you are a fan of Regency era fiction I cannot recommend this book and series from Regina Scott, the are fun and a delight to read.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Never Envy An Earl by Regina Scott a 4.5 Bark rating.