Tell Tale Book Reviews

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mission Undercover by Virginia Vaughan a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Plain Retribution by Dana R. Lynn

9/16/2017

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Plain Retribution
Amish Country Justice book 2
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana R. Lynn

-From Amazon-

AMISH ABDUCTION

Ten years ago while on rumspringa, Rebecca Miller and her friends were kidnapped and held captive…and now, living in the English world, she's nearly abducted again. One by one her friends who once helped send their abductor to jail are targeted, and she is next…unless police officer Miles Olsen can stop a killer. Deaf since birth, the only person on the force that Rebecca can communicate with is Miles, and he needs this case to redeem himself of past mistakes. When the relentless killer tracks them deep into the heart of Amish country, protecting Rebecca must be Miles's sole focus. Because a mistake this time will cost something worth more to him than his job—the woman he's falling for.

ISBN-13: 978-0373457236

The past has come back to haunt and hurt...

I think Plain Retribution is the third book I've read by Dana R. Lynn but I'm pretty sure it's my favorite so far. The first book in the Amish Country Justice mini-series was great, but this one was even better! To be honest, when I first figured out who Miles was, I was not happy. I mean he wasn't exactly a nice person in the first story he appeared in. But it didn't take long for this guy, who just trying to prove himself, to grow on me and I did come to to like him. I loved Rebecca right off, and I found myself desperately hoping that her attacker would be caught. Plain Retribution is a must read for fans of Dana R. Lynn and for readers of romantic suspense. It's a nail-biter that you won't be able to put down, I know I couldn't....

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana R. Lynn

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Plain Retribution by Dana R. Lynn a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - Once Upon A Cowboy by Lacy Williams

9/15/2017

Genre:
Romance

Once Upon A Cowboy
The Cowboy Fairytales Series book 1
by Lacy Williams

He breathed her name—her real name. It was the first time she’d heard it since she’d been on the ranch.
And then, as if he couldn’t help himself, he bent his head and kissed her.

A princess on the run finds sanctuary where she least expects it....

After nearly dying in an assassination attempt, Princess Alessandra of Glorvaird escapes to a place no one would ever think to look for her: small town Oklahoma and a ranch staffed by a herd of wooly, uncouth cowboys.

ASIN: B01M8NCTR1

My Review

Her Prince Charming isn't what she expected...

What a sweet and fun romance! I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this delightful story from Lacy Williams. If you love cowboy romances, especially those with a fairytale spin and a dash of intrigue Once Upon A Cowboy is the story for you! The Audible audiobook version is excellent! The narrator did a great job in bringing this fun story to life. And I look forward to listening/reading the next book in this series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives
Once Upon A Cowboy by Lacy Williams a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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E-Book Review - Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman

9/14/2017

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Fatal Mistake
White Knights book 1
by Susan Sleeman

-From Goodreads-

An FBI agent must protect the woman who can identify a terrorist bomber in bestselling author Susan Sleeman's riveting romantic suspense novel.

Each day could be her last...but not if he can help it.
Tara Parrish is the only person ever to survive an attack by the Lone Wolf bomber. Scared and emotionally scarred by her near death, she goes into hiding with only one plan--to stay alive for another day. She knows he's coming after her, and if he finds her, he will finish what he started.

Agent Cal Riggins has had only one goal for the past six months--to save lives by ending the Lone Wolf's bombing spree. To succeed, he needs the help of Tara Parrish, the one person who can lead them to the bomber. Cal puts his all into finding Tara, but once he locates her, he realizes if he can find her, the Lone Wolf can, too. He must protect Tara at all costs, and they'll both need to resist the mutual attraction growing between them to focus on hunting down the bomber, because one wrong move could be fatal.

ASIN: B01LL8BVLG

Death behind & ahead. A chance at love...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Susan Sleeman

Fatal Mistake is the first non Love Inspired book that I've read by Susan Sleeman. But, OH! It was so good! Maybe even better! Susan Sleeman's trademark is to drop her readers right into the action on page one and then hold them hostage until that very last page. Fatal Mistake more than lived up to expectation and I could hardly put it down. Romance, danger, a wily killer, and two people determined to catch him, all of the ingredients needed to make a wonderful and thrilling story.

I think one of my favorite things about the story is just how flawed Tara and Cal are. They are not cookie-cutter perfect in any way. They were some of the most relatable characters I've ever read about.

If you are looking for an intense and riveting read I highly recommend Fatal Mistake, the first book in Susan Sleeman's new White Knights series. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Promise Bride by Gina Welborn & Becca Whitham

9/13/2017

Genre:
Historical Romance

The Promise Bride
A Montana Brides Romance book 1
by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham

-From Amazon-

In a booming frontier town, a heavenly match may be
in store for mail-order brides seeking a fresh start . . . women of strength and spirit who embrace the
challenges of life and love in the wild Montana Territory.

Determined to save her father and siblings from a crumbling Chicago tenement, Emilia Stanek becomes the long-distance bride of a Montana rancher. But when she arrives in Helena, a rugged lawman shatters her plans with the news that her husband is dead—and deeply in debt.

County sheriff Mac McCall can’t afford to be distracted by the pretty young widow, not with scandalous secrets emerging as he investigates his friend’s suspicious death. Mac’s gruff order that she leave town at once only spurs Emilia’s resolve to take ownership of her late husband’s ranch and face his debtors. But as her defenses soften, Emilia begins to accept Mac’s help, feel compassion for his own wounded heart—and learns that trust means taking a leap of faith . . .

ISBN-13: 978-1420143973

Both get more than they bargained for...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Gina Welborn

Becca Whitham

Historical romances come and go and over the years I've read quite a few of them since that first Janette Oke book at age 10. When I saw that The Promise Bride was set in Helena, Montana, I knew I wanted to read it. Montana hasn't always been that well represented in historical romance, especially Christian fiction, so it was a treat to see one set in a real town. I was totally thrilled to read in the acknowledgments to see that the authors had gone above and beyond by contacting the Montana Historical Society for information and that they'd consulted with a noted historian whose books I have actually read. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a dry book full of boring dates. Nope, The Promise Bride was a fun, sweet, historical romance with a good dash of mystery. Not everyone in this story are as they first appear and it was fun trying to figure out which side they were really on. The characters and storyline kept me interested and engaged, and that brother of Emilia's made me so mad sometimes, from start to finish. Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham have a great start to neat series and I hope to read more of them in the future.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Promise Bride by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham a 4 Bark rating.

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DVD Review - Patterns Of Evidence: Exodus + Giveaway

8/30/2017

2 Comments

Genre:
Documentary DVD

Patterns Of Evidence
Exodus

Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus is an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Timothy Mahoney that chronicles an in-depth archaeological investigation in Egypt as his team attempts to corroborate the biblical text. The film explores one fundamental question: Is there any evidence that the Exodus story actually happened? Twelve years in the making, this provocative documentary reveals new or rarely seen evidence regarding the Israelites descent into slavery, their Exodus from Egypt and their ultimate conquest of the Promised Land. Although many scholars and archaeologists deny the validity of the Exodus story for lack of proof, Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus builds a case that sheds new light on the story.

Won 13 awards on the film festival circuit in 2014, including a Gold Remi Award winner for Best Director at the Worldfest Houston Intl. Film Festival, the Gold Crown Award for Best Picture and Best Documentary at ICVM 2014, and Official Selection at the Soho International Film Festival in New York.

Official Website
www.patternsofevidence.com

BUY
https://store.patternsofevidence.com/collections/movies
Use the link above to purchase the DVD and use the code MK1 for $3 off of retail price.

My Review

This was my second time sitting down with my family to watch Patterns Of Evidence: Exodus and once again I was amazed. The quality of the production is wonderful! Modern day footage, animations, a dramatic musical score, and excellent narration tie everything together in a visually pleasing show that hardly seems to be a documentary. As with the first time we watched the film, not only did we watch it straight through, but it sparked quite a lively debate amongst family members. One of the things that I truly liked about Patterns Of Evidence: Exodus is the fact that multiple viewpoints are presented, some believe the Bible is the word of God and is fact, some believe that it is a historical work, some believe that the Exodus account is literal, some believe it is metaphorical, and others believe it's an out and out fabrication. No matter what viewpoints you hold personally, this film is interesting, thought provoking, and they do provide some pretty compelling evidence for Exodus having been exactly as the Bible depicted. If you are a history buff like me, enjoy documentaries, or love it when the Bible once again proves to be Truth, Patterns Of Evidence: Exodus is the perfect documentary. It is fascinating and, at least to me, totally riveting. This is a great film for the whole family and would actually make an excellent supplement to a homeschool curriculum. Great film, one that I learn new things each time I watch it, and one that I will watch over again in the future.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Patterns Of Evidence: Exodus a 5 Bark rating.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

#PatternsOfEvidence #FlyBy

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Book Interview - Many Sparrows by Lori Benton + Giveaway

8/25/2017

12 Comments

Many Sparrows
by Lori Benton

Either she and her children would emerge from that
wilderness together, or none of them would…

In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can recover her son...especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

ISBN-13: 978-1601429940

with author Lori Benton about her
newest book Many Sparrows

#1. What was the inspiration for Many Sparrows?
Usually multiple points of inspiration come together to form the kernel of a novel. In the case of Many Sparrows the historical backdrop, Dunmore’s War, played a large part in how this story got started. I’d been intrigued by this little known campaign and battle on the frontier for years, since reading another novel that touched on it, and knew I’d like to write about a frontiersman who found himself involved in this conflict. The sort of person who might be torn between both sides (Shawnees and Virginians). Eventually Jeremiah Ring came into being. Then I started thinking about what sort of character to play off him. A woman, of course! But who was she, why would she have been on the frontier at this time? What was her story? After a little more research I realized she could be a settler headed for Kentucky who gets caught up in all that tension going on along the Ohio River frontier during the year 1774.
Hello, Clare Inglesby!

Point Pleasant Battle Monument
at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park **

#2. What was the hardest part in the writing process for Many Sparrows?
The hardest part was a reluctance I had to delve deeply into one of the characters who opposes Clare and her achieving the goal of regaining her captured son Jacob—the Shawnee woman, Rain Crow, who adopts Jacob and names him Many Sparrows. I’m not sure why it was a struggle, but once I realized not doing so was hampering my progress through the middle of the story (often a difficult part to write), I got into her head and more importantly her heart and began to see her as the heroine of her own story. That’s when the story gained complexity and the writing began to flow in a way it hadn’t been before. It was a breakthrough, and a reminder that as a writer I need to take time to see my stories from even the secondary characters’ point of view, so those characters come across as deep and layered as the main characters.

#3. What is the craziest/most interesting thing you did while researching this book?

The Scioto River near South Bloomfield, Ohio **

Getting to take a research trip along the Scioto and Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, all settings in the pages of Many Sparrows. Living on the west coast of the United States, I don’t always get to do this with my books. Having spent half my life on the east coast I have many memories of these places, yet it’s a real treat to get to visit them afresh while I’m writing a book.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read Many Sparrows?
I hope readers fall in love with Clare and Jeremiah and are swept away by their story for a few hours. I hope the history presented in these pages catches their imagination and sparks further reading. I hope they get a deeper glimpse of our Heavenly Father and take away whatever He might speak to each of them through these pages of His love, His patience, His goodness, His sovereignty.

#5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.

Two rather sweet things concerning babies happened during the writing of Many Sparrows (which features a baby). There’s a scene in this book that was inspired by a photo of a friend whose firstborn came into the world while I was writing the story. One of the first photos of him and his baby I saw, before they ever left the hospital, was him lying with his tiny son on his chest, looking like they were both sleeping. It was a heart-tugging father/son bonding moment. I won’t give away the scene that photo inspired here, but I expect readers will know it when they come to it!

The second baby-related thing is another young couple whose second daughter was born during the early days of writing Many Sparrows. In the photos that began popping up on social media, and in person, I noticed how alert this tiny girl appeared, as if she was more aware of the world around her (and slightly amused by it) than an infant her age could possibly be. She became the physical embodiment of Clare’s daughter, Pippa.

#6. What is your main character's greatest strength and greatest flaw?
Clare Inglesby’s greatest strength is her courage and determination. Her greatest flaw is her inability to let go of control and to trust in God, rather than in her own understanding.

#7. What one piece of advice would your protagonist most like to give readers?

Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
In the front matter of Many Sparrows is this verse:

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father… Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29–31

The title Many Sparrows has a double meaning. It’s a character’s name, yes, but this story is about what happens when we get a glimpse of the bigger canvas God is painting with the circumstances that touch our lives. It’s easy to put ourselves at the center of our universe. What a blessing when He gives us eyes to see beyond our own concerns and a heart to understand that He loves our neighbors as deeply as He loves us, and is as busy in their circumstances as He is in ours. He’s concerned with all the sparrows under the sun—every bit as much as He is with those who reside in our little nests.

Lori Benton

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn; Christy nominee The Wood's Edge; A Flight of Arrows; and Many Sparrows.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Lori Benton is generously giving away 1 Print copy of Many Sparrows!
Sorry, USA entries only.

* By Brian M. Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3168066
** By I, ChristopherM, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2397655

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Blog Tour Weekend Blitz - Exiles by Jaye L. Knight + Excerpt & Giveaway

8/12/2017

1 Comment

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Exiles, has been released! Exiles is the fourth book
in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Read about it below and be sure
to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Exiles
Ilyon Chronicles book 4
by Jaye L. Knight

Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir but, with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet?
The first three Kindle books are on sale August 11th - 14th

Click the image below to find them on Amazon

Excerpt from
Exiles

“Lady Anne,” Goler said in smooth voice, yet his eyes glinted demandingly as he looked between her and Charles.
Anne put on her sweetest smile. “Captain Goler, allow me to introduce Lord Ilvaran, the Viscount of Dunrick. He’s here to visit his niece and requested that he be my escort tonight.” She said it with all innocence, as if she weren’t fervently thanking Elôm that he had.
Goler stared at Charles for a lengthy moment with a sickening half-smile that suggested he was fighting the urge to curse. Finally, he must have controlled himself. “Lord Ilvaran, welcome to Landale.”
“Thank you, Captain. It appears to be quite a charming place. I hope to see more of it, if the weather permits. I hear you have your hands full keeping the peace, what with traitorous outlaws running loose.”
“Indeed,” Goler spoke through his teeth. “In fact, I’m surprised your niece is allowed to remain in such a volatile area.”
Of course, if she weren’t, then Charles wouldn’t be here to ruin Goler’s evening. Anne fought an upwelling of smugness.
Charles gave a charming smile with not even a hint of subtle sarcasm. “Well, we trust the local officials to keep the innocent safe.”
Anne bit down hard to keep from grinning. Goler couldn’t argue against that.
“We do our best.” Goler forced his smarmy smile wider, but it didn’t hide the ice in his eyes. “I do hope you enjoy the evening and your visit.”
His gaze slid once more to Anne, seething just as she’d expected, but next to Charles, she felt secure.
“Thank you,” Charles said again. “I’m sure I will.” He then led Anne off to mingle with the rest of the guests.
Once they were out of earshot, Anne released a quiet laugh and glanced up at Charles. “We need to keep you around. You handled him better than anyone I know.”

Jaye L. Knight

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack!
Prizes include:
an autographed copy of Exiles,
a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast,
and a sword letter opener!
(Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

Tour Schedule

Thursday, August 10
Book Spotlight at A Pinch of Faith

Friday, August 11
Character Interview at Reality Reflected
Review at Tricia Mingerink
Book Spotlight at She Hearts Fiction
Review and Excerpt at Literary Cafe
Character Interview and Excerpt at A Day In The Life
Author Interview at The World of the Writer
Review at WritingAnyone
Review and Character Interview at Meagan Davenport
Review and Special Post at R535 Blog
Review at Leah’s Bookshelf
Author Interview and Excerpt at Liv K. Fisher
Review, Character Interview, and Excerpt at The Elven Padawan
Review and Author Interview at Books and Arrows
Review and Author Interview at The Artful Author
Review and Character Interview at Red Lettering
Review and Author Interview at PageTurners
Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
Review and Character Interview at Bookends

Saturday, August 12
Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope
Book Spotlight at Today, by Bryn
Review at Honey Rock Hills
Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words
Excerpt at Tell Tale Book Reviews
Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination
Review and Author Interview at One Word At A Time
Author Interview at Marrok Macintyre
Review and Author Interview at Sarah, Plain & Average
Review at A Camera and a Dreamer
Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
Character Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
Review and Author Interview at Sarah Allerding
Author Interview and Excerpt at Dreams and Dragons
Review and Character Interview at Resting Life
Review and Character Interview at The Music of a Story
Review and Character Interview at Ruffles and Grace

Sunday, August 13
Review at Woman at the Well
Review at Lakeside Publications
Review at Ember's Reviews
Review and Author Interview The Ink Lizard
Excerpt at Lianne Taimenlore
Book Spotlight at Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

Monday, August 14
Review at Backing Books

Tuesday, August 15
Review at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

1 Comment

Interview with Leslie Gould and character Therese Jennings from My Daughter's Legacy + Giveaway

7/31/2017

10 Comments

My Daughter's Legacy
Cousins Of The Dove book 3
by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

Women of Unfailing Conviction
Virginia, 1864

Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love—whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor—ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day

Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained—her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man—to unlock the secrets of the past.

* * *
From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould comes a thrilling tale of
two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last.

with Therese Jennings from
My Daughter's Legacy

#1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I’m a Southern belle who grew up outside of Richmond, Virginia and then attended finishing school in Richmond—until the war started and the school closed. My father, who recently died, was a Northerner so I’d been exposed to ideas that were, well, different than what most of our friends and neighbors held. My brother, Warner, is off fighting for the Confederacy, and now my mother and I are barely surviving. Hopefully this horrific war will end soon.

#2. What is the ONE thing you just CAN'T do without?
My ideals. I’m not the most assertive of Southern Belle’s, not like my friend Polly Talbot, but I can’t ignore pain and suffering. I have to do something to help.

#3. What is your greatest strength and your greatest flaw?
My greatest strength is that I will always do my best to do what is right. My greatest flaw is that I don’t have a natural inclination to nurse others. But, as I work in a Confederate hospital, I’m learning.

#4. What do you most fear?
That no good will come from this dreadful war.

#5. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I’ve often wondered what our lives would be like if we’d move to the North, close to my father’s people, instead of staying in Virginia, close to my maternal grandfather and his plantation.

#6. What do you hope that people will learn from your story?
I hope people will understand how important the legacy they leave is to their children, grandchildren,
and great grandchildren.

#7. What is the most important thing to you?
I would have said “family" a year ago, but after losing my father, I came to realize that following the will of my Heavenly Father has to be the most important thing to me. It’s only then that I can serve others, including my remaining family.

Bonus. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Courage is simply doing the right thing. It has nothing to do with bravery. If God calls you to do something, He’ll give you the needed strength.

LESLIE GOULD

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of twenty-three novels. She loves traveling, research, Shakespeare's plays, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and are the parents of four children.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Leslie Gould
is graciously giving away 3 copies of her novel
My Daughter's Legacy

10 Comments

E-Book Review - Ready To Fumble by Christy Barritt

7/27/2017

Genre:
Mystery

Ready To Fumble
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 1
by Christy Barritt

-From Amazon-

I'm not really a private detective.
I just play one on TV.

Joey Darling, better known to the world as Raven Remington, detective extraordinaire, is trying to separate herself from her invincible alter ego. She played the spunky character for five years on the hit TV show Relentless, which catapulted her to fame and into the role of Hollywood’s sweetheart.

When her marriage falls apart, her finances dwindle to nothing, and her father disappears, Joey finds herself on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, trying to piece her life back together away from the limelight. A woman finds Raven—er, Joey—and insists on hiring her fictional counterpart to find a missing boyfriend. When someone begins staging crime scenes to match an episode of Relentless, Joey has no choice but to get involved.

Joey’s bumbling sleuthing abilities have her butting heads with Detective Jackson Sullivan and kindling sparks with thrill-seeking neighbor Zane Oakley. Can Joey channel her inner Raven and unearth whodunit before she ends up totally done in? And where is her father anyway? Can she handle fame, or is disappearing into obscurity the wiser option?

ASIN: B01N31BJOT

Fact and fiction are starting to blur...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Another winner from one of my all-time favorite mystery/romantic suspense authors! You absolutely cannot go wrong in choosing any Christy Barritt book to read. Every time I read one it quickly becomes my new favorite and, of course, Ready To Fumble fell right into my usual pattern.

Joey is such a quirky and flawed character that you can't help but like her. While most of us aren't movie-star gorgeous like she is, we can still relate to the fact that her life isn't pristine and perfect, in fact, it's a mess.
Christy Barritt has a real knack for penning zany characters who find themselves in some pretty wacky and even dangerous situations. Murder has truly never been so much fun...at least for readers...

Ready To Fumble is a wonderful start to a new mystery series from one of Christian fiction's most talented authors. It's a book, and a series, that you won't want to miss!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Ready To Fumble by Christy Barritt a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

SALE - Save on the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Boxed Set AND Help A North Korean Refugee

7/26/2017

On sale until midnight July 30,
99¢ for the first 3 Kennedy novels!

The Kennedy Stern series by multi-award-winning Christian novelist Alana Terry is a suspense series about a missionary kid thrown into some pretty extraordinary circumstances during her first year of college. Confronted with questions of underage abortion, plagued by a stalker and paralyzing PTSD flashbacks, and eventually caught in the center of a police brutality scandal, Kennedy discovers that her first year at Harvard University involves a lot more than passing a few lab classes and fulfilling her premed requirements.

Sound like the kind of series you could get lost in? The sort of reading you'd like to have keep you up at night? Grab books 1-3 in the Kennedy Stern box set for only 99 cents!

Buy

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UNPLANNED
A mysterious phone call will
change Kennedy’s life forever…

When Kennedy Stern’s childhood pastor asks her to volunteer at his new pregnancy center, she carves time out of her rigorous college schedule to promote the cause of the unborn.
After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.
Soon, Kennedy finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay in exchange for personal and political victory.

"Alana Terry really knows how to keep her readers glued to the page. She has a real flair for riveting drama and danger-filled suspense."
-from our review of Unplanned-

PARALYZED
It’s hard to heal from the past
when the past wants you dead…

Kennedy Stern has returned to campus after surviving an abduction, but old scars cut deep. Vivid flashbacks and terrifying dreams paralyze her, threatening to ruin her academic career and any chance she has for peace or happiness. This mental anguish, however, constitutes only a small fraction of her post-traumatic nightmare.
A partner in Kennedy’s kidnapping remains at large and will not stop until he has silenced her witness permanently. His violent resolve risks not only her life, but the safety of anyone who tries to help.
Kennedy must engage in a deadly battle of the mind as she struggles to stay alive. While fighting on two fronts — one psychological and one physical — the question isn’t whether she’ll come out of the war stronger in the end.
The question is whether she’ll come out of it at all.

"It provokes the mind to think
about the more difficult things,
it tugs at the heart, and in
many ways inspires the soul."
-from our review of Paralyzed-

POLICED
A rogue police officer can ruin a lot more than a perfect evening out...

Kennedy Stern and her best friend Reuben drag themselves away from their grueling studies to enjoy a night off campus, but getting pulled over by a belligerent cop isn’t in either of their plans.
When the police altercation turns violent, the media notes Reuben’s dark skin and labels this instance of police brutality a hate crime. Those Kennedy trusts the most warn her not to get involved, but she owes it to Reuben to pursue justice regardless of the personal cost.
Nothing remains a secret when a frenzied media and an embarrassed police department delve into Kennedy’s and Reuben’s backgrounds. Some truths, unfortunately, grow increasingly more painful the closer they get to the surface.

"Policed doesn't give the answers but it asks the hard questions and makes you look inside yourself and evaluate what you find."
-from our review of Policed-

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.

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E-Book Review - Final Verdict by Jessica R. Patch

7/26/2017

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Final Verdict
Love Inspired Suspense
by Jessica R. Patch

-From Amazon-

FATAL JUSTICE

When Aurora Daniels becomes the target of someone seeking their own twisted justice, Sheriff Beckett Marsh is the only one who can rescue her. As a public defender, Aurora has angered plenty of people in town—and in her past. And while Beckett constantly clashes with the feisty lawyer professionally, it's his duty to protect and serve. Guarding her 24/7 is now his sole assignment. He may not have been able to save his fiancée from a dangerous felon, but he'll do whatever it takes to keep Aurora alive. Even if working with her to catch and convict this ruthless killer puts his heart in the crosshairs.

ASIN: B01L79B6A0

Too many suspects may wish her dead...

Jessica R. Patch has quickly become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. She takes readers hostage with the first page and doesn't release them until the last. Final Verdict was a perfect example of this. I totally couldn't put it down. Jessica R. Patch's signature non-stop action and danger with liberal amounts of romance kept me engrossed and breathlessly, desperately, trying to figure out the villain before it was too late. I truly enjoyed every minute spent reading Final Verdict and I can't wait to read what comes next from this, I hope it's a word, spine-tinglingly talented author...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Jessica R. Patch

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Final Verdict by Jessica R. Patch a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - My Heart Belongs On Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels

7/25/2017

Genre:
Historical Romance

My Heart Belongs On Mackinac Island
(Maude's Mooring)
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

-From Amazon-

Journey now to Mackinac Island where...
A Tangled Gilded Age Love Story Unfolds.

Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffan, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel. While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

ISBN-13: 978-1683220886

She won't leave and he can't stay...

This Book received a 3.5 Bark rating.

Carrie Fancett Pagels once again pens a sweet historical romance set in the lush Michigan landscape. I've been following the My Heart Belongs In... series since the first book, each new location has been fun and fascinating, and I was excited when I saw that Mackinac Island was going to be featured. I've been fascinated by the place since I first read about their interesting rules on transportation...

My Heart Belongs On Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring is a fun and fairly quick read that brings just before the turn of the century Michigan to life. The story is populated with quirky characters who all have their own agendas, and secrets. Add in a realistic portrayal of the frictions that happen between visitors and residents in a town dependent on tourism, a hint of mystery, plenty of romance all around, and you get a light, pleasant, read.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives My Heart Belongs On Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels a 3.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Her Baby's Protector by Margaret Daley & Susan Sleeman

7/21/2017

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Her Baby's Protector
Love Inspired Suspense
by Margaret Daley & Susan Sleeman

-From Amazon-

KEEPING BABY SAFE

Saved by the Lawman by Margaret Daley
As an unknown assailant attempts to kidnap family-court judge Kate Forster's infant son, police officer Chase Walker thwarts the attack—and vows to keep the pair safe. But who will protect the ex-marine's heart when the widowed mother and her little boy make him long for a permanent spot in their family?

Saved by the SEAL by Susan Sleeman
The tragedy that killed Bree Hatfield's best friends—and left her with custody of their young daughter—has been ruled an accident. But Bree knows it was murder. Scared and alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, navy SEAL Clint Reed, who'll risk everything to protect baby Ella and the woman he never stopped loving.

ISBN-13: 978-0373456932

Love...and death...lie on either side...

I've never read any of the Love Inspired novella books before, so, Her Baby's Protector was a first for me. But it was the perfect way to start since the book is by two of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors, Margaret Daley and Susan Sleeman.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Margaret Daley

Susan Sleeman

The stories were a little shorter than I'm used to but were still filled with Margaret Daley's and Susan Sleeman's trademark danger and romance. Her Baby's Protector was an enjoyable, and impossible to put down, read. If you are a fan of these two talented authors or of romantic suspense in general this book is a must read for you.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Her Baby's Protector by Margaret Daley and Susan Sleeman a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Cover Story by Deb Richardson-Moore

7/20/2017