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Book Review - Active Defense by Lynette Eason

1/31/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Active Defense
Danger Never Sleeps
by Lynette Eason

-From Amazon-

As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason will have you looking over your shoulder as you dive into this fast-paced, suspense-filled story about losing control and finding something even better.

ASIN : B08CJHP4RZ

Can he provide an active defense for her?

Well, author Lynette Eason sure didn't tone down the danger and suspense in this third book in her Danger Never Sleeps series! And trust me, it's a good thing! Active Defense keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through!

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Lynette Eason

Author Website

Active Defense was definitely a story that keeps you guessing. While I did figure out the mastermind's identity in the first few chapters, it was mostly instinct and a few too many Agatha Christie mysteries. Lynette Eason provided enough red herrings to distract me and even had me second guessing myself a time or two.

I've really been enjoying the Danger Never Sleeps series. I do have a favorite, so far anyway, but each story has been a strong addition to the series. I've been more than impressed with the way that each one builds onto, and complements, the previous titles. If romantic suspense is your thing and you enjoy faith-filled stories, I would definitely recommend Active Defense and the rest of Lynette Eason's action-packed Danger Never Sleeps series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Active Defense by Lynette Eason a Bark rating.

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January 29th, 2021

1/29/2021

4 Comments

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Genre: Christian historical

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

He'll catch a thief, but she'll catch his heart...

The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane is one of those super rare occasions when I would have picked up a book based on the cover alone, even if I didn't already like the author, w hich, of course, I do. I absolutely love the cover image! The colors, the ambiance, every bit of it is interesting and matches the book very well. Definitely one of my favorite covers of 2021!

Don't let my gushing fool you, though. I did initially choose the book because I'm a fan of Michelle Griep. I've read several of her books and now I pretty much want to read it if I see her name on the spine.

Once again author Michelle Griep skillfully weaves historical romance and suspense that is entertaining, engrossing, and very exciting. I felt like the tone of The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane was a little different than in previous books, especially the sometimes snarky humor, but I liked it. Jackson and Kit are both something else! They are young but both feel a burden to help others and they are both determined to do what is right, even if it seems a little questionable at times.

The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane was a fun a read with lots of twists and turns and a couple of surprises I totally did not expect. Michelle Griep successfully kept me guessing, which is something that I definitely enjoyed, and her sadly accurate depiction of lower class living in Victorian England tugged at my heartstrings.

This is a great book and if you are a fan of the author or the genre it should be a must read on our TBR shelf...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did.

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned...

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919.

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

Michelle Griep

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1062a/the-thief-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Avid Reader, January 23
Bigreadersite, January 23
Inklings and notions, January 23
Bizwings Blog, January 23
Remembrancy, January 24
Connect in Fiction, January 24
deb’s Book Review, January 24
Blogging With Carol, January 24
She Lives To Read, January 25
Blessed & Bookish, January 25
Genesis 5020, January 25
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25
Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26
All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27
CarpeDiem, January 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28
For the Love of Literature, January 28
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28
Connie’s History Classroom, January 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29
Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29
Life of Literature, January 29
Betti Mace, January 30
Older & Smarter?, January 30
Texas Book-aholic, January 30
HookMeInABook, January 30
For Him and My Family, January 31
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31
Mia Reads, January 31
Godly Book Reviews, January 31
Through the Fire Blogs, February 1
KarenSueHadley, February 1
The Book Chic Blog, February 1
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1
Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Mamma Loves Books, February 2
Blossoms and Blessings, February 2
Splashes of Joy, February 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3
Vicky Sluiter, February 3
Pause for Tales, February 3
The Write Escape, February 4
Wishful Endings, February 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4
Hallie Reads, February 4
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5
To Everything There Is A Season, February 5
Daysong Reflections, February 5

4 Comments

Book Review - The Dress Shop On King Street by Ashley Clark

1/26/2021

1 Comment

Genre:
Historical/Contemporary Romance

The Dress Shop On King Street
Heirloom Secrets book 1
by Ashley Clark

-From Goodreads-

Harper Albright has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. As she rethinks her own future, secrets long hidden about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

ISBN-13: 9780764237607

Two women bound together by a dream...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Ashley Clark

Some books are packed with a much deeper emotion than your average paperback, and they elicit a stronger emotional response in the reader. The Dress Shop On King Street is one of those books. I initially chose this book because I love split time stories. I love how the past and present are intertwined and how one has a direct effect on the other. Ashley Clark skillfully blended those aspects in the first book in her Heirloom Secrets series.

There's a lot to unpack in The Dress Shop On King Street but the two things that really got me thinking the most were, Harper's struggles with discouragement and not giving up, and Millie's struggles with fear and trust. Most of us have faced dreams not panning out, people's lack of faith in our abilities, and those things sting. And, while most of us haven't had to hide our heritage it did make me think more about my own ancestors as some of them made the same choice that Millie did, to choose one heritage over the other. Kudos to author Ashley Clark for her portrayal of the pain and angst of such a decision and the long term effects for everyone involved.

I will say that the choice to capitalize one race and not the other was a bit uncomfortable for me as a reader. I would have preferred that they both be capitalized or neither of them.

As a history lover I have to say how much I liked the premise of the two story arcs hinging around a pair of antique buttons, and, as a museum volunteer the restoration aspects were a hit. If you enjoy emotionally consuming novels that will make you chuckle and tug at your heartstrings you should definitely check out The Dress Shop On King Street, Ashley Clark's debut novel and the first book in her Heirloom Secrets series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Dress Shop On King Street by Ashley Clark a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

1/25/2021

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Acceptable Risk
Danger Never Sleeps book 2
by Lynette Eason

-From Goodreads-

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.

Strap in for another breakneck nail-biter from bestselling romantic suspense author Lynette Eason that will have you up turning pages long into the night.

ISBN13: 9780800729356

Just how much is an acceptable risk?

Wow! Was I surprised by just how much I liked Acceptable Risk! I hadn't read anything by Lynette Eason for awhile but decided to give her new Danger Never Sleeps series I shot when book one came out, and, lo and behold, I liked it it. Fast forward to book two and it was even better!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Lynette Eason

Author Website

Acceptable Risk was an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense from the very first page. The action was non-stop and there were more twists and turns than a game of Chutes And Ladders. Seriously, author Lynette Eason had me hooked right off and she held me hostage until the very end.

I know the phrase has probably been well used and over used but Acceptable Risk has some of the best flawed characters. They deal with a whole range of issues including rejection, unforgiveness, unresolved anger, and even a little bit of spite. And yet, author Lynette Eason has portrayed them in such a true-to-life way that you can completely understand why, even realizing that you yourself would probably react in a similar way.

If you are a fan of romantic suspense novels that will keep you breathlessly turning the pages and anxiously awaiting the next release I'd definitely recommend the Danger Never Sleeps series. It's a doozy!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Monday Movie - January 25th, 2021 (Blue Hawaii)

1/25/2021

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Blue Hawaii
starring
Elvis Presley

(1961)

Ecstatic romance...exotic dances...exciting music in the world's lushest paradise of song!

Chad Gates (Elvis Presley) has just gotten out of the Army, and is happy to be back in Hawaii with his surfboard, his beach buddies, and his girlfriend. His father wants him to go to work at the Great Southern Hawaiian Fruit Company, but he is reluctant. So he goes to work as a tour guide at his girlfriend's agency.

This was the Elvis movie that started it all for me. I was bored, really bored, late one night a few years ago and after searching Netflix high and low I reluctantly decided to watch Blue Hawaii. And I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed the movie. It was really, really good! I got some good-natured ribbing when my family saw my watch history but... I had no clue what I had started that night. My younger brother who teased me for watching Blue Hawaii has now seen every single Elvis movie at least once, has stacks of his CDs, and we both have an Elvis channel on Pandora.

If you've watched Blue Hawaii yourself you know that it is a light, fun, feel-good kind of movie. It's a romantic comedy with a touch of musical. It's amusing, it's entertaining, and it's the perfect movie if you are having a rough day or just want to unwind with some sun, sand, and Elvis tunes.

I think one of my favorite things about the movie is the hilarious role played by Angela Lansbury. Trust me, you can't get much more opposite of Jessica Fletcher! She gets some of the best lines and plays a snobby but lovable airhead to perfection.

What it all boils down to is that Blue Hawaii is fun musical romantic comedy that is sure to get your mind off all the stress going on around the world, at least for a couple of hours anyway. So, whether you are a fan of the King or even if you are not, why don't you just take a break and rock out with Elvis in Blue Hawaii...

1 hour 42 minutes

Principal Cast

Elvis Presley...Chad Gates
Joan Blackman...Maile Duval
Angela Lansbury...Sarah Lee Gates
Nancy Walters...Abigail Prentice
Roland Winters...Fred Gates
John Archer...Jack Kelman
Howard McNear...Mr. Chapman
Steve Brodie...Tucker Garvey
Christian Kay...Beverly Martin
Iris Adrian...Enid Garvey
Hilo Hattie...Waihila
Jenny Maxwell...Ellie Corbett
Pamela Austin...Selena (Sandy) Emerson (as Pamela Kirk)
Darlene Tompkins...Patsy Simon
Lani Kai...Carl Tanami

Filming Location(s)

Hawaii, USA

Awards

ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards 1990
ASCAP Award - Most Performed Feature Film Standards
Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss
For the song "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Quotes

Maile Duval: You can't spend the rest of your life on a surf board.
Chad Gates: Oh yes, I can. The G.I. bill of rights says I get my old job back. This is my old job.

Chad Gates: You wanna know something - on you, wet is my favourite colour.

Sarah Lee Gates: You put me in mind of my great grandfather on my side, Captain Matthew Polk. Oh, he was one of the bravest men in the War between the States. Oh, the daring deeds that man performed. His bravery under fire. His courage on the field of battle made us all proud to be Polks. Oh, it's such a shame Captain Polk was a damn Yankee.

Chad Gates: I like my job, mum. It's fun, it's interesting and I meet a lot of nice people.
Sarah Lee Gates: Nonsense. Tourists aren't people. They're... They're tourists.

Sarah Lee Gates: Land! My son, drivin' tourists around like a chauffeur! It's a dis-grace.
Jack Kelman: [chuckles] I don't know. When you married Fred, he was just a chauffeur - driving bananas around in my old truck. I'd rather drive girls than bananas any day.

WATCH ONLINE

WATCH ON DVD

Affiliate links used.

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

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First Line Friday - January 22nd, 2021

1/22/2021

1 Comment

Buy

E-BOOK

Includes affiliate links.

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Throwback Thursday - January 14th, 2021 (slightly late)

1/16/2021

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Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life--to embrace or to end the untimely life within her.

ISBN-13: 9781868524242

My Thoughts

It's been at least 15 years since I read The Atonement Child but I remember as a teenager realizing just how powerful and thought provoking it was. Francine Rivers had taken on one of the most difficult and polarizing topics then as it is now, but she had done so with a rare sensitivity and with an open heart.

I was raised, and still believe, that abortion is wrong, however I was also taught, and still firmly believe, that no one touched by abortion comes away unscathed and that Christians should be extending grace and compassion to all of the victims of abortion just as Jesus would.

There were two things in The Atonement Child that have stuck with me all of these years. One is that pain and mistakes can be generational, frequently unwittingly. And the other is that we as Christians can so easily become caught up in our own perfection that we lose sight of what the Bible really says and become even more unforgiving and unkind than the world is.

The Atonement Child is an emotional story, it isn't always easy to read, you may feel convicted by your own judgementalism, but you will also come away with a better understanding and you will be uplifted and inspired by this story of forgiveness and hope...

If you have had an abortion please consider talking to someone such as an abortion recovery support group.
You are not alone and they will have someone who can help you find healing.

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Prism Book Tour - Acres Of Promise by Lisa Renee (Excerpt & Giveaway)

1/15/2021

1 Comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Join the journey with Chantelle Anderson as she actions all in her power, to prevent her teenage son falling into a life of crime and drugs.

Along the way, in her vulnerable state, she struggles to find a suitable life partner. With the trials she's experiencing with her son, who'd want to take on the whole package? Unless, God intervenes and shows He hasn't forgotten Chantelle's desperate situation.

Acres of Promise is a beautiful story of how God restores what was lost and stolen, replacing it with more than we can ask or imagine.

Christian Women's Fiction,
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 208 Pages
January 1, 2020 by The Collaborative Press

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Book Depository

(Affiliate links included.)

Read the first six chapters free HERE.

Other Books in the Series

Excerpt from Acres Of Promise

“That’s it, Noah. Pull the wire across one more inch. Yep. Good. Now hook it onto the support.” Andrew stood five yards from Noah. He hammered the stump he held deeper into the ground.
“Hold your end firm.” He strode over to his little apprentice, as he liked to call him, and checked Noah’s work.
Andrew adjusted the wires onto some of the hooks that Noah had missed. “Give it a tug and test if you think it’ll hold.”
Noah pulled on the fencing wire from the wooden stump. The mesh sagged slightly. “It needs to be tighter, am I right?”
“Correctamundo. You’re learning fast. We need to build those muscles of yours.” Andrew unlatched the wire from the hooks and pulled it across more and reattached the fencing to the post. “Now, try its resilience.”
Noah tugged, and it didn’t move.
Andrew pointed to the fence. “This is how you need to be in school. When kids are tugging on your nerves, calling you names, trying to get you to react, you need to stay firm. Have some resilience.”
Noah looked up to Andrew, squinting his eyes from the sun. “Like letting the words bounce off me?”
Andrew ruffled Noah’s hair. “You got it, son. You’re learning fast. Now, you just need to apply it to real-life situations. And I want to hear all about it.”
Noah nodded and looked like he would try his best.
The Rhode Island hens clucked a few feet away, begging for scraps. The rooster made the most racket of all of them.
Andrew pushed some dirt with his boot around the base of the post. Dust tickled his nose and eyes. He rubbed his sleeve over them before he sneezed.
“Four more to go, and we’ll finish this section. Then we can have a break, and try those cookies your mom baked.”
“I baked. Mom doesn’t make sweet stuff. If I want cakes and cookies, I’ve gotta make them myself.” Noah swooshed a fly from his face.
“Right. I guess she’s too busy with the hobby farm and pets.”
He shrugged. “Mom’s just lazy.”
“Noah. That’s not a nice thing to say. I’m sure as a single mother, she’d work very hard to do most of the house jobs by herself. What do you do to help?”
Noah’s face reddened. “Take out the trash. Clean my room . . . sometimes.”
“Let’s do an experiment. Tonight, I want you to do extra chores your mom usually doesn’t ask of you. Then, report back to me what her reaction was. Don’t tell her I’m in on this.” He winked. “So, what should you say if she asks why you’re so helpful?”
Noah’s eyes lit up, and he laughed. “Because I love you, Mom. She’d fall over if I said that.”
This kid. How to get through to his teenage brain? Andrew rubbed the back of his sweaty neck.
“But you do love her.” He patted Noah’s chest. “Deep down, you love her a lot. She’s your mom, and no one will ever replace her in your heart. So, when you say it, be sincere. If you help more around the house for a week, you watch how things turn around for you two. It wouldn’t surprise me if she started making cookies.”
Noah became somber and seemed to consider the words. “I like this experiment idea. I’ll start as soon as I get home.”

Lisa Renée

Lisa Renée is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Omega Writers, Australia.
Lisa adores babies enough to have seven of her own. Recently, Lisa has taken up breeding Ragdoll cats instead of breeding humans.
The tribe lives in Australia, where Lisa and her husband enjoy their writing projects and publishing ventures.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

It's Time For A Giveaway!

One winner will receive an ebook of the first book in the Single Again series, More Than a Second Chance and a $10 Amazon gift card
(open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches)

Ends January 20, 2021

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sing Until You Die by Carole Brown (Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)

1/13/2021

7 Comments

From childhood up, Claire Anne Rayner has despised the man who’s like a brother and son to the rest of the Rayner House residents. But when she puts her musical training on hold and begins singing to the troops as a means of helping support and encourage them, she is pulled into a mysterious spy’s efforts to destroy a certain high-ranking man.

Wills Mason is loved by everyone but Claire who cannot forgive him for his and her sister’s unmerciful, youthful teasing. But now, grown up and serving as a civilian spy, Wills must prove that Claire is not willingly relaying messages to the enemy, as his colonel believes, even when all evidence points that way. And can he prove he’s changed and can be trusted to cherish her heart as she deserves to be loved?

Genre: Historical romantic suspense
Release Date: October 15, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carole

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
An older man we knew years ago who was thought to be a secret, U.S. civilian spy during WWII gave me the idea. That man never confessed whether he indeed was a spy, but the idea bloomed and became a three book series: The Spies of WWII.

Book One (With Music in Their Hearts) introduced the first spy and oldest red-haired daughter.
Book Two (A Flute in the Willows) introduces red-headed sister two and her husband spy who serves both in Germany and then at home. Last...
Book Three (Sing Until You Die) concludes this series with the youngest red-headed sister and the spy she both despises and loves.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I've loved mysteries and suspenseful books since a child. I grew up reading so many of the popular mystery books and bought them for my boys (who read before they went to school). As I grew older, I figured I'd be a detective, but I soon learned writing the mysteries and suspense was even better. Throwing in touches of romance sealed the deal.
I'd found my true calling: writing.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Forgiveness. The female protagonist, Claire Anne Rayner, just can not forgive the man who was like a brother and son to everyone in her family...except her. His teasing, along with her middle sister's, was the bane of her life. It was only when they were entangled in the spy search that things change, and Claire realizes that people aren't always who we thought they were. Hearts change. And forgiveness is the only way for self happiness.

#4. How did you name your characters?
Lol. You'll be the first to read this confession. I've always loved England's Prince William's nickname that his mother called him: Wills. That was a given for my male protagonist, and I knew it from the first book on. Claire Anne's name just seemed to click. I loved the name Claire, and Anne spelled with an E fit the first name just fine. I imagined a young girl who was spoiled, talented and who knew her own mind. One who had something to learn, who yearned to matter and make a difference.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. I love how God will shelter us and protect us from the fiery darts of our enemy. I love that he is our protection, that he guides us and will always show us the way to go, the path to choose, and has the answers to our problems and questions.
He is our best friend, one who understands far better than anyone when we our troubled, concerned or anxious. He corrects us when we need it (because we are his children!) and lovingly forgives when we err. We can trust him because he does what he says, we can lean on Him because no one is mightier than he, we can believe Him because his word is true and he never lies.

More from Carole

A Grip on the Story by Carole Brown

Unlike books one and two of The Spies of WWII series (With Music in Their Hearts and A Flute in the Willows), I couldn’t get a handle on where to go with Claire Anne Rayner and Wills Mason’s story in Sing Until You Die. I knew their names, knew their careers, but the plot evaded me until it was time to write the novel. And then…

Slowly the plot opened up:

How Claire was using her career
What was being asked of Wills by his colonel
The conflict between the two main protagonists
The protagonists’ personalities
Who the spy was
Why revenge was being sought by the foreign spy

The more I wrote, the more I loved these two faulty, but loveable characters. Were they perfect? No. Were they determined to do what they felt was their duty, what they knew was their calling? Yes and yes.

Claire, as a child and teenager, faced thoughtless and sometimes cruel teasings because of over zealousness from certain family and friends. In her youthful mind, she felt loathing for those hurting her and knew she’d never forgive those involved.

Wills, on the other hand, as a youth, was bound to prove he was one better than his best friend. Nothing was too dangerous or too extreme for him to try. No matter how others might feel…

Yet, through loving family and friends, these two grew into adulthood as caring, serious, and individuals determined to succeed in their separate pursuits. The only thing they needed to do was ask for forgiveness and forgive. Could they lay aside their accusations for each other and do it? Would they realize that past feelings and thoughts about the other might just be wrong?

I worked hard at showing the slow and sometimes painful process of their achieving that. But tying in the insidious spy, thrust these two adorable, but different, characters into each others’ lives. That brings about the question:

Will the web of deceit the mysterious German spy is weaving destroy their one chance of happiness
with each other, or can they both let go of the past and work together to bring the spy to justice?

Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of
a music-themed tote bag a 4-piece set of bird/flower coasters,
a $25 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of Sing Until You Die!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1052f/sing-until-you-die-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 4
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 5 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 5
deb’s Book Review, January 6
Inklings and notions, January 7
Betti Mace, January 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9
Texas Book-aholic, January 10
For Him and My Family, January 11
Connie’s History Classroom, January 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13 (Author Interview)
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 13
Artistic Nobody, January 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 16
Pause for Tales, January 17

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - In His Presence by Dr. E.W. Kenyon (Giveaway)

1/10/2021

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Here, at last, is a real solution to the prayer problem!

In His Presence by E. W. Kenyon is not about who others were and what they did in prayer, but about who we are and what we can do in prayer. It lifts the curtain to the Holy of Holies and reveals our ability to enter in and stand before the presence of God.

In this book, you will discover that God’s ability is available to every one of His children. You will be challenged to climb the heights and sound the depths of tremendous spiritual realities, including the authority of the name of Jesus and how to use it.

In His Presence has been a challenge and blessing to countless multitudes all over the world. It removes the mist surrounding the prayer life, leading us out of spiritual mysticism into the true light of life.

This is your invitation to open the door…enter…and stand in the Father’s presence!

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Prayer
Release Date: December 11, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

More from Whitaker House

In His Presence by EW Kenyon is not written about what others were and did, but about what we are and can do! It is a lifting of the curtain and a revealing of the holy of holies and our ability to enter it and stand in the presence of the Father. In His Presence is a discovery of the fact that God’s ability is available to every child of God. This is your invitation to open the door…enter…and stand in His presence, in the presence of the Father!

Dr. E. W. Kenyon

Dr. E. W. Kenyon (1867–1948) was born in Saratoga County, New York. At age nineteen, he preached his first sermon. He pastored several churches in New England and founded the Bethel Bible Institute in Spencer, Massachusetts. (The school later became the Providence Bible Institute when it was relocated to Providence, Rhode Island.) Kenyon served as an evangelist for over twenty years. In 1931, he became a pioneer in Christian radio on the Pacific Coast with his show Kenyon’s Church of the Air, where he earned the moniker “The Faith Builder.” He also began the New Covenant Baptist Church in Seattle. In addition to his pastoral and radio ministries, Kenyon wrote extensively. Among his books are The Blood Covenant, In His Presence, Jesus the Healer, New Creation Realities, and Two Kinds of Righteousness.

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 a 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/10533/in-his-presence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7
Texas Book-aholic, January 8
Inklings and notions, January 9
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 10
deb’s Book Review, January 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 12
Artistic Nobody, January 13
For the Love of Literature, January 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 15
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 16
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18
Vicky Sluiter, January 19
Mary Hake, January 19
For Him and My Family, January 20

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Just Read Tours - Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan (Review & Giveaway)

1/6/2021

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

She saw something she shouldn’t have...

Assistant US Attorney Christine Davis is positive she witnessed a murder, but with no body, the police aren’t convinced. Now someone wants her dead, and Texas Ranger Blake Larsen is the only one who believes her. For Blake, protecting Christine must stay more important than their growing feelings for each other. But can he keep her safe from an unknown enemy who wants her silenced?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Review

Only one man believes her story...

What would you do if no one believed you, even those closest to you? That's a really good question, one I found myself pondering as I read Texas Witness Threat. Somehow I doubt I would be half as generous as Christine is in the book! At any rate, I found that plot decision made by author Cate Nolan to be different and quite interesting. I'm so used to Assistant US Attorneys being believed in fiction...

Texas Witness Threat was another edge-of-your-seat Love Inspired Suspense and I quite enjoyed it. Not a bad choice for my first read of 2021! The settings were great, starting in a creepy empty building during a thunderstorm and winding up on a Texas ranch, with some pretty interesting stops along the way. And I'll give you a hint, the cover really matches part of the story!

If you are looking for a fairly short, easy, but romantic and suspenseful read, you won't go wrong in choosing Cate Nolan's latest from Love Inspired Suspense. It's a pretty good one!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan a 4 Bark rating.

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

Cate Nolan

Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. Cate loves to leave her real-life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She's got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. She particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.

CONNECT WITH CATE:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a Texas Witness Threat and
Christmas in Hiding (print or ebooks, winner's choice)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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WORD Wednesday - January 6th, 2021

1/6/2021

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2020 Favorite Books (Giveaway)

1/4/2021

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Please note: If you are using a mobile device this post will appear quite long and you will need to scroll down.

Favorite Books From 2020

Here is a list of Tell Tale Book Reviews' favorite books read and reviewed in 2020.
You can find all of these reviews and many more by visiting our Book Review List page

2020 Reviews

Top 20 Print Christian Fiction Books

Honorable Mention
The Raven by Mike Nappa
The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings
One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

Secular Fiction

May contain elements of faith but are not strictly 'Christian' fiction

Top 10 Love Inspired Books

Honorable Mention
Her Cowboy Till Christmas by Jill Kemerer
Amish Country Kidnapping by Mary Alford
Wilderness Sabotage by Heather Woodhaven

Top 10 E-Books

Dangerous Deceptions

Honorable Mention
Reviving The Commander by Nadine C. Keels

Top 10 Fiction Audiobooks

Christian & Clean Reads

Top Dramatized Audiobooks

Honorable Mention
The Sacrifice by Karin Kaufman
A Glazed Finish by Eryn Scott
Love In Lead by Kari Trumbo

Top 10 YA Books

Christian & Clean Reads

Honorable Mention
Fated by Kaylin Lee
The Secret Of The Wooden Lady by Carolyn Keene
A Curse Of Gems by Brittany Fichter

Top 5 Non-Fiction Books

Christian and Secular

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Historical Duo

Contemporary Duo

I'm giving away winner's choice of the Historical Duo or the Contemporary Duo
Both sets contain Print copies.
USA ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We are excited to start reading and reviewing in the
new year and hope you will be joining us for...

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2020 Reading Year In Review

1/2/2021

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Reading Year In Review

Goodreads Reading Challenge
Goal: 75 books
Started: January 1st
Completed: April 24th

« First Book Completed

Last Book Completed »

Fiction: 285* Non-Fiction: 8 Other: 0
Print Books: 109 E-Books: 74* Audiobooks: 110

25 pages

« Shortest Book

Longest Book »

494 pages

Total Number of Books Read: 293*
Total Pages Read: 63,039**
Percentage Of Challenge Completed: 391%

* Read a boxed set that contained 8 individual e-books.
** Number of pages read is according to Goodreads. Audiobooks etc. do not appear in the final page count.

Review Stats

Total Number of Reviews: 225

Fiction: 223 Non-Fiction: 2
Print Books: 85 E-Books: 52*+ Audiobooks: 88
CDs: 0 Movies: 0 Other: 0

* Indicates there may have been more than one book in a single review.
+Read a boxed set that contained 8 individual (e-)books.

« First Review

Last Review »

for sticking with us in 2020!

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Happy New Year!

1/1/2021

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We just want to take the time to say Thank You for your love and support in 2020.
We sincerely hope you will join us for more reviews, interviews, and giveaways in the coming year.