Category: Dana Mentink

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Spoon To Be Dead by Dana Mentink (Giveaway)

10/21/2023

A murder for the holidays is about to shake things up!

Trinidad Jones is starting the festive season with sugary confections and a heaping scoop of worry as her shake shop enters its first Oregon winter. With snow abound and tourists trickling through, she’ll do anything to keep her milkshake dreams afloat, even if it means catering a holiday steamboat party for some new arrivals in town.
But when her good-for-nothing ex crashes through her shop’s door claiming he’s being charged with murder, things go sideways. With clues piling up like whipped cream on a sundae and motives abound, Trinidad and her fellow ex-wives must solve this murder before she’s finally thrown for a scoop.

The third book in the Shake Shop Mysteries following Trinidad Jones who makes sweet confections and solves sticky situations in her small town!

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 31, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Ice cream and murder go hand in hand...

I am always up for a good murderous romp to Upper Sprocket and Spoon To Be Dead provides exactly that. Who killed the old bird watcher and what did his parrot see? Very good questions, of course, that Trinidad reluctantly tries to answer after ''the Hooligan'' is directly implicated. The best part is that Dana Mentink takes her readers along for every twist and turn and shocking revelation. Seriously, this third Shake Shop Mystery is not to be missed...

I have been hooked on the Shake Shop Mysteries from the very first book. Dana Mentink has been a favorite author of mine for a few years now and Spoon To Be Dead is proof of why. This book is funny and sweet, poignant and full of mystery, and just an ice cream delight to read.

I had a lot of fun trying to guess the true villain and all of the secrets that popped up to confuse the situation. I had my suspicions as to who was behind all of the murder and mayhem so I flipped those pages as fast as I could read them to find out if I was right...

As I said before, Spoon To Be Dead is not to be missed – and neither are the previous two Shake Shop Mysteries. Dana Mentink has found the perfect recipe for murder in this series and there are even sprinkles on top...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Spoon To Be Dead by Dana Mentink a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Dana

It seems like just yesterday that I was dreaming up decadent freakshake recipes for book one in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries and here we are in book three! It’s Christmas time in Upper Sprocket and there’s a wedding in the works, but most surprising of all is the appearance of Gabe Bigley, the cheating ex of Trinidad and her two besties. You can imagine there is going to be a hefty helping of murder, mayhem and merriment in this next installment in the series. Hope you love book three as much as I do!

Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over fifty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com if you’d like to learn more.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/285e7/spoon-to-be-dead-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14
Bigreadersite , October 14
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 15
Lighthouse Academy, October 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16
Texas Book-aholic, October 17
Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18
Mary Hake, October 18
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 19
For Him and My Family, October 19
Betti Mace, October 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 21
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 22 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, October 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23
Blossoms and Blessings, October 23
Labor Not in Vain, October 24
Holly’s Book Corner, October 24
Lily’s Book Reviews, October 25
Splashes of Joy, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 26
She Lives To Read, October 27

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ACFW Storyfest 2023 Launch (Giveaway)

6/18/2023

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ACFW Storyfest 2023

About the Event

Created with Christian Fiction Reader-Fans in mind: the 2023 ACFW Storyfest! Come be part of ACFW Storyfest (formerly the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat). It all takes place Thursday afternoon, August 24, 2023-Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

Come celebrate story and your favorite CF authors right on the premises of the ACFW conference—where hundreds of CF authors gather each year.

Learn more here!

What Authors Are Participating?

Sami Abrams, Kate Angelo, Pepper Basham, Laurel Blount , Sara Brunsvold, Colleen Coble,
Sara Davison, Lynette Eason, Loretta Eidson, Joni M. Fisher, Liana George, Sarah Hamaker,
Sarah Hanks, Rebecca Hemlock, Pam Hillman, Angela Hunt, Denise Hunter, Kelly Irvin, Dana R. Lynn,
Tracey Lyons, Joy K. Massenburge , Nancy Mehl, Shaen Mehl, Dana Mentink, Robin Caroll,
Dineen Miller, DiAnn Mills, Carol Moncado, Lenora Worth, Mindy Obenhaus, Candice Sue Patterson,
Lisa Phillips, Deborah Raney, Shannon Redmon, Terri Reed, Helena Smrcek, Betsy St Amant,
Brandy Heineman, Melanie Stevenson, Carrie Turansky, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Turner,
Darlene L. Turner, Virginia Vaughan, John Walker, and Kimberley Woodhouse

More from the author. . .

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved books so much, she sat on the floor and cried because she was too young to know how to read.
That little girl grew up and loved books so much, she won awards in third grade for how many books she’d read.
Then, she loved books so much, she volunteered as a middle-schooler alongside her grandmother at the church library and had the time of her life helping other readers choose books. She stamped those little check-out cards with such intentional care and couldn’t wait to hear what they thought.
That girl grew up further and decided to write her own books, so she could inspire readers …so she could give them hope and encouragement and shine a light into the darkness, just like so many books had done for her.
That little girl is now a woman with twenty-five published novels/novellas behind her, and knows that without avid readers, she wouldn’t get to live her book-ish dreams.
Hi—I’m that little girl, all grown up now. (Actually, grown-up might be debatable. Older, how’s that? ::wink::) And I truly can’t wait to spend time with you at the 2023 ACFW Storyfest retreat in St. Louis this August!
Because you, dear reader, are what it’s all about. You’re the wind in our authorly sails, the faces we see while we cry and bleed over our keyboards, and the hearts we can’t wait to reach. See you there!

— BETSY ST. AMANT

It's Time For A Giveaway!

The letter for this stop is. . .

Click below to enter

https://promosimple.com/ps/27090/storyfest-2023

Blog Stops

Stop One: https://travelerswife4life.com/christian-fiction-reader-fans/
Stop Two: https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/2023/06/18/storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/06/storyfest-epic-launch.html
Stop Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/06/event-spotlight-storyfest-epic-launch.html
Stop Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/06/check-out-2023-acfw-storyfest.html
Stop Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/06/18/2023-acfw-storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Eight: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/acfw-storyfest-2023-launch-giveaway
Stop Nine: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2023/06/storyfest.html?q=storyfest

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10th Blogoversary Scavenger Hunt Stop #5 - Dana Mentink

12/7/2022

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Stop #5

Dana Mentink

Things I didn't know before I became a published author...

#1: How long it took to be published / how many rejections... There was a long time in my career when my stack of rejections was taller than my published works. I started on the journey about 24 years ago and my first cozy mystery series was accepted fairly quickly by Barbour. Once I started writing for Harlequin, it was a pretty steady publishing schedule. They still reject my ideas sometimes though. Can you imagine? ☺

#2. How much input authors have in their book titles / covers... That is a funny question because it reminds me of my third graders. (I retired from teaching elementary school in 2020.) The kids would eagerly ask, “How did you make the cover?” and I would have to confess that I didn’t! I can make general comments about the graphics to the art department, but they politely ask me to stay in my lane. The Harlequin peeps are very good at designing covers so that’s a fortunate thing! We’ve only disagreed a few times.

#3: What my family / strangers say when they find out I'm an author... Mostly they look at me suspiciously like I’m making it up or something. They also assume I write for children, since I am a retired teacher. I find people generally don’t know what to ask about this strange profession so they usually change the subject which is fine because I don’t really love talking about myself.

#4. How it felt to go from being an anonymous person to having fans... Oh, I still feel anonymous! So many of my readers are spread all over the globe that if we ran into each other, it would probably feel like meeting for the first time. In the cyberworld, I have a tight knit, lovely family, but in my northern, California area I am completely unknown unless I’m speaking at an event or something like that.

#5: Strangest historical fact / interesting thing I've discovered in research...Reindeers eyes change colors depending on the season. I am not making this up. Maybe everyone else already knew about this but I was flabbergasted.

#6: How my own reading habits have changed... I’m just a horribly selective reader now. If the writing is slow or there’s nothing redeeming about the hero/heroine, I’m going to put that book down and not pick it up again. I don’t have the slightest bit of guilt about not finishing a book anymore.

What was Dana’s previous job before she began writing full time?

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First Line Friday - June 24th, 2022

6/24/2022

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - A Spinkle In Time by Dana Mentink (Giveaway)

5/29/2022

6 Comments

It’s Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket! Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is scooping up some fall flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop.

The cherry on the sundae is her upcoming feature in Go West magazine. She’s determined to serve up the perfect interview, but it won’t be easy, thanks in part to her meddling Cuban grandfather Papa Luis who has decided to make Sprocket his home for the foreseeable future. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Chevy Bel Air.

But things take a turn when Papa Luis tells her he’s found a corpse in his trunk. Upon closer investigation, they realize the body has disappeared. With the assistance of Juliette and Bonnie (her sisterhood of exes) and the way too handsome nut farmer Quinn Logan, Trinidad must solve the mystery of the disappearing corpse, before her grandfather is up to his neck in a murderous mess.

Genre: Cozy mystery (general market)
Release date: May 24, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Body, body, who's got the body now...?

It's been quite awhile since I was last in Upper Sprocket and enjoying the crazy antics of Trinidad, her senior dog Noodles, and the sisterhood of exes but I was ever so glad to be back! This time Papa Luis finds the body in the most unexpected of places...the trunk of his pristine Chevy Bel Air! Secrets and surprises certainly abound in A Sprinkle In Time and they create a most delicious cozy mystery read!

I've loved Dana Mentink's novels for quite a few years now. Be they romantic suspense or romantic comedy or cozy mystery, I'm a fan! Her Shake Shop Mysteries are fun and scrumptious and are no exception to that rule. I'm just hoping for plenty more where the first two came from...

A Sprinkle In Time was every bit as good as its predecessor and I only managed to fall a little bit more in love with Dana Mentink's characters and the quaint town of Upper Sprocket. Trinidad is such a likable and 'normal' heroine, making freakshakes and not finding so many bodies would be her preference, that one can't help but turn that next page and finish that next chapter...

As you can tell, I truly enjoyed every bit of A Sprinkle In Time, Dana Mentink had me puzzling out the mystery and laughing aloud by equal turns. In fact, Noodles's predilection for 'assisting' the yodelers reminded me of the time years ago that my Alaskan Malamute stole the show during a Christmas parade when he decided to 'help' the sirens along!

With murder, mayhem, and a dash of romance, the Shake Shop Mystery series is such a delectably entertaining way to spend an afternoon or evening. If you love cozy mysteries it's a series you most definitely won't want to miss!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Sprinkle In Time by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Dana

Who wouldn’t want to visit Upper Sprocket? Sure there’s the odd corpse that turns up, but it’s a charming place, complete with a rail riders excursion business and the Shimmy and Shake Shop, run by the determined Trinidad Jones.

It’s fall in Sprocket and the locals are hosting a series of Alpenfest events with everything from yodeling performances to sausage cook offs. Papa Luis, Trinidad’s grandfather is happy to shuttle people around in his classic Chevy Bel Air until a body turns up in his truck. But other than that, Sprocket is an idyllic place with a newly opened train car inn operated by Bonnie, one of three women who were married at various times to the same rapscallion of a man. Oh, and then there’s Noodles, Trinidad’s senior Labrador retriever who has learned how to operate the windshield wipers which comes in handy as stormy weather approaches. Trinidad, Papa, Bonnie and Noodles along with other Sprocket residents are going to have their hands full as Alpenfest kicks off and gruesome items begin to pop up around town. Come along on the adventure as Trinidad wades knee deep into the sticky mess.

Railriding research with my sister!

Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed book!!
(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1df1a/a-sprinkle-in-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21
The Write Escape, May 21
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22
She Lives To Read, May 22
Daysong Reflections, May 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23
Texas Book-aholic, May 24
Pause for Tales, May 24
Inklings and notions, May 25
Blossoms and Blessings, May 25
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26
For Him and My Family, May 26
deb’s Book Review, May 27
Blogging With Carol, May 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28
Christina’s Corner, May 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 30
Simple Harvest Reads, May 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31
Labor Not in Vain, May 31
Bigreadersite, June 1
Vicky Sluiter, June 1
Genesis 5020, June 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2
Lighthouse-Academy, June 3
A Good Book and cup of Tea, June 3

6 Comments

Book Review - Death Valley Double Cross by Dana Mentink

4/13/2022

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Death Valley Double Cross
Desert Justice book 3
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

A killer seeking revenge
will stop at nothing to get it…

Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?

ISBN-13: 9781335554864

Are forgiveness and second chances even possible?

I thought I knew what to expect in Dana Mentink's Desert Justice series but it seems she just keeps right on amping up the danger and suspense with each new release. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Death Valley Double Cross was no exception to that.

There was no letup on the twists and turns of this Death Valley Double Cross, there was a time or two I thought there might be a double cross on a double cross, and Dana Mentink gives neither her characters nor readers a chance to catch their breath. You are just on for a wild ride of romantic suspense in one of the harshest environments in the world. Can Love Inspired Suspense get much better than this...cause this story was so good I don't think it could.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

I really enjoyed trying to figure out all of the intricacies of the interconnected threads of mystery in Death Valley Double Cross, seriously, the title was the perfect choice for this particular story! Nothing and no one in Dana Mentink's third Desert Justice novel were really as they first appeared, well, except for maybe my favorite four-legged character friends.

If you are up for a good Love Inspired Suspense set in an equally thrilling and dangerous location may I suggest Dana Mentink's latest novel Death Valley Double Cross...just remember to grab a glass of lemonade and some sunscreen...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Death Valley Double Cross by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink

12/30/2021

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Cold Case Pursuit
True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn book 7
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

A cold case solved by the K-9 unit…
but the past is not so easily escaped.

Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe?

ISBN-13: 9781335403087

Can they stay one step ahead of a killer?

I'm a dog lover and a fan of anything from Dana Mentink so Cold Case Pursuit was a double win for me! And, wow! The story itself had everything I've come to expect in a Love Inspired Suspense, danger, romance, and a few surprises. And did I mention there are real working dogs? What more could you ask for?

As with all of Dana Mentink's books Cold Case Pursuit kept me on the edge of my seat all of the way through the story. She didn't let up on her characters for a single minute and her readers are treated to some pretty good reading as a result. Whether you are new to the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series or a fan from the start, you won't want to miss this seventh contribution to the continuity series because it's a dilly...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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9th Blogoversary Celebration - This or That Interview with author Dana Mentink (Giveaway)

12/7/2021

9 Comments

A killer who will stop at nothing…

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-133540507

This Or That Interview with
author Dana Mentink

#1. Print/E-Book or Audiobook?
I have to read print books. I know I should be all hip and onboard with the ebook scene, but I just can’t get into it like I do with a print book. Audiobooks? ABSOLUTELY! I think it’s the coolest thing in the universe to listen to a well-narrated audiobook while I’m walking on the treadmill or doing dishes. I usually have a nonfiction audiobook and a fiction story loaded at all times.

#2. Pumpkin Spice Scent or Vanilla Scent?
Hmmm. Pumpkin spice, I’d say, though vanilla is nice for the non-holiday seasons.

#3. Blueberry Muffins or Chocolate Chip Muffins?
That’d be a “YES” from me. You see the problem? #outofcontrolsweettooth

#4. Morning Person or Evening Person?
Strictly morning. My kids know if they need something early in the morning, Mom’s your gal. If you need to talk after 9 p.m., Dad’s your guy.

#5. Introvert or Extrovert?
Mostly an introvert, but I can be both when called upon.

#6. Romance or Cozy Mystery?
I write both, but when it comes to reading, I’m going to go with the mystery.

#7. Orange or Purple?
Purple. To quote Elf, “It’s so purply!”

#8. Chocolate Sauce or Caramel Sauce for your ice cream?
Both (refer to blueberry/chocolate chip muffin question.)

Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.

I love that, don’t you? We’ve been set free no matter how we’ve failed, sinned or fallen short. Only Jesus can share that incomparable gift with us. I just really want everyone to know that truth.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Dana is generously giving away
a print copy of Framed In Death Valley & a $10 Starbucks Gift Card
(if the winner is international an e-book copy will be substituted)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9 Comments

Book Review - Missing In The Desert by Dana Mentink

11/19/2021

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Missing In The Desert
Desert Justice book 2
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

Five years ago, her sister disappeared…
Now someone is coming for her.

Who would believe that Mara Castillo's sister—missing and presumed dead—suddenly sent a one-word text? Now Mara wants answers, even if it means stepping into a killer's sights with her brother's best friend, rancher Levi Duke, as her only protection. But with someone who has everything to lose after her, uncovering a long-buried secret could save her life…or claim it.

ISBN-13: 9781335554444

Can they work together long enough to survive...?

Ooooh! I thought the first Desert Justice book was good, but Missing In The Desert was even better! The danger and romance are fast-paced and spine-tingling to the best Love Inspired Suspense degree. The harshly beautiful Death Valley landscape is the perfect backdrop and it comes alive in vivid color on the black/white printed page.

What I loved the most about Missing In The Desert was all of the psychological drama. Dana Mentink really takes her characters to the brink in a way that was completely riveting and engrossing. I couldn't break away even if I wanted to, which, of course, I didn't. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention three of my favorite characters. Those three break up the suspense with moments of humor and sheer cute cuddliness.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

As you might be able to surmise from cool, calm, and understated word choices, I loved Missing In The Desert. It was everything a Love Inspired Suspense novel should be and it more than lived up to any and all of my expectations of a Dana Mentink story.

Dana Mentink really upped the ante with this novel and I'm absolutely breathless to think where she will take the Duke family in the next one...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Missing In The Desert by Dana Mentink a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Framed In Death Valley by Dana Mentink

7/21/2021

0 Comments

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Framed In Death Valley
Desert Justice book 1
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

A killer who will stop at nothing...

Framed for a murder he didn't commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything--including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney's life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves...and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man's second chance comes with a deadly price.

ISBN-13: 9781335405074

Danger lurks closer than they can ever imagine...

I've read a lot of Dana Mentink books in recent years, probably just short of every one that she wrote in that time span, but she still manages to surprise me now and then. Framed In Death Valley was exactly what I've come to expect from her Love Inspired Suspense, lots of danger, nasty villains, and plenty of romantic sparks...but...Good grief! Not only did I guess the wrong person was the villain but she also takes 'tortured hero' to a new level.

One of the things I liked the best about this book was the location. I've been fascinated by Death Valley's extremes since I was a little kid. I've never been there but I hope to someday. It's a bit puzzling because Death Valley is the perfect location for a novel but I think that Framed In Death Valley is the first one that I've read that is set in that particular location. Thank you to the author, Dana Mentink, for giving readers a new and very different place to read about!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Framed In Death Valley was the perfect start to Dana Mentink's new Desert Justice series. It was a fun read and very suspenseful as the characters contend with bad guys and the elements, and it's a toss-up which is more dangerous. Take my recommendation and check out this new Love Inspired Suspense series and especially this book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Framed In Death Valley by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Pint Of No Return by Dana Mentink (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

7/5/2021

9 Comments

The first in new dessert cozy mystery series!
A murder in town is bound to shake things up…

After her divorce from her thrice-married embezzler husband, Trinidad Jones is finally ready for a fresh start. So when she’s left one of ex’s businesses in Upper Sprocket, Oregon, she decides to pack up her dog, cash in her settlement, and open her dream business: the Shimmy and Shake Shop, introducing the world to her monster milkshakes. And even with a couple sticky situations underway, namely that the other two ex-wives also call Sprocket home, Trinidad’s life seems to be churning along smoothly.

That is, until she discovers her neighbor, the Popcorn King, head down in his giant popcorn kettle. When one of Trinidad’s fellow ex-wives is accused of the murder and Upper Sprocket descends into mayhem, it’s going to take a supersized scoop of courage to flush out the killer.

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release date: May 25, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Can she shake off the past and find a killer?

What an adorable story! It may have been about murder and mayhem but it was so much fun to read and it was cute! I felt like I was friends with Trinidad and her trusty sidekick Noodles right from the start. Both of them, and some other special characters, really won me over and left me desperately wanting to read book two as soon as I finished book one...but I have to wait...

I've long been a fan of Dana Mentink's and I've read nearly all of her books in the last six or seven years. As soon as I saw her name on the Shake Shop Mystery series I knew I had to read it. I've loved her romantic suspense and romantic comedy novels so I was pretty psyched up for her new cozy mystery Pint Of No Return. I was not disappointed! No indeed!

There was nothing to dislike about Pint Of No Return. It had all of the charm and quirkiness of a Hallmark movie set in a small town. The author did a great job with the mystery part of the story, and, while I did guess the murderer's identity pretty early on, Dana Mentink lead me on a merry chase and I found myself second and third guessing myself.

Based on this first book I know the Shake Shop Mystery series will be a great one. I loved the inaugural novel and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any fan of cozy mysteries. The only sad part is that I have to wait and pretend to be patient for the next release in the series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Pint Of No Return by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Dana

Freakshakes. The name says it all, right? Allow me to explain. A freakshake is a milkshake festooned with so many extras (sprinkles, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, slabs of pie) that it is hardly liftable. It is the stuff my sugar fantasy dreams are made of! Now picture a freakshake shop called the Shimmy and Shake in the quaint and quirky town of Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon. Known as the “Swiss Alps” of Oregon, this fictional place is the new home to a woman named Trinidad Jones, a lady starting out on the second phase of her life after her husband’s betrayal.

Sprinkle in a dose of Papa Luis, her darling Cuban grandfather (inspired by my own Cuban grandfather) who drives a classic Buick, and a devoted service dog flunk out named Noodles. You know what’s missing? A murder, of course! That happens shortly after Trinidad opens her new shop, and from there on out it’s a sticky, spine tingling, sweet and satisfying and slightly funny adventure in mystery land. I had an absolute blast writing the first installment in this series, and I’m knee deep in the second as I write this. Thank you for coming along on the adventure and I hope it’s as satisfying as a monster milkshake!

Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a signed copy of
Pint of No Return, an ice cream bowl and spoon set, and a $30 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e05/pint-of-no-return-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 25
The Avid Reader, June 25
The Write Escape, June 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26
Texas Book-aholic, June 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27
Blogging With Carol, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
Genesis 5020, June 28
Among the Reads, June 29
Daysong Reflections, June 29
Bigreadersite, June 29
For Him and My Family, June 30
Betti Mace, June 30
Worthy2Read, July 1
deb’s Book Review, July 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2
Through the Fire blogs, July 2
EmpowerMoms, July 2
Blossoms and Blessings, July 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3
Lighthouse-Academy, July 4
Labor Not in Vain, July 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 6
Vicky Sluiter, July 6
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
She Lives To Read, July 7
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 7
KarenSueHadley, July 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8

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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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Book Review - Secrets Resurfaced by Dana Mentink

8/22/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Secrets Resurfaced
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 4
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

Searching for the truth
could get them killed…

When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.

ISBN-13: 9781335402868

The past has come back to bit them...

Wow! I seriously think Secrets Resurfaced may just be my favorite book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series. Dana Mentink always delivers spine-tingling suspense with twists and turns that keep you guessing and that's what keeps me eagerly anticipating each new release.

I loved Secrets Resurfaced and had a great time trying to figure out just who was behind it all. I did come pretty close to figuring it out, but not all of it. Dana Mentink really had my emotions engaged in the story and its characters. Like the hero in the first Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book I kinda didn't like Chad for awhile but he finally grew on me. Darcy and her daughter, however, I liked right off the bat.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Whether it's romantic comedy or romantic suspense every book from Dana Mentink is a winner in my opinion and I've enjoyed every one that I've read. Secrets Resurfaced was no exception and I would recommend it to any Love Inspired Suspense fan.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Secrets Resurfaced by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - Desert Desperate by Dana Mentink

4/21/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Comedy

Desert Desperate
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

The Arizona desert is lovely in August.
If you’re a cactus.

If you’re not green and prickly it’s like standing in the bottom of a volcano hoping your SPF 15 will do the trick. So how does Simone Greevey, a twenty something e-zine editor from San Francisco wind up wearing a duck costume in sweltering Seepwillow, Arizona? In Desert Desperate, Simone loses her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop and runs to the arms of her eccentric aunt, owner of the Ruddy Duck trailer park, a hundred miles from nowhere.

There she meets Chaz Tagliola, a guy who doesn’t know Jimmy Choo from Jiminy Cricket, a man with a passion for God and the one thing Simone has tried to forget about for the decade since her father’s death. Before her suitcase is unpacked; Simone’s aunt disappears, leaving Chaz and Simone to lead a five day junior high school Bible study camp. Bug lightings? Hot dog roasts? Cactus jam recipes? It’s a whole new world for a San Francisco girl. Throw in a mysterious park tenant and a breathtaking natural discovery and the stage is set for Simone to learn a divine lesson that will rock her world in a big way.

ASIN: B01BLUL3O4

City girl meets desert trailer park...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Oh, boy! What a cute story! I laughed. I shook my head. And just plain enjoyed this audiobook. While I'm more familiar with Dana Mentink's romantic suspense novels I have read some of her rom-coms, of which Desert Desperate is a charming addition. The heroine is what we'd call today a hot mess. She gets dumped by her fiance in front of a Sunday school classroom full of pre-schoolers and loses her dream job to a friend, so she heads to Arizona...in the middle of summer...to stay in a trailer park. What else could go wrong? Well, before she can find faith, find herself, and find romance, pretty much everything goes...duh-uh-duh...south. And that's where all the fun comes in!

As I mentioned I listened to this book in audio. The sound and production were good. The narrator was pretty good, she didn't always hit the emotional inflections spot on but I did think her voice was an excellent match for Simone. And, hey, if you can narrate a book that, unabridged, comes in at just under 12 hours you deserve some kudos.

Anyway...Don't forget the moral that can be taken from this zany tale, you should never head to the desert without an umbrella, oh, and SPF 15 just ain't gonna cut it...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Desert Desperate by Dana Mentink a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink

3/7/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Cold Case Connection
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 3
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

Hunting down old leads
puts a murderer on their trail.

Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?

ISBN-13: 9781335402639

2 dead...is there a Cold Case Connection?

Well, I really shouldn't be surprised. After all, Dana Mentink is right up there on my list of top favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors. But, boy did I get involved in Cold Case Connection! I loved Helen right from the start but I got so mad at some of Sergio's attitudes that I stewed over them even when I wasn't reading the book! Though,I have to be honest and say that when I wasn't reading didn't happen very often. I pretty much read right on through because I couldn't put it down. One of those reasons, was, of course, because I just HAD to know if my guesses as to the killer's identity were correct. And one of them was, but wasn't, I had the right clue and the right person but not for the reason I thought. Dana Mentink really did a great job leading her characters, and readers, on one wild ride of danger and romance!

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Cold Case Connection is the third book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series and it can be read standalone but I don't recommend missing any of these exciting stories. I've enjoyed all of them so far and I know I am eagerly anticipating the next book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink a 4 Bark rating.

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It's Time For A Giveaway!​

Blog Stops

Favorite Books From 2020

Top 20 Print Christian Fiction Books

​Secular Fiction

Top 10 Love Inspired Books

Top 10 E-Books

Top 10 Fiction Audiobooks

Top Dramatized Audiobooks

Top 10 YA Books

Top 5 Non-Fiction Books

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Secrets ResurfacedRoughwater Ranch Cowboys book 4(Love Inspired Suspense)by Dana Mentink

Desert Desperate by Dana Mentink

​Cold Case ConnectionRoughwater Ranch Cowboys book 3(Love Inspired Suspense)by Dana Mentink

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Death Valley Double Cross
Desert Justice book 3
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

Cold Case Pursuit
True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn book 7
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

This Or That Interview with
author Dana Mentink

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Missing In The Desert
Desert Justice book 2
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

Framed In Death Valley
Desert Justice book 1
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Secular Fiction

Secrets Resurfaced
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 4
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

Desert Desperate
by Dana Mentink

Cold Case Connection
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book 3
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink