Category: August 2020

Audiobook Review - Sparks In Spearfish by Kari Trumbo

9/5/2020

Genre:
Historical Romance

Sparks In Spearfish
Seven Brides Of South Dakota book 5
by Kari Trumbo

-From Goodreads-

Lula never wanted to be just a wife.

At the Spearfish Normal School, Lula Arnsby is ready to begin a whole new chapter of her life. When a bully from her past strides into her class as the new teacher’s assistant, she wants nothing to do with the handsome prankster but his aim isn’t to torment her anymore.

Barton Oleson wants to be noticed by the pixie-haired beauty, Lula. He’s spent the last two years making sure she thinks of him every single day, but he’s running out of time to get her to notice him. Only one school term until she will be a teacher and out of his reach.
Is it enough time to make up for two years of hurt and can Lula forgive all that he’s done?

ASIN: B085CDNKT4

He's impossible... She's rattled...

Out of the 4 books that I've read in the Seven Brides Of South Dakota series, I missed book #4, I think that Sparks In Spearfish was the one that I connected with the least. Not that I didn't enjoy the audiobook, because I did, but, this where this Millennial starts to feel a little old, both characters came across as two very immature hormonal kids in need of some serious growing up.

This Book received a 3.5 Bark rating.

Kari Trumbo

Author Website

I really did like Lula even though she's a bit self absorbed and naive. However, my 21st Century must be coming through because I spent more time mad at Barton's lousy behavior and ridiculous expectations than I did actually liking him. But, I did enjoy the audiobook. I wanted to see the two get together, maybe because they kinda deserved each other, and I was glad when they finally got their happy ending.

While Kari Trumbo kinda missed me with the characters, I absolutely loved the Normal (teacher) school background, and I enjoyed checking back in with the Arnsby sisters and finding out what they're up to.

I've really been getting frequent flier miles with audiobooks this summer and Sparks In Spearfish was another good experience production-wise. The narrator did a great job bringing author Kari Trumbo's story to life. I'm definitely looking forward to listening to the next Seven Brides Of South Dakota novel.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Sparks In Spearfish by Kari Trumbo a 3.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - Death Of A Dead Man by Karin Kaufman

8/31/2020

1 Comment

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Death Of A Dead Man
Juniper Grove book 1
by Karin Kaufman

-From Goodreads-

In the small town of Juniper Grove, newcomer Rachel Stowe has finally found the good friends and quiet life she always craved. So when a stranger arrives in town and stirs painful memories of a baffling episode in the town’s past, Rachel vows to put an end to his mischief.

But events take a nasty turn when Rachel discovers a body in her own backyard and suspicion for the murder falls on her widowed neighbor. Despite being warned off the case by the town’s handsome but aloof police chief, Rachel makes it her mission to clear her neighbor’s name and find the real killer. Can she crack the case before another body turns up?

ASIN: B077TBDVXH

She writes mysteries and she just found a body...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

I've been on a cozy mystery audiobook kick lately so Death Of A Dead Man, the first book in Karin Kaufman's Juniper Grove series, was a good pick for me. I was also somewhat familiar with the author as I'd previously listened to and enjoyed four of her Anna Denning Mysteries.

While her Juniper Grove series is different from her Anna Denning series I really did like the true cozy mystery feel of Death Of A Dead Man. Karin Kaufman lead me on a merry chase of clues and red herrings as I tried to solve the mystery alongside Rachel and her friends. I did have parts of it figured out but it was nice that there were still enough surprises to keep me happy and not bored. So, yes, I definitely enjoyed the audiobook and I will be listening to more of the series.

The narrator of this particular audiobook has fast become a favorite of mine. No matter the genre she does a great job and this time around was no exception. As always, the sound quality was excellent and I had no complaints whatsoever with the production as a whole. All in all, it's a great listen for any fan of cozy mysteries.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Death Of A Dead Man by Karin Kaufman a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - His Prairie Sweetheart, The Bounty Hunter's Baby, A Child's Christmas Wish by Erica Vetsch

8/30/2020

1 Comment

Genre:
Historical Romance

A Home for Her Heart

After being jilted at the altar, Southern belle Savannah Cox seeks a fresh start out West and accepts a teaching position in Minnesota. But between her students' lack of English, the rough surroundings and sheriff Elias Parker's doubts and distrust, Savannah's unprepared for both the job and the climate. However, she's determined to prove she can handle anything her new town throws her way.

Elias gives it a week—or less—before the pretty schoolteacher packs her dainty dresses and hightails it back home. But no matter how many mishaps he has to rescue her from, Savannah doesn't give up. Yet the real test is to come—a brutal blizzard that could finally drive her away, taking his heart with her…

ISBN-13: 9780373283613

Brought Together by a Baby

Bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he's left with a criminal's baby to care for, he's in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby's outlaw father?

Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch—until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together—if she'll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family…

ISBN-13: 9780373425129

A Baby for Christmas

The only Christmas gift Oscar Rabb's four-year-old daughter prays for is one the widower can't provide: a baby sibling. And when his neighbor's house burns down, he's willing to open his home to pregnant and widowed Kate Amaker and her in-laws—but not his heart. Even if his little girl's convinced Kate's unborn child is the answer to her wish.

Kate quickly sees the generous but aloof Oscar has little interest in growing closer to his houseguests. Still, she intends to make the coming Christmas a season to remember for his daughter. And as Oscar starts to open up to her, Kate can't help picturing just how wonderful the holidays—and a future together—might be.

ISBN-13: 9780373425495

Very rarely, more like almost never, do I ever read several books by the same author in a row. But, for some reason unknown to even myself, I did read these three Love Inspired Historicals from Erica Vetsch back to back. As soon as I finished one I just went ahead and started the next.

His Prairie Sweetheart was the first one that I read and I liked it. Sometimes Elias's stubborn belief in the worst drove me crazy but coming from a cold northern state myself and having visited the south I can see why Savannah had a bit of a culture shock. The book was a fun prairie romance with a strong faith thread and a real belief in the value of family. Oh, and I just fell in love with Cap the dog!

The Bounty Hunter's Baby was the second book that I read and I think it might have been my favorite. Two of the main reasons I enjoyed it were the fact that the hero is a bounty hunter which is pretty rare in Christian fiction, and absolutely adored Rip who happens to be a dog who can go from catching the bad guys to guarding a newborn baby in a twinkling. I also really wanted to see things work out for Thomas and Esther, two really hurting people who need a little faith and a little love.

These Books received a 4 Bark rating.

Erica Vetsch

Author Website

A Child's Christmas Wish was the third title that I read. Not only did this one have a wonderful Christmas setting, which I was reading in August, by the way, but this one also had the strongest message of the need for faith and hope in hard times and the incalculable importance of family. I genuinely liked the Bernese Mountain Dog in this one but it was little Miss Leisl who won my heart.

I've not read very many books from the Love Inspired Historical line but I did enjoy these three, of course, it didn't hurt that I've always liked every Erica Vetsch book that I've read. I absolutely loved that she included a dog in each book and that the dogs all had important roles in the story. If you enjoy Christian historical romances, two of which have interesting cultural notes, you should check out His Prairie Sweetheart, The Bounty Hunter's Baby, and A Child's Christmas Wish from Erica Vetsch.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives His Prairie Sweetheart, The Bounty Hunter's Baby, and A Child's Christmas Wish by Erica Vetsch each a 4 Bark rating.

(I received copies of these books from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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Audiobook Review - A Sweet Death by Eryn Scott

8/29/2020

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Genre:
Cozy Mystery

A Sweet Death
A Stoneybrook Mystery book 3
by Eryn Scott

-From Goodreads-

Murder can't be sugar-coated ...

When a local teen goes missing, the town of Stoneybrook fears the worst.

Hadley is sure Miranda's disappearance has nothing to do with the drug dealer who was found dead in Cascade Ridge. The charming, candy shop cashier is entirely too sweet to get involved in any of that. But when the clues pile up, Hadley can't help but draw parallels.

Suddenly autumn isn't feeling like the cozy season Hadley loves, and the clock is ticking faster than the leaves are falling.

Every moment counts in a missing persons case, but whom do you suspect when the victim is beloved by all? Or is she?

Recipes from Food in Jars creator,
Marisa McClellan, included: apple
rosemary jam and spiced pear chutney!

ASIN: B07Q47MQ2P

Time is ticking for a missing girl....

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Eryn Scott

Author Website

Hadley is back and this time she has not one, not two, but three mysteries to solve! What happened to Miranda, a missing Stoneybrook teen? What is going on between Hadley's two best friends? And just who does the cranky Siamese cat she keeps seeing belong to? You may also ask what chocolate can possibly have to do with drug dealers? All of that, and more town secrets can be found in A Sweet Death, the third book in Eryn Scott's charming A Stoneybrook Mystery series.

As with the previous books in the series A Sweet Death was just so much fun to listen to and to try and solve the latest crimes to hit the quaint town of Stoneybrook. I did guess the solution to several aspects of the mystery but when the final revelations came I did have a surprise or two coming. I really did enjoy this book as much as I did the previous two and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one one in the series.

As alluded to before, I did listen to this book in audio. I had zero complaints about the audio and production quality. The narrator has been the same for the first 3 books and she has done a pretty good job with Eryn Scott's characters. So, if you like cozy mysteries and audiobooks I would easily recommend this book and series. Oh, and there are some pretty cool recipes at the end as well.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Sweet Death by Eryn Scott a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

8/28/2020

1 Comment

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Don't Keep Silent
Uncommon Justice book 3
by Elizabeth Goddard

-From Goodreads-

Justice comes easy for these two. But
forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

ISBN-13: 9780800729868

The past and present may eliminate any future...

It's a real toss-up for me whether Don't Keep Silent or Never Let Go is my favorite book in Elizabeth Goddard's riveting Uncommon Justice series. They are both so good! Maybe I'll just stick with each one being my favorite when I read it.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Elizabeth Goddard

Author Website

There were several things that impressed me with Don't Keep Silent. Elizabeth Goddard's vivid descriptions of the Wyoming wilderness during wintertime left me shivering despite the 90+ degree temps outside. There was an emotional depth and a connection between characters and readers that can sometimes be absent in romantic suspense due to the need for non-stop action. Don't get me wrong, this book IS action-packed but there is much more to the story. But, what impressed me the most was the sheer complexity of the mystery. There are so many disparate threads that can't possibly connect, and yet they do in the most surprising ways. The story is easy to follow, don't worry about that, but it's still a bit of a 'wow' moment when you finally see all of the clues fall into place. And the final showdown totally had me on the edge of my seat.

I really enjoyed this third and final book in the Uncommon Justice series. As a conclusion it was very good and I was pleased that the McKade brothers finally get the answers to the mystery that has long haunted them. Don't Keep Silent more than lived up to my anticipation after reading the first two books and I would recommend them all to any fan of Christian romantic suspense. I now I can't wait to find out where Elizabeth Goddard will take readers now that Uncommon Justice is finished...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - 3 Days With A Cowboy by Lacy Williams

8/27/2020

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Genre:
Romance

3 Days With A Cowboy
Heart Of Oklahoma book 7
by Lacy Williams

-From Goodreads-

From USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams comes a new contemporary cowboy romance perfect for fans of The Big Bang Theory.

She came looking for a place to hide…and found an unlikely hero.

Part-time cowboy and full-time physicist Jake Sutton has enough complications in his life: his younger sister is about to be released from prison, and being a single dad to his five-year-old niece isn’t easy, especially for someone who can understand quantum mechanics more easily than the female mind. He doesn’t need any additional drama, but when country music artist Stevie Flower rolls up to his doorstep in need of help, he can’t say no.

Stevie is sick of paparazzi hounding her and hiding a secret grief that no one in her circles—not her fans, her business manager, or her peers—can understand. She and Jake were friends back when he tutored her in high school physics, so when she needs a place to escape, she runs to him.

Having Stevie underfoot is both a dream and a nightmare for Jake. The disproportionately large crush he had on her in high school rushes back with a vengeance—but someone like Stevie is in another dimension entirely. Can he offer the comfort she seeks without falling in love with her all over again?

ASIN: B06XXRT95G

Can they find love and healing in only 3 days?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Lacy Williams

Author Website

3 Days With A Cowboy is the perfect title for this sweet little romance novella from Lacy Williams. That's how long it takes for Jake's friendship, a cute little girl, and the peace of an Oklahoma farm to soak into Stevie's hurting heart. However, it takes a lot less to charm its way into the reader's heart.

I've enjoyed several of Lacy William's stories, interestingly most of them in audiobook form, and 3 Days With A Cowboy was no exception. It's a light and easy read or listen, perfect for a few short hours of escape from today's world of bad news and more bad news.

I did listen the audio version of this book and I noticed no issues with the sound or production. The narrator was a good match for the story and the characters. Overall, not a bad way to spend a short couple of hours plus a few minutes.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives 3 Days With A Cowboy by Lacy Williams a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig

8/27/2020

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Genre:
Suspense / Thriller

Kings Falling
The Book Of The Wars book 2
by Ronie Kendig

-From Goodreads-

Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

ASIN: B07VQLBDVY

Death and betrayal surround them on all sides...

Only the third Ronie Kendig book that I've read, Kings Falling was one intense roller-coaster of a ride through diverse cultures and spanning continents. It was a real page-turner and I finished it much faster than I usually would a 350+ page book with an end timesy theme, which is a genre-ish that I don't usually read. Good ol' Bethany House, one of the publishers who consistently produces such high quality books that I can't help but step out of my usual comfort zone and be glad I did.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating

Ronie Kendig

Author Website

Everything seems to be falling apart for Leif and his team. All they seem to be getting are more questions and very few answers. Those in authority seem to be hiding vital information and even the team members are dealing with mounting tension between themselves. And that doesn't even begin to touch the extreme danger Reaper is in as they face lies and betrayal in a desperate race to not only find the book but identify and stop the almost super-human warrior guardians of prophecy.

See what I mean? Intense action and adventure would be the three words that come to mind and I'm sure you can see why I had a hard time putting the book down. I actually think that Kings Falling may be my favorite of the two books so far in Ronie Kendig's The Book Of The Wars series. After the sort-of cliffhanger they left readers on I just can't wait the next couple of months or so until book three comes out. Please hurry, I HAVE to know what happens!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Joy After Noon by Debra Coleman Jeter + Interview & Giveaway

8/27/2020

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Joy marries a widowed bank executive caught in an ethical dilemma and misreads his obvious frustration while struggling to integrate into her new family. This novel explores the challenges of second marriages and dealing with step-children during the crucial years of puberty and teenage angst. A college professor coming up shortly for the huge tenure decision, Joy finds herself falling apart as her career and her home issues deteriorate and collide.

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Release Date: February 26, 2019

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Debra

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Carl Jung says: “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different.” Jung goes on to describe life's afternoon as the time when we begin to shift away from the ego being the dominant force in our life and move toward a journey that has real meaning.
I have always admired the writing of Daphne du Maurier, who wrote Rebecca among others. I've read Rebecca more than once, and the idea of being a second wife captivated my imagination, even though I've only been married once.

My husband and I recently watched the movie, We Bought a Zoo. Although I wrote the first draft of my novel, Joy after Noon, before seeing the movie, one aspect resonated with me. Benjamin Mee, the character played by Matt Damon, is grieving the death of his wife. At one point he remarks to Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) that a love like his for his first wife only comes along once in a lifetime. By the end of the movie, Benjamin and Kelly have not exchanged more than a kiss. Still, the question comes to mind: What would it be like to be the second wife to someone who had loved that deeply?

#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
There’s always a bit of myself in each of my characters from the least likable to the most. In Joy After Noon, the character I most identify with is Jenny, the younger daughter. Jenny knows she could never come near to the example set by her older sister, Marianne, so why try? Jenny plays clarinet in band. As she practices for tryouts, she has a loose pad, causing her horn to squeak rather than play properly. Naturally this happens on the last night before tryouts, and she has no idea what’s causing the problem.

I was a clarinet player, and had this exact experience myself. Jenny becomes friends with a wild girl named Claudia, who leads her to trouble. I had a similar friend as a teenager, and she was even named Claudia. Claudia is a tragic figure in the novel, but not an unsympathetic one.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book
In Joy After Noon, Joy is the second wife of a widower. Not a great beauty, Joy lacks self-confidence, especially in the domestic realm. Much of the plot hinges on her failure to express her fears and Ray’s failure to articulate his feelings. Like many men, he assumes she knows how he feels, and she’s not secure enough to tell him that she needs to hear it from his lips.

This type of communication problem isn’t limited to second marriages but extends to many first marriages (or even third) as well. Nor is it limited to one sex or the other. Too often we assume our partner knows our needs, or knows how we feel; and, too often, they do not. One of the messages I would like readers to take away is to tell our spouses and other loved ones how we feel about them, and what we need to hear from them, rather than assuming that they already know.

#4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
When I was writing the first draft of this novel, I attended a writers’ conference at Mt. Hermon. I received a lot of good input there. I already planned to call the novel Joy After Noon. One remark that has stayed with me came from a member of my group who said the title reminded her of the song “Afternoon Delight.” The connection hadn’t occurred to me, and her remark made me reconsider. Still, I ultimately decided to stick with the title because of a totally different connotation, related to the afternoon of life and how our perspectives change over the years as we mature.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I am a wife, mother of two and grandmother of three. I grew up in a Christian home. Some of my earliest memories are of the little country church I attended with my parents and grandparents.
When you grow up in the church, as I did, I think it’s harder to tell a dramatic conversion story. When I was quite young, we had a revival meeting. One of my friends was the daughter of our local preacher. She went down the aisle one night. A few days later, another friend and I went down. Years later, though, I looked back and questioned my level of understanding at the time and recommitted my life to Christ.

My grandmother was one of nine children in a little farm community in western Kentucky called Bell City. When she was growing up, they went to tent revival meeting when they came to town. Later, her brother and a friend who ran an orphanage there built the church I attended as a small child. I remember going on Easter egg hunts with the kids from the orphan’s home and being thankful I had parents and grandparents who loved me. I’ve started writing a trilogy called the Bell City Bottom. So far I’ve written a draft of the first book in the trilogy, which is my grandmother’s story. She was born in 1900.

Debra Coleman Jeter

Debra Coleman Jeter has published both fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her first novel, The Ticket, was a finalist for a Selah Award, as well as for Jerry Jenkins’ Operation First Novel. Her story, “Recovery,” was awarded first prize in a short story competition sponsored by Christian Woman; and her nonfiction book “Pshaw, It’s Me Grandson”: Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several domestic and international awards. Joy After Noon is the first novel in her Sugar Sands series. She has taught at Murray State University, Austin Peay State University, and Vanderbilt University, where she is currently a Professor Emerita. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Debra is giving away the grand prize package
of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a signed 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/ff18/joy-after-noon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, August 17
lakesidelivingsite, August 18
Splashes of Joy, August 19 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Inklings and notions, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 23 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 25
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 27 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 29 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, August 29
Texas Book-aholic, August 30

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Monday Movie - August 24th, 2020 (Fitzwilly)

8/24/2020

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Fitzwilly
starring
Dick Van Dyke
co-starring
Barbara Feldon ■ John McGiver ■ Edith Evans

(1967)

Fitzwilly Strikes Again!

When Miss Vicki's father dies she continues with her charitable donations. Unfortunately, the family wealth is depleted and she is flat broke. Her loyal butler, Claude Fitzwilliam, known as Fitzwilly, leads the household staff to steal from various businesses by misrepresenting themselves, charging goods to other wealthy people and misdirecting the goods shipments, all to maintain Miss Vicki's standard of living and her philanthropy. With Fitzwilly's encouragement, Miss Vicki is writing a "Dictionary for Dopes" which contains all possible phonetic spellings of a word, and gives the reader the correct one, and for that she needs a secretary. Juliet is hired and she is suspicious and she discovers what is going on while at the same time falling in love with Fitzwilly. Juliet agrees to allow Fitzwilly to carry out one more big caper before they get married that will keep Miss Vicki comfortable for the rest of her days.

I found this movie a few weeks ago while looking through Amazon's Prime Movies out of of boredom. I had little to do, and, even though Dick Van Dyke is not on my list of go-to actors, I decided to give the movie a whirl.

I am glad I did! It was so funny! Seriously, they can't make comedies like this anymore. I laughed out loud several times, especially when elderly 'Miss Vicky' takes a young policeman to task and tells him that she is a taxpayer so his time is her time! In this day and age it's hard to imagine anyone getting away that! (I do support the police, by the way, but the scene really was hilarious.)

One of the things that I found interesting is that this is Barbara Feldon's first credited role in a movie. I, of course, know her best from the three times I've watched all of the episodes of Get Smart where she plays Agent 99. Which, was roughly in its third season when this movie was released.

I got such a kick out of this funny crime-ridden movie that I had my family watch it as well. None of them are big Dick Van Dyke fans either but they laughed just as much as I did. And, I caught some more funny lines/scenes the second time around.

Seriously, if you are looking for a moral movie where everyone learns that crime doesn't pay, look somewhere else. If you want to laugh as only a 1960s comedy can make you laugh, if you need a break from all of the bad news, if you just want to watch a bit of fluff with a cute romance, Fitzwilly is the perfect choice. It's fun and it's funny!

1 hour 42 minutes

Principal Cast

Dick Van Dyke...Claude R. Fitzwilliam
Barbara Feldon...Juliet Nowell
John McGiver...Albert
Edith Evans...Miss Victoria Woodworth
Harry Townes...Mr. Nowell
John Fiedler...Mr. Morton Dunne
Anne Seymour...Grimsby
Norman Fell...Oberblatz
Cecil Kellaway...Buckmaster
Stephen Strimpell...Byron Casey
Helen Kleeb...Mrs. Mortimer

Filming Location(s)

Samuel Goldwyn Studios - 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, USA (studio)
High Street, Moorpark, California, USA
Steinway Hall, 109-113 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA (piano store exterior)
1275 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA (Gimbel's department store)
Isaac L. Rice House, 346 W 89th St, New York, USA
(Woodworth Mansion)
424 5th Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA (exterior of Lord & Taylor - closed 2019)

Quotes

Claude R. Fitzwilliam: [Opening lines] Once upon a time, the very privileged lived the way we still do, in quiet luxury, elegance, grace. It's an almost vanished way of life. Not easy to hold on to. And, terribly expensive to maintain.

Juliet Nowell: Oh, my! I mean, hi.
Claude R. Fitzwilliam: Good evening.
Juliet Nowell: I didn't mean to sound so startled. It's just that I've never seen a butler in full reg before. Are there many of you left?
Claude R. Fitzwilliam: We're - getting scarce. Like so many things, such as good manners.

Grimsby: I hope you don't talk to yourself, Miss. She does and I do and we both hate it!

Juliet Nowell: Platypi? As in many platypuses?
Kid: We are the platypus troop. A manly and virtuous group. Opposed to almost every sin. We hate reefers, girls and gin. That's from our troop song.

Grimsby: Fitzwilly, when old Mr. Woodworth died, there wasn't a penny and you started all this. It was Miss Vicki and I understood. But, it's different now. You're robbing Altman's and Jensen's and lord knows who else; because, you enjoy it.
Claude R. Fitzwilliam: It's just - I'm so *good* at it.

Juliet Nowell: No wonder you're so fond of him.
Miss Victoria Woodworth: I'm not fond of Fitzwilly, I love him. So will you, when you get to know him better.

WATCH ONLINE

Affiliate links used.

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

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Audiobook Review - This Daring Journey by Misty M. Beller

8/23/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

This Daring Journey
Heart Of The Mountains book 6
by Misty M. Beller

-From Goodreads-

The only hope to keep her newborn baby alive is to reach the safety of her Indian people… This mountain man is the last person she should trust to get her there.
As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him? Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is. Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.

ASIN: B07Q2CP3TC

Can she trust him with their lives?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Misty M. Beller

Author Website

It's a bit hard to believe that I am almost done with the Heart Of The Mountains series from Misty M. Beller. This Daring Journey is the sixth book out of seven and I'll admit that that I'll be a bit sorry to say goodbye to the extended Grant family when I do 'read' the last one. I say 'read' because I have actually been listening to the entire series in audiobook.

This Daring Journey was much like its predecessors with a small manageable cast of characters and a dangerous journey through the mountains. There really weren't very many surprises but I was perfectly OK with that. I liked the chance to get to know the characters a little better and to enjoy the wilderness winter setting.

I just have to say how much I enjoy the narrator for this series. Leonor A. Woodworth has the perfect voice for historical romance, it's so easy to listen to her for hours, and she really brings Misty M. Beller's characters to life. If you enjoy uncomplicated historical romance and audiobooks you should check out the Heart Of The Mountains series. Each book is standalone, though loosely connected, so it isn't hard to pick it up anywhere and read or listen.

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

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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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Author Of The Month August 2020 - Linda Shenton Matchett

8/22/2020

4 Comments

August Author of the Month

A secret mission. A fake bride. A run for their lives.

According to the OSS training manual, the life expectancy of a radio operator in Nazi-occupied France is six weeks. Partnered with one of the agency’s top spies, Gerard Lucas, newly-minted agent Emily Strealer plans to beat those odds. Then their cover is blown and all bets are off. The border to neutral Switzerland is three hundred miles away-a long way to run with SS soldiers on their heels.

Will Emily and Gerard survive the journey and get home?

And what about their hearts? Nothing in the manual prepared them for falling in love.

ASIN: B086696351

Interview with Linda Shenton Matchett
and Emily & Gerard

1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Spies & Sweethearts (Sisters in Service, book 1) came about through a combination of events. I read Sarah Sundin’s Sunrise at Normandy series about three brothers which gave me the idea to write about three sisters. While preparing a lecture about women in espionage for my local museum, I read numerous accounts of the brave women who went undercover during World War II and decided I wanted to tell their story. Many of these female spies served behind the lines in occupied France, so I decided to set the story there and include the French Resistance.

2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I wrote this book in about eight weeks and self-editing took another two or three.

3. What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
I chose Paris and its outskirts because that location was a “hotbed” of Resistance activity during the war. I researched the various escape routes that had been created and were still operational during the timeframe of my story, and selected one that sent my characters toward Switzerland through Grand Risoux forest.

Emily Strealer

4. What do you hope that people will learn from your story?
I hope people will learn that no matter how dark life may seem, God is in control.

Gerard Lucas

5. What is your greatest strength and your greatest flaw?
I’ll speak to my greatest flaw first. I’m highly trained in military, strategic, and covert tactics. Unfortunately, I often depend on myself first rather than God when approaching a situation. That has gotten me into trouble over the years. My greatest strength is my faith which upholds me during difficult and dangerous times.

6. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
I don’t enjoy the self-editing process. I find it tedious and lacking in creativity. Once I’m done with a story, I’d rather move on to the next idea.

7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that has happened in your life as writer.
For my very first book signing, three people showed up: my mom, one of my critique partners, and a friend. So much for taking the world by storm!

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

Linda Shenton Matchett

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is also a trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. Sign up for Linda's newsletter and receive a free short story.

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

Linda is generously giving away an e-book copy of Spies & Sweethearts

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Audiobook Review - Trespasses by Anne Patrick

8/21/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Trespasses
Wounded Heroes book 2
by Anne Patrick

-From Goodreads-

When the skeletal remains of three young women are discovered on the vacation estate of a U.S. Senator, the local sheriff enlists the help of Special Agent Gabe Sullivan and a local forensic sketch artist to help him solve the murders. A profiler for fourteen years, Gabe knows his skills are useless until they discover the identity of the victims. That's where beautiful and talented Mackayla Kensington comes in. Mackayla knows all too well the heartache of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The brutal murder of her own daughter is the driving force behind her determination to bring closure to families missing loved ones. Using her artistry skills, Mackayla works frantically to put faces to the skulls so their identities can be revealed and the killer can be caught. But when the killer realizes how good she is, will Gabe be able to protect her or will she be the next to die?

ASIN: B0868V3HWC

Some cases get personal...

I'm pretty new to Anne Patrick's romantic suspense fiction but I'm definitely hooked. Trespasses is only the second book that I've 'read' so far but it was my favorite.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Anne Patrick

Author Website

There were a lot of things to like about Trespasses. I enjoy stories with forensic artists and that have a serial killer or possible serial killer mystery, Anne Patrick has both in this exciting and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novel. The setting was rather unique as well, a fictional town near Spokane, Washington, which was pretty cool. I also really liked the addition of a historical murder that ties into Mackayla and Gabe's current investigation. Lots of twists and turns, multiple suspects, and a mystery with tentacles that cross state lines kept me guessing and listening very intently to my phone.

As with book one in the Wounded Warriors series I listened to this book in audio format. I had no complaints about the production and the narrator is one of my favorites. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to any fan of Christian romantic suspense.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Trespasses by Anne Patrick a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - End Game by Rachel Dylan

8/21/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

End Game
Capital Intrigue book 1
by Rachel Dylan

-From Goodreads-

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.

ISBN-13: 9780764234309

The deeper they dig the more dangerous it gets...

There was absolutely nothing not to like about this book! And it's, in my opinion, Rachel Dylan's best yet! End Game had all of the ingredients necessary to make a great romantic suspense novel, including plenty of surprises and 'switches on switches' as they said in the old Audrey Hepburn movie. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down and I finished it the same day.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Rachel Dylan

Author Website

I was completely impressed with End Game and its well layered plot, good pacing, and the easy to like characters. Though, I'll admit I almost didn't like Marco in those first few pages as he came off a bit arrogant, but it didn't take me long to change my mind. Bailey, however, seemed like a friend right away.

One of my favorite things about this book is that both heroine and hero are already Christians. They both sometimes struggle with faith in light of the terrible things they see in their line of work, which I think is pretty realistic, but there is no convenient last minute conversion just so that they can get married. It was a refreshing change from what is usually seen in Christian romantic suspense.

Needless to say, End Game is by far my favorite Rachel Dylan book, well, at least until the next Capital Intrigue book comes along. So now, I wait, and wait, and waaaiiit...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives End Game by Rachel Dylan a 5 Bark rating.

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Just Read Tours - Accidental Target by Theresa Hall + Review & Giveaway

8/16/2020

2 Comments

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for
Accidental Target by Theresa Hall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

On an icy road in the dead of night
what she sees might get her killed.

Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels.

Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer.But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection?

Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

Contains affiliate links.

My Review

She just wanted to help but now she's on the run...

I absolutely love trying new Love Inspired Suspense authors, especially when it's their debut novel. Accidental Target is precisely why I enjoy them so much! What. A. Wild. Ride! From start to finish Theresa Hall wove a tale of riveting suspense, spine-tingling danger, and, one must not forget, romance.

I have Accidental Target in paperback and I think the pages may have smoked a little from how fast I was reading. I couldn't put it down. Seriously, when a story starts out with proof of the old saying about no good deed going unpunished, well, how could I not be intrigued?

This book may be Theresa Hall's first Love Inspired Suspense but I certainly hope it won't be her last. I really do look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Accidental Target by Theresa Hall a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

Theresa Hall

Theresa Hall is an award-winning author of Christian fiction whose stories include military, law enforcement, and first responder heroes. As a native Texan, she loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s also a first-grade teacher who loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline and Discovery ID. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog and can be found online at www.theresalynnhall.com.

CONNECT WITH THERESA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Chocolate Cake cookbook and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print US only. International winner may receive ebook & egift card at the discretion of the author. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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