From author Kathleen Kent--"The Outcasts"--a triumph--a masterfully told tale of suspense, murder and mayhem, and ultimate justice in the Old West (see my review)

The Outcasts

A taut, thrilling adventure story about buried treasure, a manhunt, and a woman determined to make a new life for herself in the old west.

It's the 19th century on the Gulf Coast, a time of opportunity and lawlessness. After escaping the Texas brothel where she'd been a virtual prisoner, Lucinda Carter heads for Middle Bayou to meet her lover, who has a plan to make them both rich, chasing rumors of a pirate's buried treasure.

Meanwhile Nate Cannon, a young Texas policeman with a pure heart and a strong sense of justice, is on the hunt for a ruthless killer named McGill who has claimed the lives of men, women, and even children across the frontier. Who--if anyone--will survive when their paths finally cross?

As Lucinda and Nate's stories converge, guns are drawn, debts are paid, and Kathleen Kent delivers an unforgettable portrait of a woman who will stop at nothing to make a new life for herself.


MY REVIEW:   A masterfully told tale of suspense, murder and mayhem, and ultimate justice in the Old West, "The Outcasts" is a triumph for author Kathleen Kent. I am a lifelong lover of the Western genre, raised in a household of fellow Western lovers, and I was enthralled by the characters and story line of "The Outcasts". Anyone who truly loves Westerns knows that they are timeless, and Ms. Kent has beautifully captured all of the elements which make these stories resonate with readers. The tale begins with gold--pirate booty--rumored to be buried on a small island along the Texas Gulf Coast. The lure of this gold will pull together an increasing number of men and women, at first seemingly unconnected, but their pasts and their futures will become hopelessly entwined. Lucinda, an epilepsy-laden prostitute, places her faith and her hope for a free life in the hands of her mysterious lover, Bill, who has a plan for obtaining the golden treasure. Nate Cannon, from Oklahoma, is a newly-sworn-in Texas state policeman. Given the duty of delivering a message to Texas ranger George Deerling, Nate soon joins Deerling and his partner, Tom Goddard, on a mission to end the crime spree of a cold-blooded serial killer. The two veteran rangers have much wisdom to impart to Nate, but they themselves also learn from the young lawman. He has a way with horses that few other men can match. As Lucinda and Bill put their treasure-hunting tricks into play, Nate and the rangers are following the trail of a deadly, remorseless killer. All of them are on a course of fate which will converge their lives, and the lives of those in their path, toward a destination from which none can escape. Be prepared to read this book all in one setting. The flowing pace and the cleverness with which the author adds riveting detail to the story line will hold you in place and keep the pages turning. Superb storytelling from author Kathleen Kent.

Book Copy Gratis Author

 

ALSO BY KATHLEEN KENT

The Heretic's Daughter

 

The Wolves of Andover

 

Kathleen Kent



Kathleen Kent’s fifth book titled The Burn, sequel to the Edgar-nominated The Dime, is a contemporary crime novel set in Dallas. Kirkus gave The Burn a starred review, and The Washington Post writes, “Raymond Chandler praised Dashiell Hammett for taking crime fiction out of the drawing room and into the streets. With Betty Rhyzyk, Kathleen Kent brings those mean streets to life as excitingly as anybody has in years.” Ms. Kent is also the author of three bestselling, award-winning historical novels, The Heretic’s Daughter, The Traitor’s Wife, and The Outcasts. She has written short stories and essays for D Magazine, Texas Monthly and LitHub, and has been published in the crime/horror anthology Dallas Noir. In March 2020 she will be inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters for her contribution to Texas literature.

Author Note: I grew up in Texas, but lived and worked in New York City for twenty years. After returning to Dallas, I was enchanted, but also baffled, by the rich, and sometimes absurd, cultural soup that is Texas, with its cowboys and Confederate Army re-enactors standing toe-to-toe with wealthy bankers and society doyens. I knew that someday I’d want to write a novel about this city of contradictions. My heroine, Detective Betty Rhyzyk of THE DIME, was developed in part from my personal experiences with members of my family who are in law enforcement, and my growing admiration for the female police officers who are forced to confront “the way things are done in the South”. It was immensely fun developing a fearless female character who stands up for herself, and for all women, bringing to life the sprawling, fractious city known to Dallas locals as Big D.  

http://www.kathleenkent.com/

"Falling for the Lawman"--a "Heroes of Shelter Creek" contemporary western romance--by author Claire McEwen--see my reviews for this wonderful series

  

Falling for the Lawman: A Clean Romance

They made a great team…

But how long can they last?

Shelter Creek deputy Adam Sears wasn’t pleased about his temporary new partner. Anxious to catch some poachers, wildlife officer Gracie Long took too many unacceptable risks. Yet after learning Gracie had been through a trauma, Adam was determined to make this relationship work. But as a single father of two young kids, can he trust his family with someone so reckless once the assignment is over? 

MY REVIEW:  "Heroes of Shelter Creek" is one of my all-time favorite contemporary romance series. Author Claire McEwen skillfully creates engaging characters, gives them real-life personal issues to overcome, and then adds story lines set in beautiful Northern California which focus on wildlife welfare and environmental preservation. These characters are passionate about the work they believe in, and they are just as heartfelt in their care for the people in their lives. In Book Six, "Falling for the Lawman", Shelter Creek Sheriff's Deputy Adam Sears is still coping with his anger over his wife Tanya's abrupt walk-out on him and their two children, Jack and Penny, almost a year ago. After ten years in the sheriff's department, Adam is taken aback when he is made partner to an officer from the State Department of Wildlife who is conducting a bear poaching investigation. Gracie Long is an experienced and successful poacher hunter. Having recently survived a brutal attack by one of the poachers in her sights, she is well aware of just how dangerous her work is. Used to working alone, Gracie must accept the decision of her superiors to have her partner with another law enforcement officer on this case. Adam is a by-the-book, follow-the-rules kind of guy. Gracie operates on the spur of the moment, and follows her own instincts. Much to their surprise, they make a terrific team. Working side-by-side, they get to know one another, and a professional relationship begins to grow into something more. Watching Gracie spend time with his kids, Adam begins to hope for a happy future with them together as a family. Are the differences between Adam and Gracie too great, or can loving hearts learn to trust and accept change? I highly recommend the "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series". I have read all of the books, loved them all, and look forward to more books in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Author

  

Second Chance Cowboy: A Clean Romance

He was her first love…

But some things she can’t forget

Busy small-town veterinarian Emily Fielding is finally ready to take on some help. The best man for the job, however, is Wes Marlow—who broke her heart in high school. Though Wes has a way with horses and a way of melting her resolve, Emily needs to keep things purely professional. Wes left her once—will he do it again? Because she can’t lose her heart a second time…

 MY REVIEW:  Author Claire McEwen is a gifted storyteller whose contemporary western romances captivate the reader's imagination while also providing a compelling look into the complexities of Northern California ranch life. Emily Fielding is a second-generation veterinarian, and the only veterinarian in the community of Shelter Creek, California. Having taken over her father's vet practice when he retired, and also working with the Shelter Creek Wildlife Center since it began, Emily was overloaded and starting to feel overwhelmed. She needed help--and she knew it. She never imagined that help to come from the last person she expected to see--Weston Marlow, who had broken her heart fifteen years ago when he had left town without a word. Emily's parents had taken in Wes as a troubled foster child full of rebellion. Under the steady care and happy family life Wes came to know at the Fieldings' home, he finally felt a sense of belonging. He and Emily became friends, and that friendship slowly turned to young love, which they kept quiet. Just before the senior prom that Emily and Wes were to attend together, he left town with no warning. Through all the years that he had been gone, he had never contacted them, and now he was back in Shelter Creek, a veterinarian himself, and wanting to work with Emily in her practice. The explanation that  he offered Emily and her parents for his abrupt departure all those years ago was deeply personal and also justifiable for a young man surviving the tribulations of the foster care system. Emily had striven to establish herself as a vet in her own right, not just to be her father's daughter, just has she had tried to overcome the heartbreak Wes had caused. Should she put aside her personal concerns and make a bold move to strengthen her capacity to provide care for animals? Will her heart be on the line along with her professional reputation? As Wes proves his worth as a healer of animals, a friendship once again grows along with their working relationship--can it bloom into something more? Fifteen years apart seems like a lifetime, but is it long enough to let old hurts fade and bright new hopes begin to shine? "Second Chance Cowboy" is a highly-recommended, heartfelt reunion romance, and I look forward to the next book in the "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series".   

Book Copy Gratis Author 

Rescuing the Rancher

She’ll help protect his ranch…

And heal his heart...

Firefighter Jade Carson needs to get the local residents out of a wildfire’s path, but Aidan Bell isn’t moving. Still grieving a tragedy, the stubborn rancher plans to stay and save his animals. Jade and Aidan battle the blaze on his property, only to feel the spark of something unexpected. Secrets are shared, hope kindles…but can they leave the past’s ashes behind and let love grow?

MY REVIEW: Returning to author Claire McEwen's Northern California-set "Heroes of Shelter Creek" series is always a pleasure for me as a reader. The characters are interesting and appealing--their story lines are emotionally compelling, and they tackle difficult real-life issues head on. Book Four, "Rescuing the Rancher", is the story of Aidan Bell, a man struggling with deep personal grief, and Jade Carson, a young woman who never gives up when there is someone or something to be saved. When a disastrous wildfire threatens Aidan Bell's ranch and the surrounding properties, he will do his best to save his animals and the animals from the other nearby ranches. Jade Carson is a firefighter assigned to warn anyone in the area to manditorily evacuate, but Aidan won't leave without trying to save the animals. With a slim chance of survival, Aidan and Jade work furiously to battle the roaring beast of the fire. Throughout a long day and night, the two of them form a connection as they strive mightily to survive the fire and protect the livestock. Each of them has long-standing personal issues to overcome, but is there a chance for them to embrace a hopeful future and build a new life together? "Rescuing the Rancher" is an exceptional contemporary western romance, and I know that readers will greatly enjoy this book and the other entries in "The Heroes of Shelter Creek" series.  

Book Copy Gratis Author




Her Surprise Cowboy

Looking for redemption…

Finding a future...

Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too—and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family.

MY REVIEW:  In "Her Surprise Cowboy", Book 3 in author Claire McEwen' "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series", a man and woman both striving to overcome past mistakes are unexpectedly reunited--and each of them is holding back a life-changing secret. A chance meeting at a wedding led to one shared night between Liam Dale and Trisha Gilbert. Kisses fueled by champagne and the chance to escape reality were later replaced by shame and regret, and Liam had left before Trisha awoke--they hadn't even told one another their last names.Trisha never expected to see Liam again, and she had no way of contacting him to let him know that he was the father of adorable baby Henry--the light of her life. After almost two years, a sudden surprise meeting takes them both aback. Liam has come to his friend Jace's ranch in Shelter Creek, California to learn modern, progressive ranching techniques that he can implement at his family's spread back in Texas. Trisha, a vet's assistant, is also friends with Jace and his wife, Vivian. At first, Liam and Trisha keep their previous meeting to themselves, and Liam is aware that Trisha is not happy to see him. Eventually, she must tell him about their son, and he is stunned to learn that he is a father. Liam has his own big secret--the real reason why he left that morning without speaking to Trisha or leaving a note. To clear the air between them and make way for a happy family life together, the truth must be told. Can trust grow where doubt once lived, and can love be stronger than regret? Claire McEwen is a unique storyteller, blending the traditions of the past with modern concerns of land and wildlife conversation and somehow weaving them into important elements of touching and heartwarming stories of contemporary western romance. I have greatly enjoyed, and highly recommend, "The Heroes of Shelter Creek Series".

Book Copy Gratis Author

After the Rodeo

 Her passion for her job…

…could cost him everything

Former rodeo champion Jace Hendricks has six weeks to turn his run-down ranch around or he could lose custody of his nieces and nephew. But biologist Vivian Reed has to survey his land first—and she won’t be rushed. Vivian’s optimism and wonder start to win over the kids…and even Jace. But with all that’s at stake, can he risk getting any more involved with Vivian?

MY REVIEW:  Author Claire McEwen returns readers to beautiful Northern California with "After the Rodeo", Book 2 in her contemporary western romance series, "Heroes of Shelter Creek". Jace Hendricks had spent a decade building a career on the rodeo circuit, and a winning streak had raised his hopes for a championship. His dreams were shattered by a phone call from Social Services advising him that his sister Brenda had been convicted of felony charges and was facing twenty years in prison. Jace's memories of a turbulent childhood and guilt over not staying in touch with his sister spurred him to give up the rodeo in order to take custody of Brenda's three children. With just enough money to buy a run-down ranch to make a home for himself and the children, he planned to raise cattle as a means of income to keep them all together. As if becoming an instant father--an unsettling occurrence for him and the children--was not enough, he also had to deal with a persistent social worker and a group of citizens devoted to wildlife protection. He had unknowingly bought land that was a prime elk habitat, and the fence he had built to keep cattle in would keep the elk out. Complicating matters even further is the arrival of biologist Vivian Reed, who must survey the property and assess the wildlife situation. Vivian, who is dealing with personal health issues and a heartache of her own, nonetheless has a caring persona which touches the heart of Jace and the children. With only a short time to make all matters right, can Jace and Vivian find a way to keep home and family together and look forward to a bright and happy future filled with love? "After the Rodeo" is a wonderfully-written story for lovers of contemporary western romance.

Book Copy Gratis Author

Reunited with the Cowboy

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

MY REVIEW:  I have always loved westerns--when I was a little girl, my whole family watched the great TV westerns together--we were all fans. As I got older, I realized how appealing and romantic cowboys are--if you win the heart of a cowboy, you're a lucky woman indeed! Author Claire McEwen begins her "Heroes of Shelter Creek series: with "Reunited with the Cowboy"--a richly- detailed story with a beautiful setting and very appealing characters. After years spent in service in the Marines, Caleb Dunne returned home to the family ranch in Shelter Creek, California. Working hard to preserve the heritage of the ranch and secure its future, he must accept help from a an unexpected and unwanted source. Years ago. Maya Burton and Caleb Dunne were high-school sweethearts--very much in love--until the aftermath of a tragic accident drove them apart. Maya left the area after graduation and became a wildlife biologist. Coming home to Shelter Creek to visit her grandmother means coming face-to-face with Caleb--and facing the heartbreak of the past. Maya has the knowledge and training to help Caleb and other ranchers in the area, but will he open his heart, and his mind, and trust her to help him hold on to his family's legacy? After spending time again with Caleb, will Maya be able to walk away and return to the life she has created outside Shelter Creek? "Reunited with the Cowboy" is highly recommended for lovers of heartfelt contemporary western romance.

Book Copy Gratis Author


Claire McEwen

 

 
Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When not dreaming up new stories, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course!

http://www.clairemcewen.com

"The Last House on the Street"--plus four more terrific titles--top-notch contemporary women's fiction from the very talented Diane Chamberlain

  

The Last House on the Street

From bestselling author Diane Chamberlain comes an irresistible new novel that perfectly interweaves history, mystery, and social justice.

When Kayla Carter's husband dies in an accident while building their dream house, she knows she has to stay strong for their four-year-old daughter. But the trophy home in Shadow Ridge Estates, a new development in sleepy Round Hill, North Carolina, will always hold tragic memories. But when she is confronted by an odd, older woman telling her not to move in, she almost agrees. It's clear this woman has some kind of connection to the area...and a connection to Kayla herself. Kayla's elderly new neighbor, Ellie Hockley, is more welcoming, but it's clear she, too, has secrets that stretch back almost fifty years. Is Ellie on a quest to right the wrongs of the past? And does the house at the end of the street hold the key? Told in dual time periods, The Last House on the Street is a novel of shocking prejudice and violence, forbidden love, the search for justice, and the tangled vines of two families.

 
ALSO BY DIANE CHAMBERLAIN

 

Big Lies in a Small Town




The Dream Daughter



 

Necessary Lies

  

 

  


















 

The Silent Sister


Praise for Diane Chamberlain:


"With a little tension and a lot of heart, The Dream Daughter will delight Chamberlain's fans and hook new readers." ―Booklist
 
"Chamberlain writes with supernatural gifts...fate, destiny, chance and hope combine for a heady and breathless wonder of a read." --Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan's Tale

"Can a story be both mind-bending and heartfelt? In Diane Chamberlain's hands, it can. The Dream Daughter will hold readers in anxious suspense until the last satisfying page." --Therese Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of Z

"Endearingly human...You will want to share this book with friends so you can all experience it togther." --Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books

"Spellbinding...vivid...the ride of your life." --Samantha Flynn, Quail Ridge Books

"Secrets, intrigue, mystery, love, forgiveness, and drama--it's all here. And it is riveting. Chamberlain's latest novel demands the reader to race, yet savor, the journey to the finale." --Library Journal on The Stolen Marriage

"A multilayered, poignant novel." --Booklist on Pretending to Dance
"Chamberlain's powerful story is a page-turner to the very end." -Library Journal on The Silent Sister

"A story of redemption, paranoia, and the power of shared bonds, The Silent Sister is a powerful and thrilling novel...Tautly paced and emotionally driven." -Booklist on The Silent Sister


Diane Chamberlain
 
 

Diane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 27 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.

More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.

Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole.
 

http://www.dianechamberlain.com/

 

"Dinner on Primrose Hill"--by Jodi Thomas--A slice of Americana delivered with her characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the third Honey Creek novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes readers to Clifton Bend, Texas, a small college town where two very different scientists must team up on an experiment on "The Chemistry of Mating." Can these two opposites attract and quantify the science of love? (see my reviews for the series)

 

Dinner on Primrose Hill

Benjamin Monroe is pretty sure how his life will play out. He’ll continue teaching chemistry in his small college, and spend his free time biking through the valley. Eventually, he’ll retire to putter around in his garden and greenhouse.

His colleague, Virginia Clark, is not one for routines. She’s chatty, spontaneous, and bubbly, and before Benjamin realizes what happened, she’s talked him into collaborating on a research project—studying the mating habits of college students. Virginia knows her desire to work with Benjamin is motivated by more than the potential prize money . . . and hopes he might not be quite as indifferent as he seems to be.

Ketch Kincaid, one of Benjamin’s star students, returned to college after serving in the army. He needs something to get his mind off his recent breakup and collecting research data might do it. And there’s another distraction on the horizon—a woman who looks like she, too, knows about heartache.

Soon enough, their project, “The Chemistry of Mating,” is gaining notoriety. Friends, neighbors . . . the whole town has become involved. But no matter what the data determines, one conclusion seems inescapable: love follows its own rules . .

MY REVIEW: Returning to author Jodi Thomas' "Honey Creek Series" is once again a true reader's treat with Book Three, "Dinner on Primrose Hill". This time the setting is the small college town of Clifton Bend, TX--not too far from Honey Creek, and located in the same beautiful valley. Forty-something college professors Virginia Clark and Benjamin Monroe are seemingly opposites in just about every way--she's bouncy, bubbly, and effusive--he's a methodical, orderly, man of routine. They both teach at Clifton College and are brought together when Virginia suggests that they collaborate on a research project, "The Chemistry of Mating", which could earn them some prize money. With the nagging thought thought that somehow, somewhere, he and Virginia had met before, Benjamin agrees to her plan. When former military man Ketch Kincaid takes his broken heart to a bar to beat out his troubles, he and barmaid Tuesday Raine find themselves coming to each other's rescue. Ketch, who is attending college and working full-time is hired by Benjamin to help with the research project. College librarian Amelia Remington and wild son of a preacher Harrison Norton literally collide with each other on a rainy street. After crashing into her with his motorcycle, he becomes her care provider. Life and love are always different than we imagine them to be--sometimes more than we expected and often times less than we had hoped. Author Jodi Thomas is a master storyteller who gives her characters real flaws, good hearts, and the second chances they well deserve. With her trademark humor, treasured surprise twists, and memorable moments of poignancy, she gives her readers a full sense of involvement in each new story line that she creates. "Dinner on Primrose Hill" is an entertaining addition to the "Honey Creek Series", and readers will also greatly enjoy the first two books in the series: "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" and "Picnic in Someday Valley".

Book Copy Gratis Author    

 

   

Picnic in Someday Valley

The charming and uplifting new novel from the legendary author of dozens of unforgettable romances! Travel to the small town of Honey Creek where ties run deep and happiness is just around the next river bend…

Marcie Latimer longs to run away from Someday Valley—especially since her ex-boyfriend spun a web of lies that almost led to tragedy in neighboring Honey Creek. Little wonder so many locals have turned their backs on her. But not Brand Rodgers. The quiet cowboy comes to listen every time she sings at Bandit’s Bar, offering a glimpse of safety and calm that Marcie’s rarely known.

After Texas Ranger Colby McBride saved Honey Creek’s mayor, Piper Mackenzie, from a fire, she claimed him with a kiss. That was five months ago, and Colby still isn’t sure where they’re headed. Piper loves her town—but does she love Colby? And is he even ready for what comes next?

Pecos Smith, Honey Creek’s emergency dispatcher, is grateful to have a new bride he adores and a baby on the way—even if one vital piece of the puzzle is missing. But as trouble comes stalking through the valley, lives will cross surprising paths. And Marcie, who’s always felt that a forever love was out of reach, might discover that Someday is the perfect place to find it . . .

MY REVIEW: Author Jodi Thomas is a superb storyteller who never disappoints and often amazes. After reading "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe", Book One in the "Honey Creek Series", I knew the next book would also be a wonderful read, but I have to say: Wow! "Picnic in Someday Valley" is a real reader's treat, with all the "bells and whistles"--and then some. The small-town Texas setting gives an immediate sense of place. Characterizations are so vivid that you'd swear the author is reading their minds instead of creating their identities. Piper Jane Mackenzie, born into politics and public service, is still the mayor of Honey Creek. Recent tumultuous events in the community had brought about much change for the residents--especially Piper. Surviving scandal, an attempt on her life, and being rescued by a handsome state trooper sent by her two Texas Ranger brothers was a lot to deal with, and there was more to come. Trooper Colby McBride was now a Texas Ranger, a dream come true, but one that kept him away from Piper more than either one of them wanted. They were both married to their careers, and matters of the heart frequently gave way to matters of business. Marcie Latimer, who lived in nearby Someday Valley, was a young woman whose heart and trust had been broken more than once. She had been an unwilling player in the sick scheme of the man who had threatened Piper. Marcie, who was trying to find her place in the world, was a talented singer and guitar player, and she had one special fan who came to her shows at the bar where she worked. Brand Rodgers, a tall, quiet man with rock-hard muscles and cowboy stoicism, saw everything in Marcie that she didn't see in herself. Brand was a patient man--a man of hidden depths--and he would wait for Marcie to come into her own as he watched out for her. Pecos Smith, a young man with a big heart, and great determination, had married Kerrie, the girl he loved who was pregnant with another man's child. Both of their families disapproved, but Pecos knew in his heart that if they kept moving forward, no matter how slow the pace, someday love would find its way. These three couples, plus a great group of supporting characters, will once again face danger and uncertainty as new threats come to light. How will they resolve the obstacles they face? Jodi Thomas fills her stories with humor, elements of surprise, poignancy, and, of course, passionate romance and true love. It's that trademark element of surprise, combined with masterful storytelling, that keeps readers coming back for more. I look forward to future Texas tales in the highly enjoyable "Honey Creek Series"..

Book Copy Gratis Author

 

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café

From Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of "Mornings on Main" and "Indigo Lake", comes this heartwarming new novel set in Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand . . .  

Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she’s willing to welcome undercover detective Colby McBride, hired to help solve the mystery behind her wannabe fiancé’s disappearance. Colby’s cover? That he is an old boyfriend now begging Piper for a second chance—always when there are plenty of townsfolk around to witness his shenanigans.

Piper hardly knows whether to laugh or cry, especially when she finds herself drawn to the handsome rascal. He's not the only newcomer she has to deal with. There’s a new interim preacher in town, Sam Cassidy. Drifting from one assignment to another since his one love died, Sam isn’t sure he’s the right fit for Honey Creek. But as Piper knows, this is a place chock-full of surprises. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . . 

MY REVIEW:  No one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release, "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the heroines are smart and sassy, the humor is heartfelt, and the town itself is quaintly quirky. Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, TX, comes from a long line of politicians and public servants. Dedicated to her job, Piper envisions herself someday advancing her political career to the governor's office. When Piper's longtime acquaintance and sometime photo-op partner mysteriously disappear at the same time the local sheriff goes missing, speculation and nasty rumors begin to swirl. One of Piper's Texas Ranger brothers calls in state trooper Colby McBride to head to Honey Creek as an undercover investigator who will keep a very close eye on Piper. As events escalate around them, the sparks fly between Piper and Colby. He finds her lovely and appealing , and she is hard-pressed to resist his outrageous charm. The new preacher in town, Sam Cassidy--son of a "traveling preacher"--arrives for a short-term stay and is soon involved in the lives of the townsfolk. Somewhat at a crossroads in his life, Sam finds himself drawn to the area and the people--especially a certain sharp-tongued redhead named Anna Presley. As the mysteries deepen and dangers loom, Colby is working hard to protect Piper and keep safe the growing admiration between them. When all truths are revealed, will there be a happy future in sight for the mayor and the lawman? Will Sam's restless heart find its home in Honey Creek? This book made my romance-lover's soul smile for all the right reasons, and I greatly look forward to the next book in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Author


PRAISE FOR JODI THOMAS
 
“Tender, heartfelt and wonderful. . . . I loved every word.”—RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author, on The Little Teashop on Main

“Compelling and beautifully written, it is exactly the kind of heart-wrenching, emotional story one has come to expect from Jodi Thomas.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Ransom Canyon

“Deeply poignant moments and artfully rendered characters create a rich story that transports readers to an idyllic place.” —Publishers Weekly on Mistletoe Miracles

“Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (Starred Review) on Sunrise Crossing

“A pure joy to read.” —RT Book Reviews on the Ransom Canyon series

“Six lost souls find true love in the sweet first romance of the Honey Creek series from Thomas…It’s the inviting setting and quirky, good-hearted characters that will draw readers in.” —Publishers Weekly on Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café

 

Jodi Thomas

 

New York Times and USA Today's bestselling author Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels "Distinctive...Memorable," and that in her stories "[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes." In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN'S REWARD. She also received the National Readers' Choice Award in 2009 for TWISTED CREEK (2008) and TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN (2008). While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.  

With millions of books in print, Jodi Thomas is both a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels and a dozen novellas. Her stories travel through the past and present days of Texas and draw readers from around the world. Jodi has been inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. When not working on a novel, Thomas enjoys traveling, renovating a historic home, and "checking up" on her grown sons and four grandchildren.

http://www.jodithomas.com

"Under the Bayou Moon"--by Valerie Fraser Luesse--a master of the Southern novel invites you to enter the sultry swamps of Louisiana in a story that illuminates the struggle for the heart and soul of the bayou (see my review)

 

Under the Bayou Moon

Restless with the familiarity of her Alabama home, Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country. Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their culture, most of the people in tiny Bernadette, Louisiana, come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher as a boon to the town. She's soon teaching just about everyone--and coming up against opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.

Acclimating to a whole new world, Ellie meets a lonely but intriguing Cajun fisherman named Raphe who introduces her to the legendary white alligator that haunts these waters. Raphe and Ellie have barely found their way to each other when a huge bounty is offered for the elusive gator, bringing about a shocking turn of events that will test their love and their will to right a terrible wrong.

A master of the Southern novel, Valerie Fraser Luesse invites you to enter the sultry swamps of Louisiana in a story that illuminates the struggle for the heart and soul of the bayou.

MY REVIEW:  "Under the Bayou Moon", by Valerie Fraser Luesse, is a captivating inspirational romance set in Post WWII Era Louisiana. With engaging characters and an involving story line, this heartfelt tale will delight readers. When Ellie Fields left her home in Alabama to accept a teaching job in the small Louisiana town of Bernadette, she had no idea of the adventure that awaited. Raphe Broussard is struggling with his decision on whether to become a single father and raise his late brother's son, Remy, or to surrender to local religious pressure and allow the boy to be adopted into a family of strangers. When he follows his heart, he and Ellie and Remy will be set upon a course that will teach them and the whole community the true meaning of love and family--all under the watchful eye and mystical presence of a legendary white alligator. Author Valerie Fraser Luesse has created an atmospheric story filled with appealing characters and a quaint community that readers will find hard to let go.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

 

 

 

 

Valerie Fraser Luesse

 

Valerie Fraser Luesse is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently a senior travel editor. Her work has been anthologized in the audio collection Southern Voices and in A Glimpse of Heaven, an essay collection featuring works by C. S. Lewis, Randy Alcorn, John Wesley, and others. As a freelance writer and editor, she was the lead writer for Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana's Acadian Prairie, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. Luesse earned her bachelor's degree in English at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and her master's degree in English at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She grew up in Harpersville, Alabama, a rural community in Shelby County, and now lives in Birmingham.

https://www.valeriefraserluesse.com/  

"MONK"--the "Defective Detective" never misses a clue--solving crimes on page and screen, his special abilities are a "blessing and a curse"--author of the books, Lee Goldberg, was also a screenwriter for the TV series

Monk: The Complete Series

He's obsessive. He's compulsive. He's Monk, "TV's most original sleuth ever" (Howard Rosenberg, Los Angeles Times). Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub cleans up crime and grime galore in the beloved series that critics hailed as "fresh, exciting and utterly original" (Chicago Tribune). Once upon a time Adrian Monk was a rising star with the San Francisco Police Department, but he lost his nerve, his mind and then his badge. Now, this obsessive-compulsive detective is determined to get back on the force by solving one crime at a time in "the best detective show to come along in decades" (New York Post). Featuring hilarious guest stars, including Stanley Tucci, John Turturro and Sarah Silverman, and packed with every episode from all 8 seasons, this 32-disc set includes hours of behind-the-scenes bonus, making Monk: The Complete Series a compulsively essential addition to any DVD obsessive's collection.

 

 

Mr. Monk (19 Book Series)

Adrian Monk, an obsessive-compulsive police detective, in San Francisco, California, in the Monk TV novelizations written by Lee Goldberg.

Lee Goldberg

 

#1 New York Times Bestselling author Lee Goldberg is a two-time Edgar Award and two-time Shamus Award nominee whose many TV writing and/or producing credits include "Martial Law," "SeaQuest," "Diagnosis Murder,""Hunter," "Spenser: For Hire," "Nero Wolfe," "Missing." "Monk" and "The Glades." He's also the co-author of the Fox & O'Hare series with Janet Evanovich (The Heist, The Chase, The Job, The Scam, The Pursuit etc), "The Walk," "Watch Me Die," "King City," the "Dead Man" series, as well as the "Diagnosis Murder" and "Monk" series of original mystery novels.

http://www.leegoldberg.com

From author Tari Faris--"Restoring Heritage Series"--delightful inspirational contemporary romance set in the charming small town of Heritage, Michigan (see my reviews)

  

Since You've Been Gone

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.

Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.

MY REVIEW:  Author Tari Faris brings to a close her inspirational contemporary romance "Restoring Heritage Series" with Book Three, "Since You've Been Gone". Taking readers back to the charming, close-knit community of Heritage, Michigan, the author reunites with familiar faces and introduces new characters and story lines. As always the thread of abiding faith is woven throughout Tari Faris' storytelling. As the characters grow as individuals, and grow together as a couple, so does their faith grow. Jon Kensington, son of a wealthy corporate executive had always lived a life of privilege. A "Golden Boy", he had also inherited much responsibility from the family business. Leah Williams, the girl Jon had loved since high school, had never seen him for the person he really was. With dreams of reopening her grandfather's store, a beloved community landmark, Leah has ideas of how to bring the store into the future while keeping its trademark charm, but she needs help. Pushed by his own company to persuade Leah to sell so that his firm can cement a big business deal, Jon must find a way to make things work out so that everyone gets what they want. But what about what Jon and Leah want and need in their personal lives? Can he make Leah see what he's known all along--that the two of them were meant for each other? For the most enjoyment, read this heartfelt, character-driven series from beginning to end. You will be so glad that you did.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

Book 2.5

While It Was Snowing

 

Return to Heritage with this heart warming Christmas novella. 

 

Had Danielle known that delivering a message would land her holding a bouquet of red roses and wearing the first dress of her life, she would not have volunteered.
 

Danielle Fair has been working at her dad’s mechanic shop since she could talk, and she loves fixing cars. To everyone at the garage, she’s just Dan, one of the guys, and that’s fine by her…after all, without sisters or a mother, Danielle is lost when it comes to girly stuff. However, when she is forced to embrace her inner girly girl at Nate and Olivia’s winter wedding, her makeover wakes up not just the attention of the guys she works with, but also the one man she has secretly loved for some time—her best friend, Gideon Mathews—Danielle is suddenly beset with way too much attention and struggles to figure ouho she is underneath it all.
 

There were always two things Gideon Mathews could count on: his beloved Detroit Lions not making it to the playoffs and Dan Fair being his best friend. But when Dan—no, Danielle—shows up to his sister’s wedding dressed as, of all things, a girl—no, a very beautiful, breathtaking, heart-stopping girl—he isn’t sure what to do with his sudden rush of emotions. Of course, he’s always known she was a girl, but suddenly he can’t keep his eyes, or mind…or heart away from her. Only now every guy in town seems to have the same problem. Did he lose his chance with Danielle by missing what had been in front of him for so long? Or can he convince her to be his by Christmas?
 

It’s Miss Congeniality goes to a winter wedding in a Christmas Cinderella tale. From snowed-in to snowball fights, Christmas trees to Christmas dances, this story has everything you need for a perfect holiday read.
 

Fuzzy socks and hot cocoa not included but encouraged while you read. 

 

Book 2

Until I Met You

 

When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

Novelist Tari Faris invites you back to the small town with a big heart in this second book in the Restoring Heritage series.

MY REVIEW: Author Tari Faris treats readers to another charming small town romance with "Until I Met You", Book Two in her "Restoring Heritage" series. Heritage, Michigan is a town in the process of revitalization, and one of the things that definitely needs an update is the community library. Libby Kingsley needs a new start, and accepting the position of librarian will also allow her to be close to her brother, Luke, and his family. Libby discovers that library needs a complete overhaul--including a new building. Community funding is allocated for the new town square, and the architect in charge of the project, Austin Williams has hands full with limited resources, family issues, and the new librarian who is determined to provide Heritage with a renovated library. Libby and Austin bump heads from the beginning, live next door to each other, and will have to learn to work together in order to compromise and reach their individual goals. Along the way, can they become friends--and perhaps something more that they never expected? "Until I Met You" reacquaints readers with characters from Book One, "You Belong With Me", and the prequel. "P.S. Goodbye". This is a story filled with faith, second chances, and heartwarming romance. A recommended series for lovers of contemporary inspirational romance.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books 

 

Book 1

You Belong with Me

 

Small-town realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents--unfortunately, selling houses isn't one of them. When a developer sets his sights on the historic homes in Heritage, Hannah turns to her best friend Luke for help. Will Luke risk his future and confront his past to help her succeed?

Book 0.5

P.S. Goodbye

 

What if a woman who’s all about the goals and plans falls in love with man who no longer believes his life has a purpose? A novice life coach needs to cement her reputation with one great success story. When a wounded former Special Forces operator walks back into her life looking for a job, she decides to work with him—a win-win for them both.

​If Caroline Williams had her way, she’d help everyone in town find their purpose in life—unfortunately, no one seems to want her help. But she refuses to give up, and her new status as a certified life coach should provide her with some badly needed credibility. All she needs is her first client. When Grant Quinn walks in looking for a job, Caroline knows he needs more than that—he needs a new plan for his life. But when Grant refuses to be honest about his dreams and his struggles, Caroline’s business might come crashing down before it starts.

Wounded former Special Forces operator Grant Quinn understood the cost when he enlisted and served his country with pride. The scars on his face are reminders of what he lost, but he is moving on—now if he could just convince his family that he’s fine. When Caroline steps back into his life and offers to help find him a job in exchange for being her Guinea pig in her new life coaching business, he agrees. After all, what better way to show his family he’s okay than with a new, stable job? But when the anxiety he’s been running from ruins his one interview, his plans come crashing down. Can he trust Caroline enough to be honest about everything?

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR TARI FARIS SAYS:

 

"I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God's plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring.

In addition to my writing, I also work for My Book Therapy as a special project project manager and write for LearnHowToWriteAnNovel.com and you can find me blogging over there on occasion.

​When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework."

http://www.tarifaris.com

"The Nature of Small Birds"--by Susie Finkbeiner--told through three strong voices in three compelling timelines, a hopeful story that explores the effects the trauma of war has had on a family and the meaning of family far beyond genetic code (see my review)

 

The Nature of Small Birds

In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When Mindy, one of those children, announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adoptive family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival into their lives.

Though her father supports Mindy's desire to meet her family of origin, he struggles privately with an unsettling fear that he'll lose the daughter he's poured his heart into. Mindy's mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy's sister helps her sort through relics that whisper of the effect the trauma of war has had on their family--but also speak of the beauty of overcoming.

Told through three strong voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code.

MY REVIEW: Unveiling through several different points of view and alternating timelines, "The Nature of Small Birds", by Susie Finkbeiner, is a powerful story told with a delicate surety. The author takes on the still painful and controversial era of the Vietnam War and focuses on the plight of thousands of children flown from Saigon to the United States in 1975 for adoption into American families. Almost forty years later, one of those children, Mindy Matthews, now forty-two and starting over after a broken marriage, will feel the need to connect with the past in order to move forward into the future. Raised in a loving adoptive home with a close family, she is none-the-less drawn to learn more about her heritage. Will truths revealed lead to a house divided, or will knowledge of who and what came before bring about clarity of what life is about today? "The Nature of Small Birds" is written with a tender heart and a keen eye of observation.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

 

Reviews

 

"Fiction at its finest."--Christina Suzann Nelson, award-winning author of More Than We Remember and The Way It Should B

"A beautiful story about the intricacies of family and the power of love. Most definitely a must-read novel."--Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol Award-winning author of Freedom's Ring and The Orchard House

"To open a book by Susie Finkbeiner is to accept an invitation to become part of a family you'll never forget."--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City

"Susie Finkbeiner has such an inviting and distinctive voice as a writer that you'll gladly follow it--and follow her--to any setting."--Valerie Fraser Luesse, Christy Award-winning author of Under the Bayou Moon

 

 

Susie Finkbeiner

 

 

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home.

Her next novel The Nature of Small Birds releases in July, 2021.

She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.

Find her at Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

http://www.susiefinkbeiner.com

"Hello, Transcriber"--by Hannah Morrissey--captivating mystery featuring a female police transcriber who goes beyond the limits to solve a harrowing case--debut novel inspired by author's own work as a police transcriber

 

Hello, Transcriber

Every night, while the street lamps shed the only light on Wisconsin's most crime-ridden city, police transcriber Hazel Greenlee listens as detectives divulge Black Harbor's gruesome secrets. As an aspiring writer, Hazel believes that writing a novel could be her only ticket out of this frozen hellscape. And then her neighbor confesses to hiding the body of an overdose victim in a dumpster.

The suspicious death is linked to Candy Man, a notorious drug dealer. Now Hazel has a first row seat to the investigation and becomes captivated by the lead detective, Nikolai Kole. Intrigued by the prospects of gathering eyewitness intel for her book, Hazel joins Kole in exploring Black Harbor's darkest side. As the investigation unfolds, Hazel will learn just how far she'll go for a good story―even if it means destroying her marriage and luring the killer to her as she plunges deeper into the city she's desperate to claw her way out of.

Reviews

"Hello, Transcriber is a dark, atmospheric, and compelling debut by a unique talent. I was sucked in immediately and could think of little else until the last page.” ―C.J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Range

"An edgy and haunting crime novel with a complex and world-weary heroine at the center. Hannah Morrissey writes with passion, razor-edged prose, and most importantly, authenticy. A former police transcriber herself, she knows the cops and criminals and those who bridge the worlds between. No doubt destined to become one of this year's best debuts." ―Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Revelators and Robert B. Parker's Someone to Watch Over Me

"As poetic as it is suspenseful, Hello, Transcriber delivers a refreshing slant on the police procedural. With evocative prose, intriguing and layered characters, and a setting so vivid it infiltrated my dreams, Hannah Morrissey establishes herself as an exciting new voice in literary suspense." ―Megan Collins, author of The Winter Sister and Behind the Red Door

"Hannah Morrissey's precise, lyrical prose, chilling sense of atmosphere, and talent for crafting sexual tension just as twisted as the central crime make her haunting debut Hello, Transcriber a unique and exciting new entry in the contemporary crime genre." ―Layne Fargo, author of They Never Learn

 

Hannah Morrissey

 

Hannah Morrissey is a three-decade survivor of Wisconsin winters. Her education began at a two-room schoolhouse and concluded at the University of Wisconsin - Madison where she earned her BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing.

Between roles of bookseller and copywriter, she spent three and a half years transcribing police reports and contemplating her debut novel, Hello, Transcriber. She lives with her husband who is a police lieutenant, two pugs who sleep beside her while she writes, and a TBR pile that never seems to get any smaller.

When not writing, Hannah enjoys reading, rollerblading, kickboxing, traveling, and photography. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. 

https://www.hannahmorrissey.com/