My Book Review Was Featured!

I got to do a book review of Jennie Hansen's new romantic suspense, Don't Say a Word, and it was featured in Meridian Magazine today!

Here's the back copy:

After a four-year engagement, Cassie James’s plans for the future come crashing down when her relationship abruptly ends. She needs to regain her balance, and her parents’ ranch in Montana provides the perfect escape. But respite is the last thing she finds. While camping near the Bitterroot Forest, a strange sound leads Cassie to make a startling discovery: a young child, abandoned in the wilderness. She acts on instinct, taking him home to the ranch with her. But she has no idea that by doing so, she will be forced to engage in a fight for his life—and her own.

With the help of Deputy Parker Grafton, Cassie works to uncover the mystery behind the boy’s origins. The pair is drawn closer together each step of the investigation as they follow a bizarre trail of clues. But when a series of dangerous accidents begins to plague the family ranch, Cassie and Parker realize that an unknown assailant is closing in. They have to run. In a game of cat and mouse spanning the country, Cassie and Parker will stop at nothing to protect what’s become most important to them: the child in their care—and each other.

I think this is one of Jennie's best books. The tension ratchets up with every chapter as Cassie works to protect the young boy she found wandering in a remote area of the mountains alone. Parker is in law enforcement and he tries to help her, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that his feelings for her are growing stronger. But when attempts are made on Cassie's life, their personal and professional lives get even more complicated. 

You can read the rest of my review HERE

Get your copy of the book HERE

Christmas Shopping--Have You Started?

 

Usually by this time of year I'm close to finishing my Christmas shopping. (Yes, I'm one of THOSE people.) With my illness, I am woefully behind. I did make some great headway today, though. (And I had a lot of fun! Retail therapy is the best, haha!) I had heard reports about there being supply chain issues and was worried that might affect the gifts I had wanted to give, so I was extra motivated!

Since I can't really go out very much yet, I was limited to online shopping. As I browsed, the things I was trying to buy seemed to be in stock and I was happy. But then when I got to some bigger items, there were shipping delays and some items out of stock. Thankfully, I did manage to find most of what I wanted, but two of my items won't be arriving until the end of November! I am so glad I started early!

What kind of Christmas shopper are you? Do you finish early? Or wait until December?

Free Suspense Book Today!

Need some toe-curling suspense? If you know me, you know Stephanie Black books are as far as I can go with suspense stuff.  Yes, it's true, I read her books with the lights on because I'm a scaredy-cat and can't handle much suspense. But her stories are so good I can't resist them! She's in a Twisted Fate collection of three suspense novels (the other two authors are Gregg Luke and Traci Abramson), and believe me, there are plenty of chills and thrills for you. And the collection is free today! Perfect for Halloween.

 

Get your free copy HERE 

Here's the back copy:

Prepare for thrills and chills as three acclaimed authors unite in Twisted Fate, a spine-tingling collection of stories.

Hunted by Traci Hunter Abramson The cabin in the woods holds horrifying secrets, and young Reagan has simply seen too much. She knows her abusive stepfather will stop at nothing to silence her and quickly realizes that escape into the murky forest is her only hope of survival . . . But who will believe her unbelievable tales?

The Death House by Gregg Luke Even those who know its real name call it the Death House. But the abandoned mansion, site of a grisly murder a century ago, beckons Adam. And when the force of his obsession drives him to embark on a late night investigation of the property, he is horrified by what he discovers. Something deadly lurks inside, and nobody in its path is safe.

Haunting Reminders by Stephanie Black Returning to her small hometown in Massachusetts, Jamie has had years to get over her broken engagement. But when her former fiancé and his wife become the victims of a vicious stalker, all eyes turn to Jamie. When childish pranks escalate into a horrifying display of maliciousness, Jamie is desperate to clear her name even as the attention of the perpetrator turns toward her.

Authors Off the Page is BACK!

The new episode of Authors Off the Page is out! 

In this one, we play a Halloween "Would You Rather" game and talk about all our favorite Halloween traditions, movies, costumes, and more! Jennifer and Becky also read an excerpt from their brand-new books. You won't want to miss this one!

You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, or you can click HERE

And I'd love to know your answers to the Would You Rather questions. They were fun ones!

Freebie Friday for Spooky Romance Fans!

Do you love spooky romances? It's definitely the season for it! The All Hallows' Eve novella collection is free today with six romantic and spooky stories!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOWS' EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?

In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.

In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.

In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.

In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?

In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.

In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.

Freebie Friday for Cowboy Romance Fans!

Liz Isaacson's inspirational cowboy romance, Brush Creek Cowboy, is free today! Looks like a good one to grab with a nice warm blanket and snuggle in for the weekend!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Go up the canyon to Brush Creek Ranch, where a community of retired rodeo cowboys are looking for love...

He's a cowboy raising his son alone. She's a widow with a chocolate obsession. Can Brush Creek cowboy Walker get over his losses and fears in order to build a future with Tess?

Former rodeo champion and cowboy Walker Thompson trains horses at Brush Creek Horse Ranch, where he lives a simple life in his cabin with his ten-year-old son, Michael.

He's worked with Tess Wagner, a widow who came to Brush Creek to escape the turmoil of her life to give her seven-year-old son, Graham, a slower pace of life. Together, they run a cotton candy stand at the town's Heritage Festival every fall, and Walker gets up the nerve to ask Tess to dinner.

Neither of them wants to inflict more sorrow and suffering on the other than they've already endured. So when Tess confesses that her breast cancer has flared up again, Walker backs off. Way off.

He'll have to decide if he'd rather spend even a short time with Tess and Graham than not have them in his life at all. Tess wants to feel God's love and power, but she'll have to discover and accept God's will in order to find her happy ending. Can Walker and Tess make a family with their sons, the horses, and a lot of chocolate?

Would You Go On This Vacation?

 

I saw this tweet and thought, that is the perfect vacation for me! Obviously, I couldn't bring my entire TBR pile, but I've been making a dent in it while I'm recovering and it's a little more manageable. I love the idea of going to dinner and having people to discuss the books with. Doesn't that sound like so much fun?

If you went on a vacation like this, would you choose cabin or beach? It's so hard to choose!

In the Non-Fiction Corner: Why We Fought

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

I have never found a Jerry Borrowman book that I didn’t like, and this one was no exception. In fact, this might be my favorite one yet! 

Borrowman captures his audience's attention with his unique writing style and vast knowledge of little known stories that are bound to entertain and thrill anyone with interest in World War II. 

With double agents and fake armies, I loved this book and only wished that it was longer! I particularly enjoyed the story of one double agent named Juan Pujol who saved countless lives by fooling the Nazi’s into thinking D-Day was going to take place at a different beach. I loved that even though there are several characters and facets to each of the seven stories included in the book, the author makes it easy to understand with descriptive detail that doesn’t leave the reader lost or bored. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about WWII.

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

The struggle to combat the Nazis during World War II encompassed front lines far beyond conventional battlefields. In a panoramic and compelling account, author Jerry Borrowman shares seven largely untold stories of people who undertook extraordinary efforts to defeat the Third Reich at enormous personal risk.

Some were soldiers like the Ghost Army, an eclectic group of former artists, actors, and engineers who engaged in top-secret tactical deceptions by staging ingenious decoy armies. Using inflatable tanks, radio transmissions, and sound effects, they were able to trick the Germans throughout the course of the war, often working close to the front lines of the fiercest fighting.

Some were ordinary citizens like William Sebold, a German immigrant and US citizen, who could have been a deadly foe, but instead chose the Allied cause. When he was coerced by the Gestapo into becoming a spy in America, he instead approached the FBI and offered to become a double agent. His efforts successfully helped bring down a dangerous German spy network that was dedicated to stealing industrial and wartime secrets and sabotaging America on home soil.

These dramatic and inspiring personal stories shed light on some of the darkest days of World War II and one of the most perilous times in human history. As the Nazis swept through Europe, citizens around the world faced an individual and national complex moral question: How do you respond to the tyranny and bloodthirsty madness of the Nazis? These are stories of ordinary men and women who would not surrender or compromise. They resisted and fought with total commitment for freedom and democracy despite the personal cost.

About the Author:

Jerry Borrowman is an award-winning author of historical fiction and nonfiction, including the Shadow Mountain titles Beyond the Call of Duty, Compassionate Soldier, Invisible Heroes of World War II, and Catastrophes and Heroes. He has written about World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War. He is the recipient of the George Washington National Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Jerry and his wife, Marcella, raised four children and live in the Rocky Mountains.

Book Review and Giveaway!

 

I love this time of year when the Christmas books start coming out. Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough is a collection of three historical romances during the Christmas season that is sure to put you in the holiday mood!

In the first story we are introduced to Deborah, a widow who is navigating the possibility of falling in love again as well as hosting a Christmas house party. But when her mother invites another gentleman to the party for her daughter to consider as a possible match, Deborah is all in a muddle as to how to proceed. This Christmas story offers a tender look at romance in an older couple who have children to consider and emotional baggage from previous marriages. The kissing bough part of the story was really cute and I loved the scenes with the children.

  

The second story is a forbidden romance between the daughter and son of feuding families. There is a bit of intrigue and secrecy as Julia sneaks over to the rival family's home to visit her sister (who married the older son of the feuding family) while she is sick with her pregnancy. Esmond, the younger son, is handsome and charming and Julia finds herself attracted to him, but their parents have so much animosity toward each other, association in public seems impossible, never mind a match. Julia comes across a family secret, however, that has the possibility of healing the rift between the two families or tearing them apart once and for all. And once the decision is made, Julia's life will be changed forever. A journey to love with lots of twists and turns! (While you can read this one as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing some of the background of several characters. I found out later that this story is connected to another one from a previous Christmas anthology.)

The third story is a twist on A Christmas Carol. Caroline was mistreated as a girl and that bitter past turned her into a cruel and selfish young woman. John Charleston is tasked to deliver letters to Caroline from her father, and in each letter is an apology and a chance for Caroline to forgive and learn to love. Her journey to self-discovery and growth as a character was satisfying to read. This was a unique take on A Christmas Carol, but the message of hope in the future and joy in loving and serving others is a nice way to end the collection.

I thought this was a sweet collection of Christmas stories that are all tied together by a kissing bough and the theme of finding love. It will get any reader in the Christmas spirit!

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, ’tis the season for love.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough

by Josi S. Kilpack

Deborah Winfrey hasn’t had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband’s death. But this Christmas, it’s time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays

by Anneka R. Walker

Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor—including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.

A Christmas Correspondence

by Sarah L. McConkie

In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Carolyn Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

 

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! I'm so grateful for family & friends & the life I've been given, especially considering where I was at not very long ago. I have a lot to be thankful for!

It was so fun to gather with my family and celebrate together. The turkey has been eaten, but we might have a few too many pies. LOL (Can you have too many pies?) 

What's your favorite kind of pie? Apple? Pumpkin?

Calling All Regency Romance Fans!

If you are a regency romance fan, there are TWO books being offered for FREE today. With the weather turning colder, these are the perfect stories to snuggle up with this weekend! 

You can get The Pursuit of Lady Harriet by Rachael Renee Anderson HERE

Here's the back copy:

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.

And the second book is Discovering Grace by Sally Britton. 

You can get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

To avoid being sent across an ocean, Grace switches places with her sister. The only man aware of their deception? A dear friend, and her secret love.

Grace Everly has no desire to set sail for the Caribbean, unlike her adventurous twin sister, Hope. Thanks to her sister’s irresponsible behavior and subsequent banning from the journey, Grace’s father decides to send her in Hope’s place. Desperate to remain where things are familiar, Grace proposes an unthinkable plan: that she and Hope switch places. They only have to keep up the act long enough for Hope to board a ship in London. When the man who has stolen Grace’s heart learns of their secret, things get more complicated.

Jacob Barnes, soon to be ordained a vicar, has known Grace and Hope his whole life. Though close to both sisters, he’s dreamed of courting Hope for months. When he realizes his friends have switched places, putting the woman he admires out of his reach, he agrees to help with the subterfuge despite his bruised heart. As he watches Grace stumble in her acting abilities, attempting to change who she is, he realizes how much she means to him. But how does he tell her, without risking their friendship?

The deception puts their relationship to the test. As Grace hides her heart and her identity, Jacob examines his feelings, and no one in their community will be happy when the truth is discovered.

Freebie for Mystery Fans!

This book looks so good, I can't wait to read it! And it's being made into a TV series. Isn't that amazing! It sounds like a mystery romance comedy, exactly what I need in my life right now. And it's free today! 

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

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

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

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

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

The Never-Ending To-Be-Read List

 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Well, I always said there will never be enough time for be to get through my to-be-read list. I admit, it's a large pile, mostly because my favorite authors keep releasing new books and I have to move them to the top. For example, Sarah Eden just released Charming Artemis and I could hardly wait to dive in! Jennie Hansen's new book, Not a Word, also went to the top of the pile. And honestly, there are SO many good ones coming out in the next few weeks. I am ready for a chill in the air, hot chocolate, and a warm blanket to snuggle up with while I read my book.

But since I am still recovering from my illness, I seem to have the time on my hands to start making a dent in that to-be-read pile. It's kind of fun to go back and read some of the ones that had gotten relegated to the middle of the pack. There are so many great writers in this world. If only I had this kind of time every day all year long!

How long is your to-be-read list? Do you just work through it, or move new books to the top? Do you think you'll ever read through your pile?

Some Happy Book News For Me!

A little bit of happy news. The audiobook of my regency romance, The Viscount's Vow, received the Crowned Heart for Excellence award today!

It also got a great review from InD'Tale Magazine. My favorite part of the review was, "Ms. Bellon has created an emotional historical that will pull at readers' heartstrings to the fullest! Her attention to detail creates the perfect backdrop for this tale of unconditional love." 

The reviewer also loved my narrator, Jessica Elisa Boyd, and said, "Her performance is deeply connected to the characters and their emotional journey . . . Ms. Boyd helps make this book even more delightful of a read." So fantastic! 

You can press play on the picture above and listen to a little of the audiobook. And you can read the full review here.

A nice little bit of happy book news for me! Yay!

You can get your copy on Audible HERE  on iTunes HERE or on Amazon HERE

Book Review: Missing Okalee

Book Review with Lauren

Missing Okalee by Laura Ojeda Melchoe is a story about a little girl, Phoebe, who feels competitive with her sister, Okalee. Okalee seems to be perfect in every way, and Phoebe is frustrated that she is constantly compared to her little sister, despite them being each other’s best friend and biggest supporter. When a tragedy takes Okalee’s life and Phoebe is the only witness, Phoebe is torn about telling the truth about her involvement or possibly having her parents not love her anymore. As the truth slowly comes out, Phoebe’s internal struggle deepens as she tries to navigate this new life without her little sister.

This book is heartbreaking, but the author grabs your attention right from the start and you won’t be able to put it down! Although the story line is a little predictable for adults, it hits the right notes for YA and middle-grade readers. I did love the details and seeing Phoebe’s journey of friendship and doing the right thing. The author does a wonderful job of making these characters come to life and helping you visualize each part of the story. As I was reading, the character's emotions felt very real and very relatable. A real tear-jerker, but a great read!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

When compared to her nearly perfect little sister, Phoebe Paz Petersen feels she doesn't measure up in her parents' eyes. Okalee is smart and beloved for her sunny disposition, which makes it hard for Phoebe to stand out in their small town in Montana. But if she can get picked for the coveted solo in the school choir, she'll stop being a middle-school nobody and finally get her chance to shine.

Despite her sister's annoying perfection, Phoebe actually loves spending time with Okalee. They have one very special, secret tradition: River Day―when they hold hands and make their way across the cold, rushing Grayling River, to celebrate the first hint of spring. This year's River Day crossing, however, goes horribly wrong, and Phoebe's world is suddenly turned upside down.

Heartbroken and facing life without Okalee, Phoebe is more determined than ever to sing the solo in the school concert as a way of speaking to her sister one last time. But Phoebe's so traumatized by what happened, she's lost her beautiful singing voice.

Kat Waters wants the choir solo for herself and is spreading a terrible rumor about what really happened to Okalee on River Day. If Phoebe tells the truth, she believes her family will never forgive her and she may never get to sing her goodbye to Okalee. Even worse, somebody is leaving Phoebe anonymous notes telling her they saw what really happened at the river.

Missing Okalee is an empathy-building novel about the unbreakable bond between sisters and finding the courage to do what's right amid heartbreak and tragedy.

New Musical Coming This Christmas!

I was super excited to hear about a new Christmas musical coming this December to Salt Lake City, called The Best Thing About Christmas. The show's writer, Derek Hinckley is living his dream of bringing a musical to the stage and it looks good! If you love heartwarming Christmas stories, I think you'll love this one!

Read more about Derek and the musical below.

SALT LAKE CITY – Wide-eyed and full of big dreams, talent, and passion, Derek Hinckley moved to Nashville with dreams of becoming a hit songwriter. Fast forward 13 years and Derek has fulfilled many of his goals, including becoming a prolific songwriter and performer in a band with his brothers – The Hinckley Brothers. But beginning in 2018, Hinckley decided to pursue another dream: writing and staging a full-fledged musical production. Hinckley has partnered with talented Director Dana Durbano Pearson to bring to audiences, for the first time ever, “The Best Thing About Christmas,” on stage at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville.

The musical premieres Friday, December 10 and runs through Saturday, December 18. The show runs at 7:30 each evening (except Sunday) with a matinee at 4 PM each Saturday of the run. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 1 at myarttix.org. 

The story, inspired by many of Hinckley’s personal experiences, features an ensemble cast of 12 performers led by Hinckley starring as “Dylan.” Dylan moves his family to Nashville with dreams of people singing his songs by heart, but life takes a tragic turn one December destroying his love of Christmas. Needing just one hit to pull him from the brink, he decides to write a musical script in a last-ditch effort to save his dreams and matter to someone. 

Dylan discovers that his little girl Sadie has an intuitive connection to Heaven and a familiar passion for music just like him. With a wisdom beyond her years, and help from a “special angel”, Dylan re-discovers a love for Christmas and peace concerning the past. With God’s grace, support from an amazing wife and family, and a gritty never give-up attitude, he realizes that his most important dreams are right in his own living room.

“It truly is a dream come true to premiere ‘The Best Thing about Christmas’ for audiences in Utah,” said Hinckley. “We feel the story and songs will resonate with audiences from young to old and help spread a timely message of hope, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas to people everywhere.”

You can purchase tickets HERE

Watch the music video below!