Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill

I loved this story filled with history, suspense, romance and faith. I loved Gwendolyn and Josiah. I love stories with secret service agents from the late 1800s. I love how well written this story is. I could not put this book down. I loved learning a little about how this orphanage was run. I also loved learning a little bit about counterfeiting during this time period. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

“Page-turning action combines with depth and richness to create a full-bodied, rewarding read.”
–Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

She’s losing her faith in mankind. He’s lost his faith in God. Can working together restore them both?

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She’ll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she’s determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don’t like to be crossed–and they’re willing to kill to get their way.

Gwendolyn knows she can’t quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.

Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble–and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he’s truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.

As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible–if they can live through this case. At the same time, he’s put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

“Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won’t want to miss this story.”
–Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

“With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read.”
–Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light

The Swindlers Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

I loved this wonderful story. I loved the romance and the bits of intrigue. I loved Lillian and Jonah. I also really liked Alma. I did not want to put the book down. I enjoyed learning a little about bootlegging. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away–in jail–Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.When she goes to take possession of her father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye–and has put a target on her back.To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she’s always dreamed of, she’ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers–especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin (audiobook)

I really enjoyed listening to this book filled with suspense and mystery. I really like Robin and would love her as my lawyer if I ever had that need. I loved all the twists and turns. I loved how spooky Black Oaks seemed. I loved the narrator. I received an audiobook of this story from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this audiobook a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

In Phillip Margolin’s Murder at Black Oaks, Attorney Robin Lockwood finds herself at an isolated retreat in the Oregon mountains, one with a tragic past and a legendary curse, and surrounded by many suspects and confronted with an impossible crime.

Defense Attorney Robin Lockwood is summoned by retired District Attorney Francis Melville to meet with him at Black Oaks, the manor he owns up in the Oregon mountains. The manor has an interesting history – originally built in 1628 in England, there’s a murderous legend and curse attached to the mansion. Melville, however, wants Lockwood’s help in a legal matter – righting a wrongful conviction from his days as a DA. A young man, Jose Alvarez, was convicted of murdering his girlfriend only for Melville, years later when in private practice, to have a client of his admit to the murder and to framing the man Melville convicted. Unable to reveal what he knew due to attorney client confidence, Melville now wants Lockwood’s help in getting that conviction overturned.

Successful in their efforts, Melville invites Lockwood up to Black Oaks for a celebration. Lockwood finds herself among an odd group of invitees – including the bitter, newly released, Alvarez. When Melville is found murdered, with a knife connected to the original curse, Lockwood finds herself faced with a conundrum – who is the murder among them and how to stop them before there’s another victim.

Cappuccino Criminal by Tonya Kappes

I never get tired of reading about Honey Springs and the Bean Hive Coffee Shop. I loved reading how Roxy and her friends and family solve this mystery. I love all the descriptions of this town and of the animals that Roxy has up for adoption at her shop. I love how much Roxy loves her town. I love the twists and turns. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Get ready to brew up some mystery and sip on some suspense with Roxy Bloom and her trusty sidekick Schnauzer, Pepper.

When Roxy discovers a body in her shop, she steams up her detective skills and blends in with Sheriff Spencer Shepard, to unravel a tangled web of secrets, motives, and coffee beans.

As Roxy stirs up the investigation, she find herself in hot water and roasted by danger.

Will Roxy and Pepper be able to espresso their way out of trouble and solve the case?

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and find out in this quirky cozy mystery filled with charming scenes, quirky characters, and of course, delicious coffee drinks.

Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery is a series about small town gossip, family, friends, and putting differences aside when troubles brews.
Do you love to read about family and friendships?
Do you enjoy holidays, festivals, and celebrations?
What about when life isn’t always rosy?
This series has all of that and more along with twisty turn mysteries that will have you rooting for the entire town of Honey Springs.

Where the Lightning Goes by Jackary Salem

I really enjoyed reading this fantasy story full of magic. I was not sure how I liked it for about the first quarter of the book, but I am glad I kept reading. I liked the magic and the characters in the book. I was a bit confused in the beginning but I figured it out as the story kept unfolding. I liked Elle and her traveling companions. I loved all the action in the book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

After a powerful wizard tears Elle’s soul apart and steals her memories, she’s locked in a house to rot. Her only remaining memory is of falling from the sky, though even that raises more questions than it answers. Upon her escape, she falls into a world that’s equal parts vicious and beautiful. Magic is everywhere, everyone is out for themselves, and every truth is accompanied by a lie. Her lack of memories grows maddening and painful. She’s positive that the key to recovering her memories is in the sky-castle from her dreams, but getting there will require magic she doesn’t have. Traversing an enchanted painting, stealing a sword from a dragon’s den, and outwitting a demon are only the beginning. And this time, she’s got more than freedom and memories on the line. Without magic, there is no survival.

Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev with a giveaway

I felt that this was the best book in this series. I definitely recommend reading this series from book one to book four so you know all of the characters and the horses. I loved learning about some of the Indigenous people that this book is about. I really liked Rosie, Cody and Woodwind. I liked that each of these people had a separate struggle that intertwined a little bit. I feel this is well worth the read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 484 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023

Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

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Book Description:

What if the untamed wilderness held the key to unlocking the deepest desires of the heart?

In the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, whispers of untold stories and hidden destinies come to life. Welcome to the world of The Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains, the fourth installment in the gripping Willow Ranch series. Here, three humans and a she-wolf navigate a treacherous landscape of love, loss, and the unforgiving wilderness.

When fate intertwines the lives of Rosie, the resilient groom, Cody, the enigmatic cowboy, and Woodwind, the mystical Cree Indian, their fragile dreams and deepest fears are unearthed. At the heart of it all is the Willow Ranch, a place where passions ignite, and lives are forever altered. Can they trust the strength of their bond and the power of love to guide them through the storm?

In this haunting tale of self-discovery and the quest for redemption, each character is forced to confront their own demons. As Cody grapples with the crushing weight of his brother’s suicide, Rosie fights for her horses and her home amidst swirling deception. And Woodwind, haunted by self-doubt, must find the courage to save the she-wolf and the woman who has captured his heart.

As careless decisions threaten the future of the Willow Ranch, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains presents a formidable challenge. With time running out, the friends and staff must pull together and believe in the magic of community to save their home and their happiness.

Dare to venture into the wild unknown, where heartache and hope collide, and where the call of the heart is a siren song that cannot be ignored. “Song of the Wild: Call of the Heart” beckons you to the Willow Ranch, where the secrets of the wilderness hold the key to love, courage, and the power of unity.

Embark on this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery today – answer the call of the heart and unlock the secrets hidden within the wild. 

​BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch”book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

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Giveaway:​

 

Win signed copies of the Willow Ranch Book Series (four books) (USA and Canada only)(ends May 26)

Go here to enter the giveaway: https://gleam.io/uMyCL/willow-ranch-book-series-tour-giveaway

Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev with a giveaway

I enjoyed this story that takes place in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I really enjoy the stories of the Indigenous people. I really like Lyla and Lonefeather Jones. I like that each of these characters must learn about themselves so they can move on with their lives. I recommend reading the first two books in the series so you know about each of these characters or you will be very lost. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 352 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023

Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

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Book Description:

Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?

In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.

Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.

As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.

Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?

Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.
​
Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads

Giveaway:​

 

Win signed copies of the Willow Ranch Book Series (four books) (USA and Canada only)(ends May 26)

Go here for giveaway: https://gleam.io/uMyCL/willow-ranch-book-series-tour-giveaway

The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee

I recommend having lots of tissues available when reading this story. I loved that this WWll story takes place in the South Pacific and I learned a lot of history that I had never known before. I loved Jimmy, Hank and Billy. I loved how this story was told. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

“[A] tour de force.”–Publishers Weekly starred review



Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire.

Life in the Philippines seems like paradise–until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: Imperial Japan has bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as enemy warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific Theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history.

What follows will become known as one of the worst atrocities in modern warfare: the Bataan Death March. With no hope of rescue, the three friends vow to make it back home together. But the ordeal is only the beginning of their nearly four-year fight to survive.

Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.



“Remarkable.”–Mark Sullivan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky

“Packed with tension.”–Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author ofBefore We Were Yours

“Such real characters.”–Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook

“Riveting.”–Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gray Man series

“Utterly compelling.”–Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things

“Simply magnificent.”–Don Bentley, New York Times bestselling author of Hostile Intent

“Dazzling.”–Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of House on Fire

“A tremendous story.”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times bestselling author of Blue Madagascar

“Beautifully and faultlessly told.”–Steve Martini, New York Times bestselling author of Blood Flag

Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev with a giveaway

I enjoyed this second book of this series. I recommend reading the first book in the series so you know more about each of the characters in the book. I really liked Lyla and Chuck and Wahleeah. I like that each of these characters learns more about themselves and what they really want in their lives. This made me cry in many places. I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the wild horses. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 446 pages
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: North Raven Books
Release date: March 27, 2023
Tour dates: April 24 to May 19, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

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Book Description:

Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?

Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.

In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.

When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.

Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?

As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads

Giveaway:​

 

Win signed copies of the Willow Ranch Book Series (four books) (USA and Canada only)(ends May 26)

Go here to enter the giveaway: https://gleam.io/uMyCL/willow-ranch-book-series-tour-giveaway

Letters of Trust by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I loved this start to a new series. I really loved Eleanor. I felt sad when she was sad and happy when she was happy. I felt it was hard to read about Eleanor and some of her troubles with her husband but everything was handled very well. I think it was very nice that Eleanor had a friend to turn to during her troubles. I heartily recommend reading this story. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feeling and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.

A Simple Letter Carries Inspiration for Healing

Life is good on their Pennsylvania Amish farm for newlyweds Vic and Eleanor Lapp—until the day Vic’s youngest brother drowns in their pond and Vic turns to alcohol to numb the pain. Things get so bad that Vic loses his job and their marriage is coming apart. Eleanor is desperate to help her husband and writes letters to her friend, Doretta, living in Indiana for advice. The trust Eleanor places in her friend and the gentle words she receives in return are a balm for even darker days to come in this first book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.l