Shadowed Secret by S F Baumgartner Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

Release date: May 13, 2025

In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.

Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.

Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.

With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This novel is part of a series. Baumgartner has included a good synopsis of each of the previous books at the beginning of this one. The previous novels are complex so one would best read them before reading this one.

There are many actions going on at once in this novel and Baumgartner frequently moves from one series of events to another. That style is almost like watching a televisions show as the viewing focus changes from character to character. There is much going on for all involved so it makes for a fast moving plot. There are many characters and Baumgartner provides a chart at the beginning of the book to help readers remember the character relationships.

Several federal and local agencies are involved but their actions are not coordinated nor is information shared. That leads to abductions and other adventures as agents work on their own.

I think this is the best novel in the series so far as it seemed less complex and confusing than previous ones. The adventure is not over so I'll be looking for the next in the series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of earlier books in this series, Buried Secrets, Living Secrets, Forgotten Secret, Tangled Secrets, and Hidden Secrets.

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

 

More from S.F.

Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book

Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.

It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.

Why I Wrote This Book

The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.

This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.

And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.

The Challenge of Getting It Right

What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?

Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.

What’s Next?

Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.

For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11

Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, May 16

Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 19

Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter..

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54216

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

To Go On Living by Narine Abgaryan Book Review

About the Book:

Set in an Armenian mountain village immediately after the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, these thirty-one linked short stories trace the interconnected lives of villagers tending to their everyday tasks, engaging in quotidian squabbles, and celebrating small joys against a breathtaking landscape. Yet the setting, suspended in time and space, belies unspeakable tragedy: every character contends with an unbearable burden of loss. The war rages largely off the book’s pages, appearing only in fragmented flashbacks. Abgaryan’s stories focus on how, in the war’s aftermath, the survivors work, as individuals and as a community, to find a way forward. Written in Abgaryan’s signature style that weaves elements of Armenian folk tradition into her prose, these stories of community, courage, and resilience celebrate human life, where humor and love and hope prevail in unthinkable circumstances.

My Review:

These short stories give good insight what it is like to live in a country during and after a war. It highlights the bravery and determination of the survivors. I like how people found support in each other and the will to go on. The pain and grief, questioning God and being angry at God. There are glimpses of life before the war and then the war's destruction, like coming home from a funeral and finding a crater where your house was.

These stories are an emotional journey through war, the dying and the living.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Narine Abgaryan was born in 1971 in Berd, Armenia, in the family of a doctor and a school teacher. She graduated from the State University of Linguistic Studies in Erevan, with a diploma of a teacher of Russian language and literature. Abgaryan is the author of a dozen of books, including her bestselling (over 100,000 copies sold!) and prize-winning trilogy about Manyunya, a busy and troublesome 11-year-old in a small Armenian town Berd. Abgaryan’s other book for children, Semyon Andreich, received BABY-NOSE from New Literature Prize in 2013, as Russia's best children’s book of the decimal. Narine Abgaryan's acclaimed novel for the adults, Three Apples Fell From the Sky, has been translated into 12 languages and won Yasnaya Polyana Award in 2018.

Since 1993 Narine lives in Moscow.

Plough Publishing House, 194 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publsher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Nightbird by Shavaun Scott Book Review

About the Book:

 

Nightbird delves unflinchingly into the complex dynamics of revenge suicide in abusive relationships, laying bare the manipulative tactics and emotional toll they inflict. The author’s honesty about her own upbringing, her missteps, and self-blame makes her story relatable and deeply moving. It is a testament to the idea that we are all in the process of re-authoring our lives, as the author undergoes her own transformation from a person shaped by trauma to a compassionate healer.

This memoir will resonate with anyone who has struggled with self-doubt, shame, and the quest for self-acceptance. It has a must-read for those interested in the psychology and trauma of revenge suicide in the context of domestic violence and the human capacity to overcome, to transform, and to grow out of our trauma, that our past need not define our future.

 

My Review:

This is a good book for those who have been sidelined by the suicide of a loved one. Scott is honest in her feelings and how she ultimately came to be healed of psychological trauma. I was surprised that she made poor choices. An example is her second husband. She studied psychology after divorcing her first husband yet she chose to marry a man who was dysfunctional, angry, etc. And she stayed with him to her detriment, her compassion and empathy rendering her incapable of leaving. He ultimately responded with revenge suicide.

Reading her story will help others realize there is healing after trauma. It will also inform readers of the consequences of bad choices. Her writing style is good and the book is very readable.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Shavaun Scott is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in the field of mental health. She specializes in trauma recovery, the treatment of anxiety and depression, and the exploration of the psychological aspects of violence and criminal behavior. In addition to her work as a therapist, Shavaun is a passionate advocate for mental health education, frequently lecturing and writing on topics related to emotional wellness, trauma, and the societal impact of violent crime. Shavaun's writing blends her deep knowledge of psychology with a compassionate, accessible style that resonates with a wide audience. Her publications include articles, essays, and books that explore complex mental health issues, offering insights into the ways individuals can overcome adversity.

Pierian Springs Press, 246 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Unshakable by K. J. Rowe Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Rowe explores the struggles a young man has in trying to determine God's plan for his life, hearing God and then obeying. He also struggles with dating a nonbeliever and God telling him to let it go. He had to grow through life changing experiences and mature in his faith as well as his emotional self. He was quite an emotional character, perhaps the result of being crafted by a female author.

The novel takes place in Australia and I do wish there had been more descriptions of the setting for this American reader. I felt like I was missing some backstory as I was reading. I am not sure if action from a previous novel impacted this one or not. I do wish there had been more information about the causes of Nick's dream, for example.

This is a novel for young career age readers. There is a short Bible study on Nick included so this book could also be part of a teen or young career age reading group.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

 

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 20

A Reader’s Brain , May 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54222

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging by Andrea Jo Rodgers Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Nonfiction

Release date: November 16, 2024

Embark on a journey to healthy aging!

Would you like to improve your vascular health by lowering your blood pressure, avoiding weight gain, and increasing your aerobic activity level? How about saying goodbye to urinary incontinence and overactive bladder while improving your bowel health? Have you thought about building a healthy framework of muscles, joints, and bones as you sail into middle-age and beyond? Could you benefit from a home exercise program to build bone density and manage osteopenia and osteoporosis? Would you like to keep your youthful appearance, understand your immune system, and learn strategies to improve balance and prevent falls? In A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health, veteran Doctor of Physical Therapy Andrea Rodgers, who is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, emergency medical technician, and a low pressure fitness instructor, expounds upon all these topics and more. Join Andrea as she shares valuable information in this one-of-a-kind book that will aid in your quest towards healthy aging.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a very good book for people who desire to go into their older years more than just disease free. Wellness really means good mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Rodgers provides essential information in all those areas.

I like how she explains our body functions, such as what blood pressure is, how our bowels work, and much more. She is very informative on conditions, explaining what strokes are for example, what causes them and what we can do to prevent them. She offers great suggestions to help us as we age. She gives exercises to build bones and to increase balance, illustrated with photos. A surprise was the wellness benefits from prayer, volunteering, and exercising spiritual practices.

As a septuagenarian, I really appreciate the knowledge I have gained from this book. I look forward to future years of increasing wellness. I highly recommend this book.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years. She is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a low pressure fitness instructor. She also specializes in orthopedics, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Writing is one of her passions, and she is the award-winning author of numerous inspirational books. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 38 years and has responded to 10,000 first aid and fire calls. She enjoys reading, day trips, and savoring a cup of green tea. She lives with her family on the east coast.

 

More from Andrea Jo

Aging can be defined as the process of growing old. The key to graceful aging is to stay in good health as the years slip by. One of the best ways to do this is to be proactive. What you do today can help ensure better health tomorrow.

People often start to think about aging when something goes amiss. Perhaps they develop an ache or pain that lingers: a stiff neck, an achy back, or painful hips and knees. They may receive a diagnosis that forces them to confront their health head-on, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, obesity, or perhaps even cancer.

I’ve worked as a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy in both the hospital and outpatient setting for thirty years. During this time, I’ve helped people with wellness initiatives as well as various health problems. I’m CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a certified low pressure fitness instructor. During my 38 years as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) with my local rescue squad, I’ve assisted countless people in times of medical crisis. The goal of this book is to share pearls of wisdom that I’ve learned from my experiences as a physical therapist and EMT.

Some may be reading this book to stay healthy as you get older. Others may be looking for ideas to improve your current condition. Perhaps you are looking to build muscle and bone strength, improve flexibility, or choose a healthier lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise. Or maybe you wish to stop leaking urine or say goodbye to constipation and countless hours in the bathroom.

Do you think wellness simply means freedom from disease? Well, it includes much more than that. Wellness can be defined as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. Wellness serves as a cornerstone towards the vision of healthy aging. Wellness constitutes a dynamic process of change and growth in which individuals actively become aware of healthy choices and consciously make a decision to choose them. It’s a balanced lifestyle which encourages physical and mental health and well-being. Wellness emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit. Wellness means being proactive about staying healthy as you get older. It involves using available knowledge and tools to achieve optimal health. Many of the chapters in this book focus on different areas of wellness as a means to strive towards healthy aging. My goal is that each of you stay active, embark on a journey of wellness, and enjoy your middle age and golden years in good mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 7

It’s Mama Safe, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

Texas Book-aholic, May 10

Book Looks by Lisa, May 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 12

Artistic Nobody, May 13 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

Guild Master, May 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 17

Fiction Book Lover, May 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

A Reader’s Brain, May 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea Jo is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54214

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey Blog Tour Book Review

TWO SECONDS TOO LATE

by Dani Pettrey

May 5 - 30, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

JEOPARDY FALLS

 

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples' retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman's location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They're not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson's secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can't bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

Dani Pettrey Hooks Readers With . . .
"A fast-paced, thrilling ride. Readers of Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble will enjoy." --Library Journal starred review on One Wrong Move
"Romance that's as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime."-- Booklist on The Killing Tide

This action-packed romantic suspense novel is the second in Dani Pettrey's Jeopardy Falls series. Filled with crime and spy investigations, this clean Christian thriller will appeal to fans of Mission: Impossible, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon.

My Review:

This novel got off to a bit of a rough start for me. The narrative jumps around before it settles into a cohesive story. The initial short vignettes with different points of view do set the stage for expectation of suspense, however. It was difficult for me to understand why Riley would so quickly and fervently jump into investigating Kelly's disappearance. A little backstory on their relationship would have helped prepare readers for the ensuing action by Riley.

I like it when there is a good balance of personal relationship development and suspenseful action in a novel. Pettrey has given readers a much heavier dose of relationship tension and development in this novel from near the beginning. Much of the tension is from physical attraction. The relationship development is a bit repetitive, kissing then pulling back, repeat. This novel has the greatest emphasis on physical attraction I think I have ever seen in a Christian romantic suspense.

There is a good deal of suspense that builds as we near the end of the book. And a strong faith message is included. This is a novel for readers who like an inspirational romantic suspense with a heavy emphasis on the romance. 

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my book review of the first book in the series, One Wrong Move.

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense; Thriller; Action & Adventure
Published by: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780764238499 (ISBN10: 0764238493)
Series: Jeopardy Falls, Book 2 of 2 || Amazon | Goodreads
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Baker Book House

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Coastal Guardians, Chesapeake Valor, and Alaskan Courage series. A two-time Christy Award finalist, Dani has won the National Readers’ Choice Award, Daphne du Maurier Award, HOLT Medallion, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award for suspense. She plots murder and mayhem from her home in Florida.

Dani Pettrey can be found online at:

DaniPettrey.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @danipettrey
BookBub - @DaniPettrey
Instagram - @authordanipettrey
Pinterest - @danipettrey
Facebook - @DaniPettrey

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

---

1. 05/05 Jodys Bookish Haven TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Showcase

2. 05/05 Novel Nerd Blog TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

3. 05/06 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

4. 05/06 Books, Ramblings, and Tea TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Showcase

5. 05/07 Country Mamas With Kids TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

6. 05/08 The AR Critique TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

7. 05/09 Novels Alive TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

8. 05/10 Bibliosizzle TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

9. 05/12 Melissa’s Bookshelf TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

10. 05/13 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Showcase

11. 05/14 darciahelle TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Interview

12. 05/15 Silvers Reviews TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Showcase

13. 05/16 Celticladys Reviews TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Showcase

14. 05/19 dianas_books_cars_coffee TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

15. 05/22 fuonlyknew TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

16. 05/29 A Room without Books is Empty TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

17. 05/29 The Page Ladies TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

18. 05/30 Melissa As Blog TWO SECONDS TOO LATE Review

Note: this is a private list. Only the list owner can enter links.

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Bethany House Publishers, Baker Book House, and Dani Pettrey. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Smoochin' the Reticent Ranger by Madison Love Book Review

About the Book:

Elise
I’m a small-town cosmetologist with big dreams. I want the whole package: kids, a white picket fence, and a love story as beautiful as my blowouts.

I’ve waited for more than a decade for Ace to return home, but now that he has, it’s with a wounded spirit and broken promises.

He’s a warrior to his core, but when it comes to fighting for love, he’s given up—not on me, but on himself.

Time will tell if he’ll let me in and help him heal, but I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out.

Ace
I’ve lost more than my career; I’ve lost a part of myself. Now, I’m in danger of losing Elise to someone else.

The path leading to a second chance is full of obstacles, and I’m not sure I have what it takes to overcome them on my own.

With a team of friends in my corner and a clear objective, I find the courage to do what's necessary.

It goes against my nature, but the key to victory requires my total surrender.

My Review:

This is a delightful romance. Love has done a good job of exploring PTSD and Ace's misguided idea of withholding his love because he fears he might harm someone else. Love weaves together the right experiences for Ace to realize he has help from others and also be willing to receive it. Who knew there were support pigs?

Love has created a town in Baggersville that is full of residents with nearly unlimited love and support. They are people who will believe in you even when you do not believe in yourself. The way Love creates the characters makes them also entertaining, like the older Biddies, wig wearing and full of life.

This is the kind of novel where you should have your box of tissues nearby as you reach the end. A good romance, a strong Christian faith element, a heartwarming story.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of earlier books in this series, Smoochin' the Right Twin and Smoochin' the Surly CEO.

About the Author:

Madison Love is an Amazon Best-selling, clean, and Christian romance writer who loves to intertwine humor and suspense while adding a touch of sweetness. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek, but with a dash of intrigue.

Independently Published, 299 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright Book Review

About the Book:

1874
A battered woman awakens atop a forgotten gravesite by Lake Superior's southern shore. Identified only by the locket around her neck inscribed with the name Rebecca, she seeks refuge with an elderly lighthouse keeper. But as Rebecca struggles to remember who she is, she finds herself haunted by the lingering memories of Annabel, a mysterious woman who perished in the lake's unforgiving waves years earlier. With the spirit of Annabel seemingly reawakened, and an unknown adversary on the hunt to silence Rebecca once and for all, more is at stake than reclaiming her own memories. Rebecca must reclaim Annabel's as well.

Present Day
Author and researcher Shea Radclyffe escapes to the lighthouse outside a historic Michigan mining town to seek clarity about her failing marriage. Instantly drawn to the lighthouse's landlord, Shea contends with the legend of Annabel's vengeful ghost and a superstitious community that has buried the truth about a current murder. As the secrets harbored around Annabel's lighthouse unravel, Shea must navigate a fight between torn loyalty, self-discovery, and the haunting forces of love.

My Review:

Wright is a master at the dual time plot development. She knows how to reveal action in the time gone by just as its relevance is created in the current day. There is always something spooky in the plot. I am not sure everything always works out perfectly (here the ghost did walk all the way into the water). The action speeds up near the end, compelling one to finish, finally unraveling the mystery.

Her books always have a moral meaning too. Here people realize the value of the love they have and the necessity of keeping it alive. There is a bit of a Christian overtone but nothing clearly presented. Wright also helps us think about our own ancestors and if their actions decades ago may have influence on our lives today.

Even though I kind of know how the mysterious events will eventually work out (I've read all of her books), I just enjoy Wright's style and her crafting an enjoyable story.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Jaime Jo Wright is the author of thirteen novels, including Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestseller The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill, and Carol Award-winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. Jaime has also written two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines. Learn more at JaimeWrightBooks.com.

Bethany House, 352 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)