Saturday, April 26, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey

Book: Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls Series: Book Two)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 29, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Romance Suspense has become a favorite genre to read. Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey is the most recent book is this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Jeopardy Falls Series. I did not read Book 1 in this series, although Book 2 is a good Standalone book.

I was intrigued by the storyline from the first few pages. The main characters in this book are Riley MacLeod and PI Greyson Chadwick. Riley The setting is a Couples Retreat. A woman goes missing and Riley and Greyson are now "a couple" as they come together to try to search for the missing woman. Riley and Greyson are determined to find the missing woman, even through the deterrence's that come their way, including the danger from their investigation. Greyson has some secrets about his past that makes him question the truth in the relationship. The investigation has many twist and turns and in true Dani Pettrey writing style, the book was an "edge of the seat" Mystery and the sweet Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance Suspense novels. GREAT BOOK!

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

More from Dani

Hi friends! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to stop by and say hi. I deeply appreciated. I have loved writing Riley and Greyson’s story. They are my favorite couple since Landon and Piper in my Alaskan Courage series. She’s fiery and independent and he is smitten by her, but also fears for her safety and after you read Two Seconds Too Late, you’ll understand why. Taking them out of their regular environment and placing them as a couple at high-end spa and resort brings on the opportunity to test out their feelings for one another under the guise of playing along. It’s a close proximity, opposites attract, and fake relationship story that tugged at my heart and I hope it’ll dug at yours too.

Every time I release a new book, I get a bunch of questions, which I love. I love sharing more about the story and digging into my hope for it, so I’m sharing several of the questions I get asked most and I wanted to share the answers to them with you. Please feel free to ask any other questions in the comment section below and I’ll respond within a day. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That despite a strong, complexed and nuanced antagonist, that light can come from the darkest places and bring peace or, at the very least, closure to not only the families of the victims but to the hero and/or heroine as well. It might not be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t fix anything, but I still believe in the hero/heroine triumphing over the villain.

2) What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. I would say my top three influencers were Sue Grafton and are Lisa Gardner and Dee Henderson. The three write very different style of stories. Sue perfect the mystery with some edgy suspense scenes. Lisa creates the best or worst, I suppose. They are a force to be reckoned with and I love her twists and surprises. And, Dee’s book are paced so well and laid out so methodically. I’ve learned something different, and continue to do so, from these three, excellent authors.

3) Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

To me it’s a combination of knowing the hero and heroine’s jobs. I like to think about what kind of person would do that job and how it will affect them and the story itself. I also know the setting as it’s a character its own right and adds to and affects the story overall. I also know the crime, but I don’t know who did it. I like to leave my options open to see the direction the story goes, and where the investigation leads.

4) What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

The balance between what was occurring on the surface in contrast to what was simmering beneath the surface and rising up in subtext. Creating that balance and keeping things on track was interesting, but It provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the deepest part of the characters. Overall, it was tricky to strike the right balance and have the subtly rise to the surface in a natural and authentic way.

Homemade Butterscotch Recipe:

Butterscotch is Riley’s favorite candy & the bane of Greyson’s existence (you’ll see why in the book J).Ingredients:

2 ½ cup sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1/3 tsp. salt

¾ cup water

½ cup molasses

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

And a little sea salt for an added touch.

Directions:

Put ingredients in pan. Cook mixture to 250 degrees.

Pour into a lined pan with parchment paper and leave it alone.

Sprinkle some sea salt if you’d like.

Let it sit overnight.

Cut it up into squares (a pizza cutter works great) and store in fridge.

Book Looks by Lisa, April 23
CeCe Reads and Sings, April 23
The Sacred Line, April 24
Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 24
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 24
Where Faith and Books Meet, April 25
Wishful Endings, April 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27
Inklings and Notions, April 27
Texas Book-aholic, April 28
For Him and My Family, April 28
Maureen’s Musings, April 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29
Betti Mace, April 30
Bizwings Book Blog, April 30
Leslie’s Library Escape, May 1
Just Your Average reviews, May 1
Blogging With Carol, May 2
Inkwell Inspirations, May 2
Stories By Gina, May 3 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 3
Cover Lover Book Review, May 4
Labor Not in Vain, May 4
Holly’s Book Corner, May 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 5
Lights in a Dark World, May 5
Pause for Tales, May 6
Roads to Everywhere, May 6

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book in winner’s choice of eBook or paperback, and a $20 Starbucks 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/00adcf54203

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley

Book: Relinquishing the Agent

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 8, 2025

Can love bloom between a woman living a lie and a man sworn to uncover the truth?

Bluestocking Rebecca Leah Prestcote would prefer to hide in a library, searching for a cure to her sister’s ailment, over participating in London’s Season. But when her wealthy cousin demands Rebecca attend a house party as her, Rebecca cannot refuse. Her cousin intends to win the affection of the Marquis of Wolston and Rebecca is, after all, a charity case. When the Marquis unexpectedly arrives at the wrong party, Rebecca must uphold the ruse, or be caught in her cousin’s lie.

Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, cannot let another target escape, not if he plans to catch the band of body snatchers and prove his worth as a spy. But when people at Lady Coburn’s house party go missing, his mission escalates to stopping a murderer. When he intercepts a letter meant to blackmail Lady Prestcote, he begins to wonder if the beguiling beauty may be involved in the conspiracy.

Singled out for Lord Wolston’s affections, Rebecca must maintain her web of deception and evade the investigation of the captivating marquis even while he ensnares her heart.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance has become one of my favorite Genres to read. Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley is Book 4 in the Agents of Espionage Series. I am excited to have read this book, I have read the entire and loving it!

I am really LOVING this series more and more with each new book in this series. The book starts strong and the excitement last throughout. The setting is 1817 in England. The main characters in this book are Rebecca Leah Prestcote Daniel Elmsley. Daniel is the Marquis of Wolston and his role in this book is very prominent. Rebecca's cousin convinces her to go to a House Party and "masquerade" as her. Rebecca's cousin is part of the Social Elite, whereas Rebecca is not. Rebecca and Daniel meet when he arrives at the party that Rebecca is attending, but it is not the party Daniel meant to attend. Daniel is a spy and is on assignment to catch whoever is trying to snatch body's to donate to Science. Rebecca and Daniel begin to fall for each other and a Romance blooms. I really LOVE that Rebecca realizes that she is in a lie as Daniel still believes that Rebecca is her cousin. The book has a few moments where God is discussed. I really enjoyed watching Daniel and Rebecca grow together and learn about each other. The Twists and Turn in this storyline are "keep me on the edge of the seat" moments! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!!

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

More from Lorri

Listed among the Regency underworld of housebreakers, Thames pirates, sneaks (pickpockets), Covent Garden nuns (prostitutes), vagrants, and ruffians are another class of evil-doers called resurrection men, also known as sack-‘em-up men or body snatchers. The dark industry of grave robbing blossomed in the early 1800s and was thrust into the public’s eye by the notorious Burke and Hare murders in 1831. While my story takes place earlier, in 1817, the laws and practices were already in place before Burke and his accomplice were arrested.

In the early 1800s, the academic field of anatomy and physiology started to break new ground with the invention of the stethoscope and the first open heart surgeries (not all successful). Many of these breakthroughs developed as a result of the dissection of human cadavers. Fresh bodies became a hot commodity, but by law, the only bodies legally designated for dissection were those of hung criminals. Demand outweighed the supply, and an underground market for grave robbing grew as academics handsomely paid resurrection men to dig up specimens. The fresher the body, the higher the earnings, which ultimately led to the ugly intent of murder.

Why would a Christian author want to write about a horrific topic like body snatching?

While my story doesn’t go into any gory details (I get woozy at the sight of blood), Rebecca and Daniel’s story allowed me to dive into the concept that we all have intrinsic worth. The victims of Burke and Hare were people society had forgotten—people who were expected to go unnoticed if they disappeared. But those victims were image bearers of God. Jesus proved their value by dying for them on the cross. They are not forgotten because God knit them together in their mother’s womb, knows every hair on their heads, and has carved their names into the palms of His hands.

Rebecca and Daniel’s love story, with mystery, espionage, and romance mixed in, demonstrates how God’s power is made perfect in weakness. While Lady Coburn’s excentric party guests and the victims of the villainous resurrection men exemplify that worth isn’t based on works, popularity, or lineage but on the sacrifice Jesus made for them.

Enjoy!

Click to watch Relinquishing the Agent’s book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BwfvZiNLM

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 22
Pens Pages & Pulses, April 22
Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 23
Betti Mace, April 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24
She Lives To Read, April 25
lakesidelivingsite, April 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26
Texas Book-aholic, April 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 28
For Him and My Family, April 28
Devoted To Hope, April 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30
Book Looks by Lisa, May 1
Holly’s Book Corner, May 2
Cover Lover Book Review, May 3
Bizwings Book Blog, May 4
Pause for Tales, May 4
Stories By Gina, May 5 (Author Interview)
Roads to Everywhere, May 5

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/00adcf54202

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

The Other Sister JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Other Sister
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

Christian Thrillers have become a genre that really intrigues me. The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch is the latest book in this genre that I have read.

WHOA, I was captivated by this storyline from the very beginning. The setting of the Book is Chicago. The main characters in the book are Charlotte Kane and Acelynn Benedict. Charlotte has had a rough life, being in the Foster Care system, often. Her mom recently died and now Charlotte learns she has an Identical Twin Sister who was adopted by an Affluent family. The Sisters decide to meet in Chicago. A tragic incident happens to Acelynn. Charlotte decides to go to Savannah, GA and takes on her sisters identity. Charlotte really begins to learn how deceptive and hiding secrets Acelynn's family is. Charlotte has to make a few decisions for her own safety, tell the truth to Acelynn's family or go back to Chicago. This is where the Mystery, Intrigue and Suspense really kept me on the edge of my seat. I can honestly say all the thrills and suspense in this book has me liking Thriller books more and more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Thriller and Mystery with Faith. AMAZING BOOK!

Also Available

Jessica R. Patch

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 27 novels and is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or a dark, twisty thriller. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to her email newsletter "Patched In" updates and receive a FREE short thriller.

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of The Garden Girls & a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You by Sarah K. Howley

Book: Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You

Author: Sarah K. Howley

Genre: Bible Study

Release date: March 28, 2025

Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.

With your guide, Sarah K. Howley—founder of InspiritEncourage, author, and speaker—you will walk through those difficult moments when trust feels scary, discovering how God’s faithfulness shines brightest in your darkest times. Through rich, Scripture-based insights, Sarah unpacks why God is always trustworthy and how his boundless love continually works for your good.

Through this study, you’ll find:

A deeper awareness of God’s active love and trust in your everyday life
Confidence in God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when challenges arise
Practical steps to strengthen your relationship with God, built on mutual trust
Encouragement to openly confront doubts and questions about your faith
Guidance on how to live as a trustworthy person, reflecting God’s faithfulness in your life

Our Trustworthy God explores the incredible truth that God trusts you, reminding you that your relationship with him is neither one-sided nor blind but vibrant and deeply mutual. You’ll be invited to reflect on what it truly means to live in faithful connection with your loving God despite the pains of life and evils of the world.

Approachable yet deeply rooted in Scripture, this study is perfect for individuals or groups seeking to strengthen their faith and experience the joy of walking in a two-way relationship with the God who loves and trusts you.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Non-Fiction books are a favorite genre and always encouraging for me. Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You by Sarah K. Howley is the latest in this genre that I have read.

We all go through HIGHs and LOWs of life and many of the LOW times we seem to "wander" from God's plan. I really like that this book addresses how in the midst of the LOW times we really need to be able to seek God's will and TRUST him fully. TRUSTING God in the midst of Tragedy brings us to a point where our relationship with God grows and we begin to "see" God and his intentions are true for our lives. I really like that the author was able to put a lot of thought provoking discussions in this short book. I think it would be a GREAT book for a small group study or a study done on our own. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in when to TRUST God! GREAT BOOK!

Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.

More from Sarah

Our Trustworthy God is the result of years of seeking. I knew I was supposed to trust God… but. I struggled with the buts of trusting God. There are too many to name, and they usually start with “why?” Some examples are when good people have bad things happen to them, why? When someone we love has died too soon, when our best friend gets cancer, when a hurricane strikes and whole towns are lost. For me, it was cancer in the family and even starting my own business. I couldn’t really understand, or “feel” that everything was working out for my good. Trusting God wasn’t exactly an on-command reflex when I thought of these things. It was easier to wonder where God was rather than trust that he IS and will always be here.

But I wanted more than to believe he was here, I wanted to know deeply that God was working for my good, even when all I saw was destruction and evil. So, I spent a year dedicated to digging in and seeking to understand what trusting God really means. I wanted to know how trustworthy God is, all the time. I didn’t want that knowledge to remain in my head, but I wanted it in my heart. I wanted it to be the automatic reflex when bad things happen that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in that situation and working for my good.

What I found surprised me. Don’t misunderstand, more than ever before, I know God IS with me in every circumstance and he IS working for my well-being. He loves me deeply. What surprised me was that God trusts me as well and his power is unlike anything I could imagine.

A deep discussion of relationship and trusting God is what came out of that search to understand how I could trust the unseen God in an evil world, and I had to share it. Because I know my God is good and he is trustworthy. He is working for your good. He loves you, joyfully engages with you, and he trusts you.