My Thoughts and More on When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson

 

About the Book

 

Book: When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm Book One)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: April 5, 2024

War brought them together, but one lie holds the power to separate them forever.

Western Virginia’s Kanawha Valley is a hotbed of rebellion tensions and mixed allegiances.

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital.

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past.

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known.

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.

And it is unthinkable.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story of the turmoil that the Civil War brought to a doctor and to a young woman and her family as they watch as their country splits into two and neighbors and friends turn on one another. It is a sobering look at a dark time in our nation's history. This story was hard to read at times as the author does not shy away from some of the horrors of war. The inhumanity against others. Also, James is a doctor, and he sees way more than sometimes he can handle.

Augusta Dabney, also known as Gus, is striving to save her family's farm. Her father is dying, war is on the horizon, and her siblings rely upon her. What can she do in this upside-down world that she now finds herself living in?

There is hope and love however, especially in hers and James's romance. They have a tough time and heartbreaking decisions ahead of them. This story is not for the faint of heart, but it is important one told through fiction.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She is the recipient of multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When away from the computer, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

I was quite happy expressing my inner farm-girl and thriving at all things musical for decades. Until I found myself teaching high school history and raising three sons. I should have saved up a dollar for every war movie I watched! All the men in my family had a great interest in history. I remember watching the boys in a production of King Henry the Fifth, complete with Old English and death by sword. One year, I taught about the Civil War in three different classes, so that era became a favorite interest of mine. I read every Christian Historical novel I could find about the War of Rebellion.

Boy, did I have fun researching! For three months, I pored over the most incredible true stories of families and events, reading even soldier diaries. I created timelines and wrote note cards. I became the student again!

There is much of myself and my life in When the Mountains Wept. The female main character (Augusta Dabney) is part me and part who I long to be. She’s responsible, tough, brave, smart, farmish, doctorly—and she has red hair, freckles, and an Irish complexion that splotches and sunburns. My daughter influenced the 12-year-old sister in the story (she figured that out on her own). Will (Willamina) is a tomboy who will risk trouble for the sake of adventure. She is strong-willed and often has an attitude. (I’m pretty sure that last part was why my daughter figured it out.)

I enjoy a story that makes me laugh, so having three sons, I am pretty familiar with boyish antics. The 6-year-old brother added humor, and a saucy 12-year-old girl provided plenty of fodder, too. The romance between two very different but strong personalities provided an opportunity for a few laughs as well.

If a book makes me cry, it’s a keeper. My story contains painful truths, each rooted in my research. The characters experience the harsh reality of their circumstances. I cried while writing more than a couple of the scenes. It is just plain hard to wrap my head around living smack dab in the middle of war, where your neighbor is your enemy and your home is no longer your own.

I fell in love with the family I created in When the Mountains Wept, hence, I must not consign them to the past. They will live on in this series as each member of the Dabney family shares their own story of adventure, romance, sacrifice, and faith.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 2

Devoted Steps, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Betti Mace, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 7

Guild Master, May 8 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, May 9

Cover Lover Book Review, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/00adcf54206

My Thoughts and More on Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley

 

About the Book

 

Book: Catherine’s Pursuit

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 22, 2025

A secret family, a dangerous journey, and a reluctant protector who might save her heart.

Catherine Lenora McKenna has never lacked for anything. She has a loving father and is surrounded by people who care for her every need. Even so, she senses an odd hole. When she learns on her eighteenth birthday that she is not an only child, but one of three identical triplets, she finally understands what’s been missing. Setting out with a single clue, Catherine embarks on a desperate quest to find her missing family.

Colin Elliott is recovering from the violent storm that cost him his ship and left him with crippling injuries. The last thing he needs is to deal with the pampered daughter of his business associate, Angus McKenna. But McKenna is desperate and Colin indebted. As Colin follows and protects Catherine, he finds himself drawn to her kindness and strength, and drawn into her desire for family.

As love blossoms between Catherine and Collin, the journey takes a dangerous turn and each is forced to hold on to their newfound love and trust God to guide them.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have been really invested in this series of triplet sisters who are separated at birth due to their father's heartbreaking decision. Eighteen years have passed, and all have come of age. This is Catherine's story, she is the one her father decided to keep, the eldest of the triplets. She finds out quite shockingly, that she has two sisters and that they are not dead but very much alive. This sets a fire within Catherine to find them and find the missing lonely pieces of herself.

This was an emotional read, as the decision from so long ago continues to affect those all around. I like that we got the other two sister's and their adopted family's stories first. All three books were bittersweet, and I could hardly wait for their reunion. Even the one that I was really hoping for, with their birth father. I knew that would be a hard one after his heartbreaking decision he made out of grief of the loss of their mother on that Oregon trail so many years before.

I also liked getting to know Collin, our reluctant and wounded guardian who thought of Catherine as an ice queen. Their dislike for one another and how it grows into true love was refreshing to read. This was a family reunion story that I was all in for.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

 

 

 

More from Lena

I’ve spent a lot of time with these triplets. They almost feel like part of my extended family. I hope my readers feel that way, too.

I have walked with the Lord for most of my 82 years. He has been with me through hard times and wonderfully blessed times. We learn and grow in Him more in the valleys than on the mountaintops. That’s why I write books that show how much He loves. We can’t understand the depths of His love for us unless we need Him desperately. I write these stories to share that love and hope to my readers.

While I am writing a book, I often pray for God to give me the words that will touch readers who need to know Him more. I also want to write a story that will entertain them as well.

If you want to bless me, please leave a review somewhere about the stories you love. I do try to read reviews and learn from them.

I’m only 15 months from losing the love of my life after spending 59 years with him. If the Lord puts me on your heart, please whisper a prayer for me. Prayer changes things.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Pause for Tales, May 7

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

Sylvan Musings, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Holly’s Book Corner, May 12

lakesidelivingsite, May 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 14

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 14

Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Book Looks by Lisa, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

For Him and My Family, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena 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/00adcf54213

My Thoughts on A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

 

About:

After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to form a match between the unlikely couple.

My Thoughts:

What a fun story this was with all the feels, romance, and charm that you can expect to find in a Hedlund novel. I have really been enjoying the matchmaker stories, and I must say that the matchmaker, Bellamy has really grown on me. More on him later. This is brother Kiernan Shanahan's story. Since he is pretty much heir to his father's businesses, he wants the perfect match. One that looks good on paper, or so he thinks, but will this make him happy in life? I really felt for him as he tries so very hard to live up to the legend of his father and his mother's demands. Not that they are bad, they just have expectations for their children, especially for their son.

Now Alannah definitely does not match with the list that Kiernan has for a future wife. She is a servant and poor immigrant who is in danger just as much as her brother is from an unscrupulous gang leader who will stop at nothing to make her his out of revenge. Well, Kiernan who has a very soft spot for her will not allow that to happen. He takes her to his family's country home for safekeeping, or they all hope so.

In the meantime, wily Bellamy has been called in to make a match for both of them. Reading the other two books, Bellamy has a gift for matchmaking, except when it comes to himself. Unbeknownst to one another, both make a wager with Bellamy. To say I could not read fast enough as the events unfolded is an understatement. I started and finished this book in a day. Loved it, what can I say. And I am really looking forward to Bellamy's story in the next one. That should be quite a doozy when the matchmaker meets his match, finally.

Don't miss out on this whole series. Each book is full of toe-curling romance and undeniable faith to see the characters through.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts and More on Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey

 

About the Book

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!

My Thoughts:

Welcome to Jeopardy Falls where three siblings have set up a PI unit to atone for their shady past at the hands of their parents. This is the second in the series and the first one I have read. There is a lot of characters to keep track of, and even though this can be read as a stand-alone, I do wish I had read the first. Simply as I think as this series goes, the overarching story gets a clearer picture.

There are actually four siblings, the distant sister did not get mentioned too much, but when she did it piqued my interest. I will also be going back and reading the first book, as this series is really interesting and I am a sucker for sibling stories.

This story mainly focused on sister Riley and her secret love interest and fellow PI Greyson. He is about ten years her senior and is holding on to some guilt from his past that he does not think makes him a good love interest for Riley. Even though he is in love with her.

When he and Riley have to go undercover as a couple in love at a reclusive couple's retreat to help out a friend, their relationship only heats up. Not only that but they have no idea the danger they have stepped into in regard to this case and the missing friend. Pretending to be in love, when they already are, and danger lurking around every corner keeps these two on their toes. And the ending has me looking forward to continuing with this series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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.

Blog Stops

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

 

Giveaway

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

My Thoughts and More on Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Winning Over the Baker 

Author: Danielle Thorne 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 29, 2025 

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can this single mom have it all

Without losing her heart? 

Just when Tam Rochester’s dreams of expanding her herb shop and being able to support her daughter are finally coming true, Patrick Butler arrives in town. She wasn’t counting on the single dad’s plans for a bakery right across the street or the competition it’ll bring. Tam’s not afraid to fight for her future, but going toe-to-toe with Patrick would be easier if she didn’t adore his kids—and if she could just ignore her growing feelings for the too-talented baker…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

 

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About the Author

Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia, for Harlequin's Love Inspired books. She is the author of sweet, romantic adventures, both historical and contemporary.

Danielle has also published poetry and short stories as well as non-fiction for young adult readers. She' s a graduate of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho with degrees in the Science and Humanities and University Studies. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Danielle's been married for over 30 years to Robert Thorne, and together, they enjoy traveling and serving in their church and community.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellethorne.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My thoughts:

Falling in love can be scary when you have already had your heart shattered into a million pieces and kids are involved. Kids who also are dealing with the fallout of broken promises and their solid ground has shifted. But taking chances on a new love and life can be just the healing balm that is needed.

Tam has dreams of making her tea shop larger, and with the bakery closing across the street, her dreams can finally come true. Except they can't. As single dad Patrick is going to take over the bakery with his delightful creations. He also does not seem to be one to want to share either, especially since he is unwilling to give up any of his peaches from the orchard he is also taking over. To be fair, they are his main ingredient, but really Tam only needed just a few.

So, Tam and Patrick, and their kids, enter into a shaky sort of friendship. One that comes with all kinds of ups and downs as they have competing businesses and hurting kids. I was rooting for these two to open their hearts again and see the possibility of a better more combined family relationship and business partnership and how that could solve a host of problems. This was a very sweet story of two guarded individuals falling into love with one another against their better judgement. A love story that took them by surprise, in a good way.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Winning Over the Baker, $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, Twinings Peach & Orange Herbal Tea, tea bag holder, stickers, and a bookmark!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 30, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 7, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

My Thoughts and More on Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley

 

About the Book

 

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!

My Thoughts:

What happens when you have a bluestocking pretending to be her look alike cousin that stumbles not once, into a marquis who is secretly a spy? Well, you have a lot of misconceptions, laugh out loud moments, witty banter, and romance that has all the swoon. 

Rebecca only wants to find a cure for her sister's weak heart, so she doesn't end up losing her like their mother. And if it takes impersonating her husband hunting cousin so her cousin can go to the party of her choice and Rebecca gets to meet a renowned professor, so be it.

Daniel Elmsley, spy and marquis, is on a mission to prove himself capable of being a great spy. He is looking for grave robbers and to uncover who is funding their grotesque adventure. As these are not the kind of men who willingly wait for someone to die of natural causes. No, this business has become too lucrative for that. Daniel must find the perpetrators at all costs, while trying his best not to fall in love with Rebecca, whom he believes is someone else. Another fun and engrossing read of spies and the women who love them.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

Blog Stops

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

Giveaway

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

My Thoughts and More on The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

 

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

About the Book

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.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

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.

My Thoughts:

This was quite a riveting thriller as it was hard to put down, really almost impossible. When I say it kept me on the edge of my seat, I mean that literally. I am also going to say that I had a rough night of sleeping due to this story. No, I didn't stay up too late, but this had enough creepy, disturbing stuff in it to give me a few bad dreams. I would recommend not reading before bedtime.

And this is such a tale full of twists and turns and shows the grass is not always greener on the other side, all people have their problems and maybe yours is not as bad as some. Especially the vindictive evil ones. A lesson in contentment, a lesson in realizing the finer things of life does not always bring happiness. The twists were spectacular. They were shocking and so crazy that I could hardly believe what I was reading. 

I don't know what else to say, but that this has been one of the most shocking thrillers with chilling characters that I have read in a while. What a wild ride it was.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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