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Monday, March 17, 2025

My Thpughts - Book: Watch Your Back (Crossroads Suspense Book Three. It can be read as a standalone). Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

 


About the Book

Book: Watch Your Back (Crossroads Suspense Book Three. It can be read as a standalone).

Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 5, 2025

You can’t watch your own back.

Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa’s supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot.

Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade’s tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective. Her books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. She lives in the Tampa, Florida area with her husband and son.

 

 

 

 

More from Kristen

Finding God in Our Fears and Failures

Whenever I write a heroine’s character, I generally see a small piece of myself in her. Although I relate to some characters more than others, I can usually spot some shared quality that helps me empathize with her early on in my writing.

Writing private investigator Avery Reynolds in Watch Your Back was different. I liked her, despite all her sharp edges, but I didn’t see myself in her at first. As time went on, I found our shared similarity: a fear of failure.

While our situations are wildly different, this fear is not. She fears failing to take down Tampa’s elusive mob boss and letting down the few people close to her that she cares about. The stakes are so high at the end of the story that failure is worse than death to her.

While I was writing her story, I was raising a one-year-old, working online, trying to keep up with my home, and barely holding my head above water. Fears of missing my deadline—or worse, fears of letting down my family—ate away at my confidence. I couldn’t do it all. I wasn’t cut out for it.

That revelation was in fact the most freeing discovery I could make. I couldn’t do it all on my own, because I was never meant to. God provided a supportive husband, grace for each day, and the inspiration I needed to finish this story. Most importantly, He provided His never-failing presence. “For not, for I am with you,” the prophet Isaiah writes (Isaiah 41:10a NKJV). Ultimately, the reason we should not fear is Immanuel, “God with us.” (See Matthew 1:23.) He will never leave or forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5).

I don’t want to give away any spoilers in Avery’s story, but I will say she has her own moment of self-revelation as well. But will she recognize God’s hand reaching out to her in time?

When was the last time you found yourself in a situation you couldn’t handle on your own? How did God show up in your story?


My Thoughts 



Watch Your Back  is book three in the Crossroads Suspense Series that is written by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell   While while is part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. I was captivated by this book. 


PI Avery Reynolds is leading an investigation that she is hoping will expose the mob. She’s had a vendetta against them since her foster brothers death that the mob was responsible for. When she sets up a sting, it’s derailed by Coast Guard Vet turned security specialist, Ethan. Both of our characters have some deep flaws and are real feeling. Both have some issues they need to work around. 


I loved the non stop action. The author has done a great job in keeping readers in suspense throughout the book. I loved seeing our characters evolve. I loved the slow build romance between the two. 


Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 


Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 11

A Reader’s Brain , March 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Texas Book-aholic, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Holly’s Book Corner, March 19

Book Looks by Lisa, March 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 21

Stories By Gina, March 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 22

Books Less Travelled, March 23

Artistic Nobody, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/00adcf54170

Thursday, March 13, 2025

My Thoughts - SHATTERED SIGHT by Liz Milliron


SHATTERED SIGHT by Liz Milliron

SHATTERED SIGHT

by Liz Milliron



March 10 - April 4, 2025 Virtual Book Tour



The Jackson Davis Mysteries

Niagara Falls Police Detective Jackson Davis is living a lie.

He has the perfect life: married, two children, a home, a promising career.

Underneath, however, he battles self-doubt and guilt over the incident that cost his partner her sight and her career in an explosion during the pursuit of a suspect. He denies having PTSD or any trauma related to the event, but those around him know better.

When Jackson returns to active duty and is tapped to lead the investigation into the death of a prominent local business woman, all of this comes to the forefront. He must learn to work with a new partner and deal with his personal demons if he is to catch the killer — or he risks losing it all.

Book Details:

Genre: Police Procedural
Published by: Harbor Lane Books
Publication Date: March 2025
Number of Pages: 402
ISBN: 978-1-963705-05-8
Series: The Jackson Davis Mysteries, book #1



Author Bio:

SHATTERED SIGHT by Liz Milliron

Liz Milliron is the Shamus-nominated author of the Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo, NY during the early years of WWII, the Laurel Highlands Mysteries set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, and the Jackson Davis Mysteries set in Niagara Falls, NY. Her short fiction has been published in multiple anthologies including Murder Most InternationalBlood on the Bayou, and Murder Most Historical. Liz is a past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the current Secretary, as well as the Education Liaison for the National Board of Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of International Thriller Writers, Pennwriters and the Historical Novel Society. Liz lives in the Laurel Highlands with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.

Catch Up With Liz Milliron:
LizMilliron.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @mary1414
Instagram - @LizMilliron
Threads - @LizMilliron
Facebook - @LizMilliron

 

My Thoughts 


SHATTERED SIGHT is book one in the Jackson Davis Mysteries series that is written by Liz Milliron. I believe this is the first book I’ve ready by this author and it certainly will not be my last. 


We’re introduced to Jackson Davis. He’s a Niagara Falls Police Detective. He seems to have it all. Marriage. Children.  Career. But no one seems to see the inner battle that he faces. His former partner lost her site and career over an explosion that happened while they were pursing a suspect. He tells everyone he’s fine. But deep down we know he’s not.  


I was hooked by the first chapter. The author has written such real feeling characters. Jackson’s pain and turmoil was oozing off the pages. He’s tasked with leading the investigation of a prominent local business woman and has a new partner. He’s got to try and keep it together and not make any mistakes. 


The book is well written. I love police detective mysteries. I hope to read the next book in the series. 


Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Liz Milliron. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

The giveaway is for:    $15 Bookshop.org Gift Card; US 

https://kingsumo.com/g/1v972ym/shattered-sight-by-liz-milliron

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

My Thoughts - THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS by Ken Harris

 


The Ballad of the Great Value Boys by Ken Harris

THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS

by Ken Harris



February 10 - March 7, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

FROM THE CASE FILES OF STEVE ROCKFISH

 

Private Investigators Steve Rockfish and Jawnie McGee's loyalty is tested when they are called upon to rescue a friend whose plan to grift a local Militia goes awry. The ruse rebrands expiring MREs as Q-Rations, focuses on fear, and targets those with an anti-government mindset. 

Rockfish and McGee arrive in the dilapidated steel town of Grindsville and are quick to realize the Penn Forest Patriots are more than weekend LARPers. The partner's investigation uncovers a devious plot to light the fuse on a series of domestic terrorism events and throw the country into chaos.

The lack of a timely response by Federal Law Enforcement swiftly constitutes an emergency on Rockfish and McGee’s part. The plot forces them to empty their analytical and investigative skill sets across two states in an attempt to mitigate the threat. Can they prevent the terror cell from igniting the next insurrection and running out the clock on America’s democracy?

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Fiction
Published by: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: February 6, 2025
Number of Pages: 350 
ISBN: 9781685135539 (ISBN10: 1685135536)
Series:  From the Case Files of Steve Rockfishseries, Book 4
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Black Rose Writing


Author Bio:

Ken Harris

Ken Harris retired from the FBI, after thirty-two years, as a cybersecurity executive. With over three decades writing intelligence products for senior Government officials, Ken provides unique perspectives on the conventional fast-paced crime thriller. He is the author of the “From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish” series. He spends days with his wife Nicolita, and two Labradors, Shady and Chalupa Batman. Evenings are spent playing Walkabout Mini Golf and cheering on Philadelphia sports. Ken firmly believes Pink Floyd, Irish whiskey and a Montecristo cigar are the only muses necessary. He is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Catch Up With Ken Harris:
www.KenHarrisFiction.com
Twitch - @kenharrisfiction
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @KAHFiction
Instagram - @kenharrisfiction
YouTube - @KenHarrisFiction
X - @KAHFiction
BlueSky - @kahfiction.bsky.social
Facebook - @kah623

 

My Thoughts 


THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS

Is written by Ken Harris. This is book four in The case files of Steve Rockfish series. I’ve not read the other books but I had no problem following along. This is a new to me author. Some of the characters were introduced in other books however there is enough back story to ensure readers do not feel lost. 



The book is fast paced and will have you reading late into the night ( At least it did for me). The book is packed full of action and suspense. Rockfish, McGee and Raffi find themselves against the Great Value Boys. The Great Value Boys definitely seem to outgun our trio. 


I enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, gasp and stay up late reading. The book is well written. The characters are well developed. 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Partners In Crime Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 



Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Ken Harris. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

The giveaway is for:  1-   $25 Amazon.com Gift Card



https://kingsumo.com/g/199v0y1/the-ballad-of-the-great-value-boys-by-ken-harris-gift-card


Tour Participants:

These are the stops on the tour as of January 7th and are subject to change. Please, let me know if you have any questions.
 

01/31 Crime Fiction Lover THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
02/11 Jodys Bookish Haven THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Showcase
02/12 Wall-to-wall Books THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
02/13 Ink. Readsalot THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Showcase
02/14 Books R Us THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Interview
02/15 Celticladys Reviews THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Showcase
02/15 Silvers Reviews THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Showcase
02/16 FullyBookedInKentucky THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
02/19 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
02/20 Because I said so THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
02/21 Country Mamas With Kids THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review
03/01 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read THE BALLAD OF THE GREAT VALUE BOYS Review