Thursday, April 25, 2024

Author Interview: The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr



About the Book



Book: The Lost and Found

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2023

In the small quiet town of Owenston, Kentucky, former FBI agent Mark Collins has found a new purpose as the county Sheriff. Married and enjoying the prospect of becoming a father for a second time, Mark’s life seems picture-perfect. But when a series of petty thefts turns into a murder investigation, Mark’s peaceful life takes an unexpected turn.

With his steadfast resolve and unwavering faith, Mark embarks on a race against time to catch a killer, but as he digs deeper, he realizes that the case is more complex than he ever imagined, and danger hits closer to home than he could have anticipated.

The Lost and Found is a Christian suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending thrilling intrigue with heartwarming moments. Mark’s unwavering commitment to justice, his ever-expanding family, and his unwavering faith in God make for a gripping tale of redemption, hope, and love. Can Mark untangle the web of secrets and find a way to heal the wounds of the past? Discover the truth in this captivating story of courage, compassion, and the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.

Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.  


Author Interview with Jennifer


Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Jennifer: The Lost and Found is book two of the No Matter What series (don’t worry, it can be read as a standalone!). I needed to know that my characters were in a good place after the first book because as crazy as it sounds, the characters I write may as well be real people to me.

More than that, I felt like Mark Collins had some growing to do which I think he does beautifully throughout the book.


Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Jennifer: That’s a tough one because there’s not a cut and dried answer. I started writing it the day after I sent its predecessor to the editor which was in April 2022. The story’s beginning and end flowed until it didn’t. I hit a huge creative block and decided to step away for a couple of months. A couple of days after New Year’s 2023 I poured a week into it and wrapped it up. It went through edits and beta reads and was published in June 2023!


Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this novel?

Jennifer: I don’t know that it was surprising but I had fun asking my dad (a former law enforcement officer) questions about procedures and tactics!


Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?

Jennifer: I love Marí, who you really get to meet in No Matter What but my love for her just carried over because she was inspired by a number of people we met one summer in the Dominican Republic as we pursued our own adoption (which is another long and tragic story for another day). The people and the culture in the D.R. is beautiful and I wanted Jess to have someone in her life pouring out love and truth in her darkest of days just like we did.

But also, Cal – he is just… he’s everything you would want in a man who might step up as a father figure, a grandfather figure, and a friend. His wisdom is solid and his heart is made of gold.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

Jennifer: As a matter of fact, I do. It’s more of an excerpt that I love. It comes from a point in the novel where Jess’s past and her present are clashing and it’s producing a lot of emotions she hasn’t quite processed completely.

Grief can be a funny thing, as I’ve learned. There are days it makes you grateful for the time you had. Then there are moments like this that dredge up parts of the past that hurt and bring up reminders of days best forgotten. And that’s something else I’ve learned – Time may heal old wounds, but the scars left behind are never erased, unable to be forgotten.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Jennifer: Family are the people who love you unconditionally regardless of their blood-relation. And when you’re part of God’s family, you’re never alone – even in the most hopeless of situations.


Q: If the novel was made into a movie, who would like you to see play the main characters?

Jennifer: Oooo This is a FUN question! And it’s actually one I’ve thought about a few times.

Mark: If Jim Caviezel was about 15 years younger he’d be my first pick BUT since he isn’t, I think Chris Pratt would make a fantastic Mark Collins
Jess: Alexa PenaVega
John: John Schneider
Deborah: Patricia Heaton
Marí: Liza Colón-Zayas
Cal would 100% be Sam Elliot


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Jennifer: Before I was an adult, I thought Christian Fiction/Christian Romance Novels were only for old ladies haha! We can all interpret that the way we need to before moving on.


Q: In what setting do you enjoy writing the most? 

Jennifer: I love my office and desk area. I have a sit and stand desk so I can move when I start getting antsy. My desk is full of fidgets that I can manipulate while I’m thinking or daydreaming. I can’t listen to music while I write because music is as distracting as a good book. Even instrumental music will distract me.


Q: What are you reading now?

Jennifer: I am currently re-listening to the Harry Potter series – I’m on Book 4.


Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?


Jennifer: Surprisingly, fewer than most people think considering how much I read. The answer is currently three though I am debating a fourth. Most of my reading is e-book or audiobook because I don’t have room for a library. My next house, however…


Q: Who is an author you would recommend to anyone and everyone?

Jennifer: Jenny B. Jones is a consistent high rating author for me as is Carina Taylor and Sarah Adams!


Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Jennifer: I host a podcast for creatives and I co-host a podcast for authors. If I’m not podcasting, writing, or scrolling social media, I’m reading!


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Jennifer: My website, jcarrwrites.com, has links to all of my books, my works in progress, and the bonus materials like deleted scenes and bonus epilogues.

If you want to get to know me, I have a Facebook page and a TikTok channel that I utilize most frequently and I LOVE interacting with readers and other authors. @jcarrwrites (for both)



More from Jennifer

The Lost and Found is the second book of the No Matter What series but can be read as a standalone. I needed to make sure my characters were happy and healthy after their adventures in the book one so the day I sent No Matter What to my editor, I started writing The Lost and Found.

I love to bake and when I was pregnant with our daughter, I craved all things sweet. One of the characters in the book has a similar craving so I created a recipe for her to enjoy. I’d love to share it with you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZUJhegaRSkQtwlG1Rk0UU-iYxTSJIPHg/view?usp=sharing


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Lakesidelivingsite, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23

Cover Lover Book Review, April 24

Beauty in the Binding, April 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 29


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and a copy of the book!!

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2afa4/the-lost-and-found-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Book Spotlight: Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner

Yukon Wilderness Evidence JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Yukon Wilderness Evidence

Title: Yukon Wilderness Evidence
Series:
Crisis Rescue Team Series #5
Author:
Darlene L. Turner
Publisher:
Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date:
April 23, 2024
Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Solving a cold case could rob her of her future. 

When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

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


Excerpt


“Wait!” Brett ran after her. “He could still be dangerous.”

Keeley knelt beside the man and lifted the bandana from his face. She sucked in a breath. “I’ve seen him before.”

“Where?”

She paused as if searching her memory. “I don’t remember.”

Brett placed his fingers on the man’s neck. “He’s gone.” He searched his pockets for some type of identification but only found a picture.

He gazed at it intently. A redheaded boy wearing a backpack, leaving a school with a woman. He handed the photo to Keeley. “Do you know this boy?”

She looked at the picture and blasted upright. “No!”

He pushed himself to his feet, grazing her arm. “Keels, who is it?”

Her eyes widened before softening. “My—your son.”

What?

He had a son?

And now the boy was in danger.


More Books In This Series

Fatal Forensic Investigation Explosive Christmas Showdown Mountain Abduction Rescue  


About the Author

Darlene L. Turner

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Connect with Darlene at darlenelturner.com, where there’s suspense beyond borders, to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will each win a $25 Amazon egift card!

Yukon Wilderness Evidence JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 23, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Monday, April 22, 2024

Book Spotlight: A Secret Between Them by Donna Gartshore

A Secret Between Them JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Secret Between Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Secret Between Them

Title: A Secret Between Them 
Author:
Donna Gartshore
Publisher:
Love Inspired
Release Date:
April 23, 2024
Genre:
Inspirational Contemporary Romance

She’ll help him heal… 

But is love enough to make him stay? 

Unexpectedly injured, photojournalist John Bishop finds himself stuck in a town full of painful memories—with physical therapist Grace Severight his only way out. Following her treatment should be simple. But soon John’s falling again—this time for the single foster mom and her four-year-old charge. Now love might heal his past…but will a secret Grace is keeping destroy their chance at a future?  

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.  

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


Excerpt


John Bishop had traveled extensively and done everything from balance on the edge of a cliff to swim with sharks, all to capture the perfect photo. So it was more than a little humiliating to be brought down by a child’s skipping rope.

He didn’t know that kids still jumped rope, or maybe they just did things like that in places like Living Skies, Saskatchewan, a place with the kind of homespun charm that could make you believe that life was all about jumping rope, singing songs in church and baking apple pies.

Of course, John knew from experience that not everything in Living Skies was picture-perfect.

The pain that ripped through him when he tried to shift to a more comfortable position wasn’t just from his badly sprained ankle.

John suppressed a moan, but the receptionist at the front counter of the Elmview Physical Therapy Clinic still looked up with a sympathetic smile.

“The physical therapist is almost finished with her current client,” she said encouragingly. “She’ll be with you soon.”

John nodded, stoic again.

Also Available

Finding Her Voice 


About the Author

Donna Gartshore

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on social media at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a print copy of Finding Her Voice, Finding Their Christmas Home and A Secret Between Them, plus an inspirational bookmark!

A Secret Between Them JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Book Review: These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

 About the Book:


Set in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances.

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she knew where to begin.

To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.


My Thoughts:

Like a handwoven fabric, the story in These Tangled Threads took time to form and held complexity. I confess, Gentry’s attitudes and Lorna’s actions early on made it difficult for me to like them and be invested in their narratives. The time jumps and character switches also added to my disconnect. However, my admiration of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ prior novels compelled me to continue reading. Within the pages, I found well-crafted prose and pleasing depth as the story explored guilt, shame, alcohol addiction, and family dysfunction. These hard topics were offset by kindness, faith, forgiveness, and generosity which added a heartwarming feel.

Since reading These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ve started examining cloth – skirts, blankets, scarves, etc – trying to determine the warp and the weft. Early on, the author introduced the process of handweaving cloth, an essential element of the story. With so many terms and steps, I found it necessary to watch a video to understand the procedure; however, learning about this subject fascinated me and it was my main takeaway from the novel. Although These Tangled Threads is not my favorite book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ll continue reading her books.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Thursday, April 18, 2024

Book Spotlight: The Vanished by Cara Putman

The Vanished JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Vanished by Cara Putman hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


The Vanished Title: The Vanished 
Series: Secrets to Keep #1 
Author: Cara Putman 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: April 16, 2024 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn't live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.

Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. 

Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed? 

"Putman's legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author 

"Cara Putman has once again created an exciting cast of characters. I was immediately drawn in by Janae and Carter's unique chemistry. This is one story you don't want to miss." --Rebecca Hemlock, award-winning author of Fury in the Shadows

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


Excerpt


Butterflies fluttered aggressively in Janae’s stomach as she steeled herself for her first day at a new law firm. Ashley and Ashby filled the role of a small-town Virginia fixture. She remembered the original Ashley and Ashby as overweight, seersucker-clad old men who’d scared her as a child. Now her best option was walking through that door and working for their sons. Mark Ashby had gone to school with Janae’s mother and had assured Janae they’d have work for someone with her skills. However, the way he said it made her think he didn’t believe she had skills. After all, what could she learn in the big city that would have value in good ole Kedgewick?

Guess she’d demonstrate exactly what she could offer. She straightened her bright red peplum suit jacket over its matching skirt, then opened the door and strode into the reception area.

A mousy woman with teased hair grimaced at her. “Can I help you? We don’t open for another fifteen minutes.”

Janae paused, a bit taken aback, because this wasn’t her mother’s friend whom she knew well from church, the one she’d talked with when setting up the position. “I expected Caroline Stone. She asked me to arrive now to get set up.”

“Caroline is out for several weeks with an emergency. I’m filling in for her.”

“Oh.” Janae puffed a quick breath as she recalibrated, and then held out her hand. “I’m Janae Simmons, the new attorney.”

(pg 29)

More Books in Series

We Three Kings


About the Author

Cara Putman

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, art-themed notebooks, and stickers that inspired the art stolen in the book!

The Vanished JustRead Giveaway

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 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Book Review: Running to You by Robin Patchen

About the Book:


Sam never understood why Eliza left him five years ago, ghosting him without explanation. He’s avoided romance ever since, focusing on building his business. Money might not keep him warm at night, but it can sure buy a lot of blankets.

Then Eliza shows up on his doorstep and throws herself into his arms. She can’t explain her bruises or the head injury that’s left her with no memories of the past five years, including their breakup. No matter how good it feels to hold her, though, there’s no way he’s getting sucked into romance again.

He’ll deliver Eliza to her mother, and that will be that. But instead of finding her mom, they’re met by two attackers and barely escape alive. Despite the danger to his life and his heart, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself.

Together, they embark on a journey to reconstruct her past while evading the men chasing her. As Sam and Eliza close in on the truth, their romance reignites, but her secret threatens to destroy them both.

Prepare to be enthralled by this gripping story of amnesia, a second chance at love, and a secret baby. Running to You is an edge-of-your-seat Christian romantic suspense set in Maine that will keep you reading all night long.


My Thoughts:

Running to You by Robin Patchen commenced The Wright Heroes of Maine series and I want to read them all! This novel gripped my attention from the beginning and was terribly difficult to put down. First, the action and mystery weaved together to create a constantly moving (and entertaining) plot. Some of my guesses at what had happened were totally off! Second, due to Sam and Eliza’s past mistakes, both characters had to develop individually and together. The characters felt real as they worked through the messiness. Third, the second-chance romance had the perfect balance of tension and attraction which led to plenty of swoony moments.

Running to You by Robin Patchen is an independently published, romantic suspense novel, but it felt professional and lacked the inferior editing present in some indie books. I’d happily read this novel again. 4.5 Stars!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.