Saturday, August 24, 2024

About the Book

Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2024

A murderer out for revenge…

who is closer than they think.

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)

Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!

MY REVIEW

I am so happy that I have another book to read from this very gifted author. I love how she mixes flawed characters, suspense and faith . Once again my hero in the story was the bloodhound. There is something about this dog that made me want one of my own. The story has no slow moments and kept me intrigued throughout the book. With twists and surprises the author delivers another top notch story.

The two main characters have history between them that at times lead to misunderstandings and trust issues. I liked how they both were hesitant with each other while allowing their emotions to calm down. I don’t want to give any details because the storyline deserves to be discovered by each reader.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 20

Lily’s Corner, August 20

The Avid Reader, August 21

She Lives To Read, August 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

EmpowerMoms, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Blogging With Carol, August 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 28

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 30

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 2

Lights in a Dark World, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5419

Thursday, August 22, 2024

About the Book

Book: Silent Stars (Tomorrow’s Edge Book Three)

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian dystopian, science fiction

Release date: September 26, 2023

AD 2040: Barely eighteen, things have become much harder for Elliott. Reeling from the losses during the confrontation that brought Project Alexandria to a halt, Elliott feverishly hunts for the original files needed to finish it off. Finding only dead ends, he instead stumbles upon something dire: messages about the Babel Initiative. Conceived as a successor that would make Project Alexandria’s manipulations seem tame, this new threat once again forces Elliott into alliances with morally grey programmers known as siegers. Beset by continual setbacks and defeats, many siegers abandon the cause and go underground to survive the dangers ahead. The bleak reality that Elliott and those closest to him are almost certain to die in the fight against Dr. Almundson begins to set in. But Elliott isn’t ready to give in. He knows the cost of such a silent surrender will be humanity itself.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow’s Edge series), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope.

Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

More from Brett

Dystopian stories remind me of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. In it, Ebenezer Scrooge is heartbroken for Tiny Tim and asks the Ghost of Christmas Present if the boy will live. The ghost, to paraphrase, says that if the shadows of the things present are not altered the child will not live. Dystopian stories show us the shadows of things that if left unaltered, if not safeguarded against, can bring dire consequences. Years ago, I began writing the Tomorrow’s Edge series because I was concerned. Looking at headlines and articles about everything from the latest tech developments to the weakening links in western society’s integrity, I could understand why so many people fear the future. For me, it was fear for a tomorrow that is the fulfillment of every dystopian nightmare to us, but because it is so gradual so innocuous in coming, those in the future living that dystopia won’t even see it.

Our hold on reality is tenuous in the modern digital world—particularly with AI deepfakes, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse increasingly edging into our daily lives. And when combined with post-modernist philosophy’s denial of objective truth it makes for a serious existential threat. So, I wrote a story about some teens living in the near future where it is very nearly too late to come back from that edge. Teens who are gifted a glimpse of truth and reality and now can’t turn back from pursuing it. I hope it isn’t a stretch already to see that a story like that is layered. The gripping, fast paced surface narrative has beneath it an adjuration and encouragement for those of us who follow Christ to cling to the Truth and the Creator of all reality, no matter what may come. Silent Starstakes that story arc to its conclusion and in writing it I discovered there was an even more potent symbolic meaning to “Tomorrow’s Edge” than us being on the precipice or a dangerous dystopian tomorrow. It was one of the most rewarding discoveries I’ve had as a writer and I hope you enjoy uncovering it as well.

MY REVIEW

Set in a time period where anything can happen this story delivers a good look at a character and his faith. Faced with difficult decisions Elliott must decide who to trust in order to stop a dangerous mission. The Biblical references are vast in this book and I have come to really enjoy this author’s creativity.

Elliott is in a race to find his grandfather’s plan that has been lost. There is danger continuously as he teams up with others to stop evil from happening. He is also committed to keeping Lara safe while fighting to finish what his grandfather started. Lara seemed to be angry at Elliott a lot in the story. Perhaps if he didn’t hide so much information she could trust him more.

The Babel Initiative is not something Elliott wants to see take over. This threat can be the end of everyone if it is not stopped. The author establishes early on in the book that Elliott is always turning to God for every decision. Some don’t like his knowledge of God and will try to stop him. He faces danger, deceit and more in this fast pace book. If you haven’t read the others in this series it is highly recommended to grab copies of them. I thought the ending was good although I will miss this series. Maybe the author can bring a few characters back for one last book?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, August 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Vicky Sluiter, August 24 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, August 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 28 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Beauty in the Binding, September 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 2

Guild Master, September 3 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of Silent Stars, and an illustrated print featuring a scene from the Tomorrow’s Edge series!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5421

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

About the Book

Book: Unseen Danger (Guardians Unleashed Book 3)

Author: Jerusha Agen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 27, 2023

This woman and her K-9 protect others. Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh’s only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn’t see before it’s too late.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

More from Jerusha

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with fear. As a child, fear of bugs, thunderstorms, and being left behind shadowed my otherwise happy days.

Though I’m all grown up now, I still haven’t shed that shadow of fear. My fears are more grown-up, too. Now I fear losing loved ones, physical dangers, and death.

People in our culture love to tell us it’s okay to fear. They say fear is natural and even helpful. But the Bible tells a counter-cultural story. The Bible tells us the truth that fear of anything in this world is sinful.

So the Lord has been taking me on a journey to fearless in recent years. And along that journey’s path, I encountered Nevaeh Williams. The heroine of Unseen Danger, Nevaeh experienced life-threatening, terrifying trauma when she was attacked.

Six years later, she’s still haunted by PTSD and frightening memories. As a security specialist and protection dog handler with the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, Nevaeh tries to hide her fear. She can function well most of the time, as long as she avoids the trigger of getting close to any large, strong men.

Nevaeh’s story was a powerful one for me to write since she is crippled by fears even worse than my own. Culture would say her fears are “legitimate” and “useful.” Some of Nevaeh’s friends and even her boss encourage her to use her fear as a tool.

But that approach doesn’t help Nevaeh find freedom from fear. Tolerating my own fears doesn’t help me either. Excusing and condoning fear only makes fear worse. Because such fear is a sin which, when allowed to fester, will grow and spread until it takes control of my life.

Nevaeh’s battle against fear is an inspiration to me and anyone else who struggles with worry, anxiety, and any form of fear. Her story shows that defeat of fear is possible. Freedom is possible. Victory is possible. Fearless is possible, only through the power of Jesus Christ.

Do you want to battle your fears alongside me and Nevaeh? Reading Unseen Danger might be a good place to start.

MY REVIEW

I advise readers to make sure they are ready to not put this book down until the very end. Yes it is that good and will leave you wanting more from the author. Her writing style is gritty, emotional and faith filled. The characters jump off the pages as each one is able to take center stage. I was captivated by how the author highlights PTSD in a way that digs deep into the emotional struggle that people face as they try to reach a place of comfort. In this installment we get to know Nevaeh and Branson on a more personal level.

The author unwraps Nevaeh in a way that gives us a peek inside the turmoil she has gone through. Her job demands her full attention but something is off and her boss takes notice. I liked how Nevaeh was determined to keep an old friend safe even though danger lurked almost immediately. With her dog Alverez who is a trained K-9 their bond is fierce. I have always admired K-9 dogs and how protective they are. Their ability to sniff out danger is amazing and much needed for their owner. I did like how we were taken back to when Nevaeh was brutally attacked several years ago. It gave me chills reading how one person could inflict so much pain on another. Has she fully recovered from that attack?

Branson is the star in this book for me. His compassion for his dad who is very ill is shown is a loving way. He takes a job with a rapper as a bodyguard even though it is not the ideal environment. His honest talks with God are emotional and shows how he struggles at times with his faith. His sacrifice to help his father pay medical bills keeps him going everyday. His dream starts to fade away as he knows that every penny he has saved and money he now earns goes to his dad’s medical bills. I loved that Branson is not bitter about putting his dream on hold and trusts God to see him through the hard times.

The attraction between Nevaeh and Brandon is like a slow burn where they each fight their feelings but know that there is chemistry between them. It is hard at times for them to work together as they grow closer to each other. The danger and non stop action keep them preoccupied with threats, kidnappings and explosions that reach a high level of a thrilling adventure. Someone wants to harm D-Chop and will do whatever it takes to get to him. This is where we see how the author can grab readers attention with a thriller that keeps hearts racing. It is intense at times and I found myself with chills running down my arms as I realized that someone is also after Nevaeh as well.

The team along with Branson are in a race to keep one step ahead of the threat while trying to stay alive. The mixture of faith in the story drives the characters forward as they each face having to trust God. Nevaeh is put in a place where her faith and trust in God is the only way to survive when someone gets too close to her. Will she surrender to God and ask for help? Can Branson get to her in time? Who wants to kill D-Chop and why? Grab a copy and find out the answers in this must read book.

“If I don’t control my fear it will control me.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26

Devoted To Hope, August 27

Fiction Book Lover, August 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 28

Betti Mace, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 1

Stories By Gina, September 2

Holly’s Book Corner, September 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jerusha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, a signed paperback of Unseen Danger, an Unseen Danger tote bag, magnet, and keychain, plus more swag!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5420/

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

About the Book

Book: Dreams on the Horizon

Author:Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school?

When a nefarious character with vengeful intent threatens Mae, will Landon intervene before it’s too late and save the woman who has claimed his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith, love, and humor and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, running, and playing volleyball. Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Enjoy this peek inside the first chapter of Dreams on the Horizon:

Sometimes the Lord answered multiple prayers all at once.

Mae Shepherdson faced her pupils and, using sign language, dismissed them from class and promised to see them early tomorrow morning.

The students signed back to her and Mae thought her heart would explode.

Her charges were learning.

And she was making a difference.

Each student had a different story. From the ones who came from a supportive and caring home; to the ones who’d been mistreated or were orphans; from those who struggled to learn to those who eagerly embraced every lesson; from the youngest to the oldest, and all those in between…all were thriving under the dedicated tutelage of Mr. and Mrs. Eddington and the Horizon School for the Deaf.

Mae’s heart warmed as she watched as the children bounded from their desks, waved, and one by one, left the classroom. All except Polly, whom Mae had asked to stay after class.

Polly remained at her desk, smiling as she drummed her fingers on the worn-out wood, causing a tap-tapping vibration.

Mae reached inside her own desk and retrieved a wrapped parcel before walking to Polly’s desk. “For you,” she signed.

Polly’s brown eyes lit and she reached for the parcel, opening it with all the enthusiasm a six-year-old could muster. Pulling out the dress, she stood and held it against herself for size.

The dress Mama made would fit perfectly.

Polly wrapped her thin arms around Mae’s neck. She then stepped back, brought her hand to just below her mouth, and signed, “Thank you.” Before allowing Mae a chance to respond, Polly scuttled from the classroom, and Mae knew the little girl would barely reach her room before trying on the dress.

God had answered Mae’s prayers in so many ways. He’d blessed her with a family who loved her; He’d led her to teach at the Horizon School for the Deaf; and He’d allowed her to do something big for the least of these.

MY REVIEW

The story is a look at life as the railroads started to become popular. Some towns were excited when they heard that the railroad would be coming through their town. Change is not easy for some in the town of Horizon. It is a small town with hard workers and families that help each other out.

Mae is a sweet, kind, compassion woman who is deeply rooted in her faith. Her past is sad and at times it does cause her to feel afraid. Her parents have given her a safe place and unconditional love, but the past still bothers her at times. I loved how Mae had a big heart for children who were deaf. She wants each child to feel wanted and teaches them sign language so they are able to communicate. Her dedication to these children help them see how much they are wanted and loved.

Landon has come to Horizon to oversee the laying of train tracks that will help people get to other towns quicker. Not everyone was happy with this change will he be able to get the town to accept this new way of transportation ? I liked that he was honest and had a desire to know the Lord. His relationship with Mae starts as friendship. They slowly realize that there is more but several misunderstandings cause then to become distant.

There is a great message on humility in the story as Landon’s parents find that being wealthy does not always make you a likable person. Their harsh judgment towards Mae is most unsettling. I appreciate that Landon was willing to stand up for Mae and show his parents that kindness goes a long way.

The author delivers a nice look at how two people from different backgrounds allow God to direct their paths. Faith is very evident in the story as our main characters turn to God to help them through forgiveness and a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 13

Madi’s Musings, August 13

She Lives to Read, August 14

lakesidelivingsite, August 15

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Devoted To Hope, August 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Stories by Gina, August 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Holly’s Book Corner, August 21

Book Looks by Lisa, August 22

Pause for Tales, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 25

Cover Lover Book Review, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbe6/dreams-on-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 18, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 29, 2024

She thought he was her forever—he had other plans.

Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted, becoming a Harvey Girl waitress was by far the dumbest—and she’d pulled some pretty foolhardy antics. Her back was sore. Her feet were swollen. And she had done it to herself in a fit of pique over a Texas Ranger who was mooning over another woman. Lorna had longed for distraction at the time, but after weeks of training, she might keel over and die in the middle of the dining room floor with a plate of apple pie in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. But, she’s an Elliot. And Elliot’s never quit. The only thing she’d ever quit was attempting to win Ranger Reid and now that he’s the new sheriff in her hometown, it’s going to be impossible for her to move on unless she takes control of her heart—for better, or for worse.

Sheriff Reid had never wanted to settle down until he had fallen hard for a runaway mail-order bride turned Harvey Girl who chose another. When news of an outlaw’s escape lands on his desk, he eagerly rides out in pursuit all the way to Topeka and overhears the outlaw’s plans that revolve around the wealthy Elliot family and their daughter, Lorna. It’s up to Reid to see his childhood friend safe . . . despite Lorna insisting that she can protect herself without him.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, True Colors, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

More from Grace

Q & A with Grace Hitchcock

Q: What is your favorite trope to read? Which of your books have that trope?

To name a few, I love stories about marriage of convenience, fake dating, mail-order brides, runaway brides, and enemies to lovers. In my books, I do have some of those tropes, but I adjust them to fit my story

My Harvey Girl books by tropes:

Runaway Bride: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Mail-Order Bride: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Friends to Lovers/Fake Dating: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

I’d love to write an enemies-to-lovers trope in the future!

Q: Have you ever been asked to spice up, or down, a kissing scene? How did you do it?

For my May release, To Catch a Coronet, the editor challenged me to make the kissing scene longer and more romantic. Haha it took me my entire writing session that day to make the short scene two paragraphs longer in order to make the kissing more swoon-worthy, while still staying true to the level of affection I have in my books. With that critique in mind, I attempted to add a bit more “swoon” in The Enchanting of Miss Elliot as well.

Q: What historical novel has most impacted you? How?

Grace: I feel like every season, there is a novel that touches me. The one that stuck the longest has to be Tracie Peterson’s Westward Chronicles (a Harvey Girl series). They are moving, unique tales that inspired me to write my own Harvey Girls series! I re-read the Westward Chronicles every few years.

Q: How does your faith integrate into your writing in practical ways?

Grace: No matter how subtle my theme or short the verses, my stories will always point the reader to the Lord. Usually, whatever I am personally learning spiritually while writing impacts my heroine/hero in some way.

For The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, the heroine, a firm believer, is despairing that God will not give her the desires of her heart and sets out to find a new future and a re-directing of her heart. It’s a very realistic struggle, and the reader can see through the story the beauty of trusting God in our daily walk and with our biggest dreams.

Q: What’s your life like outside of writing?

Grace: Besides reading at least one to two books a week, I love to take long walks to the park with my family, exercise on my bike, plan the family’s next travel adventure, and try new baking challenges. As a wife and mama of three, I usually have some happy recipients for the new recipe.

Q: Will there be more Harvey Girl books from you?

Grace: Yes! I am currently working on Book Four in the Aprons & Veils series, The Vanishing of Miss Victoria. It will release mid-2025.

About The Vanishing of Miss Victoria:

Love got her into this mess—never loving again would get her out.

Corinna Victoria Roberts had never been lucky—not in her choice of husband, or her lot in life after the man she’d eloped with had promptly abandoned her, taking her gold and jewels with him. When her husband’s thieving, lawless relatives show up at her door announcing his death and demanding that her late father’s restaurant empire be signed over to them, her life is in danger. She flees to take a position no one expects of her—as a Harvey Girl waitress in New Mexico.

Tanner Sterling has hunted his last bounty. As the new foreman on his friend’s ranch, he wasn’t expecting to rescue a Harvey Girl from a raging river his first day. He is intrigued by the shy beauty and becomes friends with Corinna over many meals at the Harvey House. But, when a picture of her on a wanted poster with a massive bounty arrives in Tanner’s mail, everything he knows about Corinna shifts. If he doesn’t claim the bounty on her head, he knows far less honorable men who would love to ride off with the stunning Harvey Girl. Despite wanting to hang up his past along with his gun belt, Tanner will do anything to protect Corinna from the coming storm.

MY REVIEW

I have become very interested in any story that features The Harvey Girls. They work long hours and are expected to always treat their customers with the highest respect. It was well known that going to one of these famous places where The Harvey Girls worked , you would find excellent service and delicious food.

Oh how I laughed when Lorna’s pride gets in her way frequently in the story. On a dare she applies to be a Harvey Girl. Turns out she is really good at the job. People in her family never give up, which is one of her best qualities. Besides she is trying to run away from everything that reminds her of a certain someone.

Sheriff Reid has learned that his childhood friend Lorna is in danger and sets off to keep her safe. I would love to have been in that dining room when Lorna looks up to see the one person she has been trying to forget about. Reid insists on staying by her side until the danger is gone. This makes for some funny moments as Lorna and Reid don’t exactly agree on his protection duty. Some may say it is Lorna’s pride, but really it is her deep affection for Reid that makes her fight against his every move.

The story is a fun read mixed with danger and faith. I enjoyed watching these two main characters discover that God is in control. Their struggles within themselves are well written and the author illustrates the importance of removing pride and learning to trust.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.