#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Megge of Bury Down by Rebecca Kightlinger

Megge is a complex character in this engaging story of healers ("good witches") in the middle ages.
Megge of Bury Down
The Bury Down Chronicles, Book One
by Rebecca Kightlinger
Narrated by Jan Cramer

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 11-09-18
Publisher: Rowan Moon
Genre: Coming of Age, Historical Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

In thirteenth century Cornwall, young Megge has just come of age to be apprenticed to her mother, the healer of Bury Down. But first, she must accept and vow to protect The Book of Seasons, an ancient tome that holds life-sustaining power harnessed centuries earlier by Murga, the first seer of Bury Down. At her vowtaking ceremony, yearning to accept her inheritance and take her place among her family's long line of healers and seers, Megge reaches for the book. When she touches it, she feels something writhe within it and becomes convinced that the book is cursed and that she too will be cursed if she accepts it.
Despite her mother's pleas to protect the book from the one who would usurp its power, Megge refuses to even look at it. But when a Blackfriar abbot arrives in the village claiming to be under orders to root out heretics, and imprisons the healer for refusing to turn over her "demon's book," will Megge finally summon the courage to take that vow?

Review:
Megge has been born into a family of healers. One line of the family has an ancient Book of Time and the other line has an ancient Book of Seasons. The books contain healing remedies and techniques and words of celestial wisdom written down by the women over the generations. Each new daughter is trained as an apprentice and prepared to take the vow of the women of Bury Down when they reach a certain age.

When Megge goes eagerly to her vowtaking ceremony she is frightened by a sense of evil and burning from the book. She refuses to touch the book again and chooses to follow a different family member who helps to train her first in shepherding and later in weaving. She knows her mother is disappointed in her but doesn’t realize that she is still being trained to take a role in the family legacy.

But some men seek the powers of the books and are willing to challenge the women as ‘witches’ doing the devil’s work in spite of the healing help they have provided in the community. A Blackfriar abbot arrives and is told by jealous young women to hunt out Megge’s mother and aunt. The confrontation puts Megge in a stressed situation as she will have to take some action if she wants to save her family.

The author takes a good portion of the story developing Megge’s character and adding the family history through story telling times. Megge is a young girl who wants to choose her own destiny, not realizing the significance of the family legacy. I liked Megge’s conflicted character and the strong female mentors who helped shape her and give her courage.

The author does a good job of building the mysticism and tension that could easily surround skilled healers in the middle ages. The story reaches a twisted climax and conclusion but leaves open issues for the sequel, The Lady of the Cliffs. I am not a huge fan of coming of the age stories and I am glad this is much more. I enjoyed this one and hope to get the second book at NetGalley too. I recommend this story to readers who like historical dramas with a touch of ancient runes and incantations.

Audio Notes: Jan Cramer is a British born narrator who delivers the Welsh accents wonderfully. The sound is lovely and added to my being immersed in the thirteenth century world. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020 NetGalley Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Yang Warriors by Kao Kalia Yang

Oh boy - this is touching!

Yang Warriors
by Kao Kalia Yang

Illustrations by Billy Thao

Hardcover : 40 pages
Publisher : Univ Of Minnesota Press (April 13, 2021)
ISBN-13 : 978-1517907983
Reading level : 5 - 10 years
Grade level : Kindergarten - 5
Genre: Children, Immigration, Refugee
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang delivers an inspiring tale of resourceful children confronting adversaries in a refugee camp.
After lunch the Yang warriors prepare for battle. They practice drills, balance rocks on their heads, wield magical swords from fallen branches. Led by ten-year-old Master Me (whose name means “little”), the ten cousins are ready to defend the family at all costs. After a week without fresh vegetables , the warriors embark on a dangerous mission to look for food, leaving the camp’s boundaries, knowing their punishment would be severe if they were caught by the guards.
In this inspiring picture book, fierce and determined children confront the hardships of Ban Vinai refugee camp, where the author lived as a child. Yang’s older sister, seven-year-old Dawb, was one of the story’s warriors, and her brave adventure unfolds here with all the suspense and excitement that held her five-year-old sister spellbound many years later. Accompanied by the evocative and rich cultural imagery of debut illustrator Billy Thao, the warriors’ secret mission shows what feats of compassion and courage children can perform, bringing more than foraged greens back to the younger children and to their elders. In this unforgiving place, with little to call their own, these children are the heroes, offering gifts of hope and belonging in a truly unforgettable way.

Review:
The Yang warriors are a group of young children in a refugee camp in Thailand. (Ban Vinai camp housed many highland people, known as Hmong, who fled communist rule in Laos from 1975 until 1992.) The conditions in the camp are hard and the families struggle to have enough food to sustain life. The guards are harsh and will punish those who challenge the boundaries of the camp.

The children gather in a quiet, unobtrusive group to meditate and train in practice drills, balancing rocks and wielding branch swords. The children seek to be prepared to act if and when needed to help their families and especially their younger siblings. Having heard of vegetables just beyond the camp, they plan a mission to sneak out and gather those precious greens for their families.

The story is told simply from the view of the author’s memories as a five-year-old seeing the bravery and compassion of her seven-year-old sister and their cousins. The story is poignant, gripping, and heart-wrenching. I found my breath hitching as I read of these sorrowful children. I found the closing message of resourcefulness and hope encouraging (but not enough). I think the message will have to be explained to children. The author's and illustrator's notes add to the work.

The illustrations are by a Hmong American who researched and achieved a style that fits beautifully and enhances the text. The gentle images use vibrant colors and a mystical touch. The story is appropriate to share with children, explaining the struggles of refugee families and what we might be able to do to help others. I plan to purchase the print book to share with my grandchildren.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1) by Grace Hamilton

This is a post-apocalyptic story focused on one family in two locations.
Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1)
by Grace Hamilton

ASIN : B08JH9PQ5W
Publication date : December 9, 2020
File size : 3025 KB
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Survival of the fittest becomes harsh reality in the blink of an eye. Greg Healy isn’t fooled. The hunting trip is merely a ploy contrived by his wife and mother to force Greg and his father to end their estrangement. Not even Greg’s teenage daughter or his father’s hunting buddies along for the ride will be enough of a buffer to heal the rift of long-standing resentments. But the helicopter has barely dropped them in the remote Canadian wilderness when they discover their new equipment is dead with no explanation. Now they’ll have to rely on each other and resort to Old West ingenuity to find their way home—before the hunter becomes the hunted.
For seventeen-year-old Darryl Healy, things aren’t much easier on his grandparents’ cattle ranch. Not when his highly intelligent and successful mother keeps hounding him about college applications. But college quickly loses its allure when the lights go out after a cyberattack. Frightening responsibilities fall squarely on Darryl’s unproven shoulders as a power-hungry politician is determined to confiscate the ranch’s resources—by any means necessary.
Danger and death await the Healy family as each group attempts to navigate this terrifying new post-apocalyptic world while the vast wilderness separates them. When deceit arises from within their ranks, they’ll face threats as lethal as the grizzly bears and mountain lions lurking in the shadows.
And in order to survive the nightmare, a deal with the devil might be their only saving grace.
Prepper survivalist author Grace Hamilton invites you to step into a post-apocalyptic, EMP-ravaged world filled with strong, resourceful characters, survivalist knowledge, and edge-of-your seat action.

Review:
Greg has agreed to go on a hunting trip with his father, Tuck, whom Greg tends to avoid due to their pattern of arguing. Greg is surprised by his teenage daughter’s enthusiasm for the trip. Emma is excited and has been studying to prepare to show her father and grandfather that she can be trusted in this environment. There are two other men along for the trip: Tuck’s best friend, Tommy, a rugged fellow, and Eustace, the brawny foreman of the pipeline company who is to serve as guide on the company land.

Greg is distressed when his satellite phone doesn’t work and the hunters soon realize none of their electronic equipment is working. When they see a fire in the distance three of the men make the hike to discover that the helicopter that dropped them off has crashed. Finally, they are realizing that something is very wrong and they are apparently stranded with minimal supplies and limited hope of rescue. As they agree to trek their way down the pipeline it is clear that there are secrets and hidden tensions that threaten the group as much as the stark wilderness with snakes and bears.

Meanwhile, back home, Greg’s son, Darryl, is struggling to complete his college applications while trying to help his grandmother and mother run the family ranch. When the power failed, none of the ranch hands showed up for work. Since the mechanical equipment isn’t working, the cows have to be milked by hand. Fences have to be repaired to control the herd and soon they realize that the fences need to be turned into a wall to protect against predators - wild animals and human thieves. Will these three be able to help their neighbors and protect their property against the powers in the local town who seek to take their resources, even at gunpoint?

I found this to be a fairly predictable EMP power loss, post-apocalyptic story. The author has presented dual, well-constructed plot lines with flawed – very human – characters. The story reads easily but I was disappointed by what I will call a lack of energy. The two threads of the story are adequately written technically and have some danger and intrigue. Still, both experiences seemed depressed to me. The story ends with a shoot-out and a trailing enemy who will no doubt make trouble in the next book.

It may just be that I wasn’t particularly gripped by any of the characters. I will recommend the book to fans of post-apocalyptic genre, and there are plenty of five-star reviews to encourage them to read this..

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Calvin the Christmas Tree by Stephen G. Bowling

This is cute for Christmas with a positive message.
Calvin the Christmas Tree
by Stephen G. Bowling

File size : 18304 KB
Publisher : Valley of Mexico, Inc (December 8, 2019)
Print length : 38 pages
ASIN : B082J7NT8R
Genre: Children, Christmas
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

He’s been preparing for the season since he was a sapling. But will he be tall enough to start spreading joy?
The thought of missing Christmas has little Calvin quaking in his roots. The smallest tree on his famous farm, his branches get all ruffled when a grumpy old coot says he isn’t strong enough for ornaments. But he’s thrilled when he’s finally pulled from the ground and put on sale just in time for Christmas Eve!
As excited families whisk away all the other evergreens, Calvin’s smile fades when he finds himself all alone. And he worries the grizzled meanie might’ve been right when the store closes, and he’s covered in snow… until he sees headlights peeking through the storm.
Will Calvin be left out in the cold, or is one special family about to make him their shining star?
Calvin the Christmas Tree is a beautifully heartwarming children’s picture book. If you or your child like wonderful illustrations, classic scenes from simpler times, and charming emotional journeys, then you’ll love Stephen G. Bowling’s inviting tale.

Review:
Calvin is the smallest of trees on his famous Christmas tree farm. He has been waiting to grow big enough, and even though he is still small, he puffs himself up hoping to be cut and taking to town. Calvin insists that he can be a Christmas tree for the right family.

This is a sweet story that gives encouragement to even the small and especially to those who believe they can do the job and be something special. It has a nice positive message that makes a good story for children at Christmas. The story is easy to read and the images are easy and charming. I quite enjoyed the book and would be pleased to share it with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Boy Who Moved Christmas by Eric Walters, Nicole Wellwood

This brought tears to my eyes - so sweet.
The Boy Who Moved Christmas
by Eric Walters, Nicole Wellwood, illustrator Carloe Liu

Grade level : 1 - 2 Item Weight : 5.6 ounces
Paperback : 32 pages
Reading level : 3 - 7 years
ISBN-13 : 978-1771089111
Publisher : Nimbus Publishing Limited (October 1, 2020)
Genre: Children, Death, Illness
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Based on a true story, this is a touching reminder of the power of Christmas and community spirit, no matter what the time of year.
It's October, but in seven-year-old Evan's town, every house is decorated for Christmas and a giant holiday parade is about to begin. The bump in Evan's head means he might not make it to December, so all his friends, family, neighbours, and thousands of strangers have moved Christmas just for him.
Evan is delighted to see the trees, the lights, and even snow, but he's a little worried that the parade might not be complete. How will Santa know he needs to visit so early? Will it even feel like Christmas without Santa there?
Based on the true story of Evan Leversage and featuring an afterword by his mother, Nicole Wellwood, The Boy who Moved Christmas is a loving tribute from the duo behind Always With You, and a touching reminder of the power of the Christmas spirit―no matter what time of year.

Review:
As the blurb explains, this is based on a true story of a ten-year old, Evan, who is dying of a brain tumor. The simple story and illustrations share how the entire community, police, firemen, shop owners and neighbors, join the family in moving Christmas to October to celebrate with Evan. They even arrange to provide a ride with Santa.

The story isn’t brilliant, and the illustrations aren’t polished, but the package is beautiful in its caring and sentiment. It would certainly be lovely if all communities could share such a giving and caring attitude all year long. The story creates a nice opportunity to share with children, healthy or ill, the caring spirit that is focused around Christmas. I would recommend this as a nice addition for families.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGaley goal.

#NetGalley Audiobook Review: A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney

I loved this charming little story.

A Long Road on a Short Day
by Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney
Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Matt Godfrey

Publisher Recorded Books, Inc. November 12, 2020
Genre: Children, Family, Farm Animals
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.

Review:
Mama wants a brown eyed cow to have milk for the baby and for Papa’s tea. It is a winter day so Papa tells Samuel to ‘dress warm’ as he is going with Papa on the long journey to town to trade for the cow. Samuel uses his best manners while meeting strangers and helping Papa make decisions on the trades. There are items Papa likes, and some Samuel would like to keep, but they have to keep on trading to get the cow for Mama. And they must do it on “a long road on a short day”.

This is a very charming story even to listen to without the illustrations. There are good descriptions and interesting neighbors with trades to be made. This would be a lovely book to share with young children. I recommend this for children and parents to enjoy.

Audio Notes: Matt Godfrey does a really nice job with the narration. His voice is soothing as he shares the simple, direct text. I enjoyed the audio and I bet having the audio with the illustrated book would be wonderful.

Source: 2020 NetGalley Audio. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audiobook Review: Cover Your Tracks by Daco Auffenorde

This is a good psychological suspense.
Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Psychological Thrillers
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.
When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and that threaten to destroy them. ©2020 Daco Auffenorde (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Margo, an ER doctor, is eight months pregnant but has an important reason to travel to her childhood home. She had struggles with family as a young woman and hopes this visit may be a time for reconciliation. As the train travels through the Rockies a blizzard brings an avalanche threatening the train.

Rejecting the conductor’s orders to remain seated, Nick, a former Army Ranger, insists that the passengers must move to the back of the train to survive. Margo is the only one to listen and they are the only survivors when the train is caught in the avalanche.

Margo rushed off without even her purse or phone, although it is unlikely there would be cell service. The pair are stranded with no rescue expected soon. Nick seems to have a plan for shelter and survival and Margo has little choice but to follow. Although Nick is reticent about his own past and plans, he seems to want to help Margo and protect her unborn child.

Nick helps fend off wild animals, provides game for food and finds alternate shelter. But as the days pass with more storm and no apparent effort to get to civilization, Margo becomes more stressed and concerned. Margo has secrets from her past but hers may not be as strange and intense as Nick’s secrets.

I was impressed with the tense and chilling (not cold, but fearful) atmosphere that the author creates. The story is told with flashbacks to develop the damaged and determined characters. There are hints of issues in the personalities and it was interesting to see how these played out. I suspected trouble and was gripped as the past history was revealed and the collision course of the characters explained. I recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a fairly good job with the narration. She made an effort to provide distinct voices although it seemed a bit of a strain to get the male voices. Still I appreciated that she conveyed the chilling tone of the story and the story moved quickly for me as an audio presentation.

(I saw this at Book Reviews by Linda Moore through Mailbox Monday.)
Source: Received from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas, Three Stories by Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace, and Scarlett Dunn

I particularly liked two of this trio of historical, western Christmas tales.

The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace, Scarlett Dunn

Print length : 314 pages
Publisher : Kensington Books (October 27, 2020)
Genre: American Historical Romance, Christmas, Western
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

In these Texas-set stories of romance and adventure, the Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it’s time for three rugged fighters to become lovers . .
FATHER GOOSE
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas
Dispirited by war, when Trapper Hawkins accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Emery Adams, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Emery and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . .
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE * Sharla Lovelace
A catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future . . .
CHRISTMAS ROAD * Scarlett Dunn
Yellow Fever has hit Clint Mitchum’s Texas hometown and taken his father and siblings, leaving Clint ever more cynical. Racing homeward to be by his mother’s side, Clint finds only a note from her, asking that he help her caregiver, a young woman named Amelia. Assuming his mother has passed, in his grief Clint ventures out to search for Amelia—and finds the best of gifts—just in time for Christmas . . .

Review:
These are three distinct, western, historical romances for Christmas reading. The first and third take place shortly after the Civil War, while the middle story is more uniquely set in 1904. I fully enjoyed the first and third stories. The second story is a second chance romance but had elements that didn’t suit my tastes. My overall rating is 4.25.

FATHER GOOSE by Jodi Thomas
Trapper is a loner who wins a ‘transport’ job in a card game before he learns that the job involves safely delivering five young girls to their father’s ranch for Christmas. The journey is likely to be dangerous due to threats of kidnappers in addition to normal risks. But Trapper is sure he’ll succeed even when he faces the first obstacle of finding a nanny to accompany the wagon.

Emery is a young woman under the thumb of a tyrannical father. She noticed the quiet loner who was respectful and didn’t go upstairs with the ladies. When she hears about the transport job she decides this may be her only chance to escape her hard life.

Trapper is only too happy to find a nanny willing to come along to help with the five spunky girls he dubs “1” through “5”. Along their perilous journey they all work together to share the chores and the girls, including Emery, surprise Trapper by helping to keep them safe.

I totally loved the unique characters, Trapper, Emery, and the five young charges. Their interaction is enchanting. The sweet romance blooms, even under the precocious eyes of the children. With danger, charm and romance, this story reminds me why I love Jodi Thomas historical novels! My rating 5.0.

THE MISTLETOE PROMISE * Sharla Lovelace
It has been a series of hard years for Josie since she fell in love, was betrayed and then lost her father. The ranch hasn’t been able to bounce back after a bad storm and her accountant has told her the only solution may be to marry one of the eligible men of the community. One in particular is interested but Josie suspects he won’t allow her to continue with the ranching.

A few days before the tax collector is to call, Josie reluctantly agrees to attend a social gathering at her neighbor’s ranch. This is hard enough as Josie isn’t the type to get gussied up, but it is even harder since the neighbor is the same man who betrayed her a handful of years back.

Ben knows that Josie still feels betrayed, but he is frustrated that she never gave him a chance to explain the events that tore them apart. For the past years he has protected the one really good thing that came of their broken relationship. Now Ben would like the chance to help Josie and show her that things can be different for their futures. But first he must break through her stubbornness.

There were two factors that made this story a struggle for me. First is Josie’s hardheaded, closed-off stubbornness. Second is the racy, bordering on graphic, sexual descriptions of the story. I generally like historical fiction, whether Victorian, Regency or Western, to share a sweeter romance. Other readers may well enjoy the sexier style. My rating 3.75.

CHRISTMAS ROAD * Scarlett Dunn
Clint races home after receiving a letter telling him that his mother is ill with yellow fever that struck down his father and siblings. Clint finds that the whole town has been decimated. Clint finds a note from his mother that he should find Amelia, the young woman who cared for her during the illness. Clint sets out to follow the families who left town hoping to find Amelia and make sure she is okay.

Clint helps a father and two young boys to the gold camp where the townsfolk are supposed to be. When Clint seeks out the family with whom Amelia traveled, he is surprised to find a beautiful young woman and two young girls. He is quickly smitten but fears Amelia is grieving the recent loss of her husband.

The families are struggling even as they share Christmas wishes and dreams. Clint helps the families fight off evil men and then finds himself pushing to get a sick Amelia back to his hometown doctor. Will Amelia pull through and will Clint be able to get back to save the children at the camp from danger and a sad Christmas?

This is a charming story with some misunderstandings, a touch of danger, and several sweet moments. Clint is a likeable hero, and the Christmas surprises are a delight. I would be glad to read more stories by Ms. Dunn. My rating 4.25.

Source: Received from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn

I enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance.
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy
By: Janice Lynn
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Rachel L. Jacobs

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 10-27-20
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Christian, Christmas Romance, Holiday, Military Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to find a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.
Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires helps him put out the demons within him. He’s embracing his life in Pine Hill, Kentucky, and strives to call a truce with his past. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. The book is old news, and he tells her to trash it.
Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future...one touched by joy?
This heartwarming romance includes an original Hallmark recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.
©2020 Janice Lynn and Hallmark Publishing (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Sophie Davis recognizes the struggle of a veteran with PTSD because she lived with a father who suffered. When Sophia finds and reads a soldier’s journal she feels deeply for the man. She makes the effort to return the journal to former Marine Cole Aaron who now serves her community as a firefighter. Cole doesn’t want the journal back because it his past haunts him. He also wants nothing to do with Sophie and what he perceives as her pity. Even though Cole wants to avoid Sophie, he keeps finding himself working alongside her for the Christmas toy drive and helping in other volunteer events, even participating in winter sports with Sophie.

Sophie is part owner of a Threaded Needle and she has a passion for making Quilts of Valor to award to Veterans in recognition of their service. Sophie persists on making a special patriotic quilt that she wants to wrap Cole in, even while Cole continues to push her away. But Cole can’t help but see the joy Sophie continually shares with others in all circumstances. Can Sophie’s joy bring a smile to Cole’s face and, more importantly, maybe bring peace to his troubled mind?

This is a sweet romance told from the rotating views of a bright heroine and an emotionally torn hero. The story focuses on the characters and how our self-view can be influenced by how others see us. The author uses the supporting characters to add to the fullness of the story. I like how the author shows how joy might heal a troubled soul. She apparently has other books in the same small town and I would enjoy reading/listening to others. This story reads easily, and I recommend it to readers who like heartwarming, sweet romance. I do think it would make a nice Hallmark movie.

Audio Notes: Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs do an appropriate job narrating. I wasn’t enthralled by the audio but it did help me listen quickly. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Silent Bite: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel Book 22) by David Rosenfelt

This is another satisfying win and read in the Andy Carpenter Series.
Silent Bite: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel Book 22)
by David Rosenfelt

File Size : 2556 KB
Print Length : 299 pages
Publisher : Minotaur Books (October 13, 2020)
ASIN : B084M1ZNNJ
Genre: Crime, Detective, Mystery, Fav Series
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are finding that all is not calm or bright in Silent Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in this heartwarming series from bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a breath; he’s back on dry land after a family Caribbean cruise forced on him by his wife, Laurie, to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course the family’s first stop is to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that has always been Andy’s true passion.
But when Andy arrives, his partner, Willie Miller, needs his help. Willie’s old cellmate, Tony Birch, has been arrested for murder. Andy doesn’t necessarily believe in Tony, but Willie does. And Andy believes in Willie, which is why Andy decides to take the case.
Once again David Rosenfelt puts readers in the Christmas spirit in a tale that is equal parts mystery and holiday cheer.

Review:
As an independently wealthy criminal attorney, Andy Carpenter still considers himself as a semiretired lawyer and he isn’t seeking new clients. Andy doesn’t rouse himself much unless it has to do with dogs. And Christmas is no exception as he leaves all the decorations and shopping to his wife, Laurie. Shortly before the holiday, Andy’s friend, Willie, a former client and his partner in their dog rescue foundation, asks Andy to do him a favor – represent Tony Birch, a former cellmate, recently accused of revenge murder.

Tony has a rough past, having served time after being wrongly accused of murder as a young man and leader in a gang. Another gang member who testified against Tony has turned up dead and the police were quick to charge Tony. Andy isn’t positive that Tony is innocent, and he isn’t sure Tony is telling him everything which is a major problem. Still, Andy doesn’t want to disappoint Willie and Tony has the unwavering support of his dog, Zoey.

Andy begins to pull together his usual team when he learns that his second attorney is off in South Carolina getting married! The recommended replacement, Eddie, a big guy and retired football player who speaks in sports terms, is introduced to the team. Laurie and another retired cop, Corey (with wonder dog Simon) are the investigative team, Sam is the computer information hacker and Marcus, as always is the big, scary muscle.

When a second member of the gang is found dead the case gets stronger against Tony. But Andy is always ready to search out alternative suspects to create reasonable doubt. This time his search takes him to local crime gang boss, Luther, who was also the head of the group that oversaw Tony’s ‘boyz’ gang. Andy exercises his usual snark and twists in court, stepping on the edge of propriety and finding more clues than expected.

As normal, I enjoyed the characters and the mystery. The story is told by Andy in first person with his usual self-deprecation and dry wit. I often listen to this series on audio and I could hear Andy’s voice in Grover Gardner’s deep narration. My only disappointment with this episode was that, even with the dog on the cover, the dogs didn’t play that much of a role. This might be read as a standalone as each story has its own mystery to be solved. Still, I recommend reading at least the first couple stories of the series to get the character history. And they are fun reading too.

Source: 8/25/2020 Received from Publisher and NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

I totally enjoyed this delightful, easy Regency romance.
Kit and Elizabeth
by Karen Tuft

Print Length : 296 pages
File Size : 1438 KB
Publisher : Covenant Communications (December 1, 2019)
ASIN : B07YF4PBBW
Genre: Historical, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding’s world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth’s second failed betrothal, her father’s debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth’s fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady’s companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit’s enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

Review:
Elizabeth is deeply aware that she was a disappointment for not being born a male and heir for her father. She has spent her life trying to be a properly behaved Duke’s daughter in hopes of gaining the affection of her parents. She was aware as a teen that marriage arrangements had been made for her with Alex. Although Elizabeth was infatuated with the handsome Earl, it became clear after a season or two that he was avoiding the marriage. Then he died unexpectedly leaving Elizabeth and her family in an awkward circumstance.

When Alex’s brother, Anthony, who was believed to be dead, returns home, Elizabeth’s father makes it clear that the marriage contract is shifted to him. But Elizabeth knows that Anthony’s interest is engaged elsewhere. Elizabeth releases him from the commitment raising the extreme anger and disgust of her father. Her father creates a scandal and then abandons Elizabeth and her mother with destroyed finances.

Elizabeth has spent the last year in seclusion with her angry mother at the family country manor. An elderly friend, Lady Walmsley, coerces Kit, an Earl and friend of Alex, to help retrieve Elizabeth to become her companion. They arrive just in time as news arrives that the Duke has died and the new Duke and Duchess are ready to move into the family home. Lady Walmsley and Kit are dismayed to find a dispirited young woman instead of the charming and assured young woman of the year before.

Kit sets out to push Elizabeth out of her complacent self-deprivation and to realize that she is more than the disappointment her parents belittled. Slowly Elizabeth begins to break out of her shell and a surprising event makes Elizabeth even more aware of the lack of approval in her childhood. 

 I enjoyed this historical romance that was focused on the characters. Elizabeth is emotionally injured but she is kind and determined. Kit is a lovely light-hearted hero, seeking to help Lizzie find a place of joy. There is tension in the light and growing attraction all supplemented by family drama. I often like a little mystery in my romance but this book shows that the right author can deliver an engaging romance even without mystery. I will look forward to reading more by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, Regency romance.

Source: NetGalley (2019 request received 2020). This qualifies for my 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Honor in an Age of Metal and Men by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

This is a good conclusion to the series, with lots of twists.
Honor in an Age of Metal and Men
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

Publisher : Oak Leaf Cemetery (December 5, 2019)
ASIN : B07XJM1S9F
Print Length : 197 pages
Publication Date : December 5, 2019
File Size : 2117 KB
Genre: Cyberpunk, Futuristic,Sci-Fi, Western
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

War blazes all around, but it's not J.D.'s war. Not this time.
There are two bounties out for Francis William Brown. One alive. One dead. J.D. finally catches the man he's been after all these years when Francis comes without hardly a fight.
But it ain't ever that simple. A bullet in the skull would be proper for what Francis has done but keeping him alive might be the key to ending the war that's tearing Texas apart. J.D. needs to decide if keeping a promise and ending the war is worth the risk of seeing the worst criminal in the history of Texas walk free.
An itch at the back of his skull tells him that maybe all this is part of Francis' plan.
Will he kill Francis in cold blood, or is there still Honor in an Age of Metal and Men?

Review:
J.D. is an ‘older’ survivor of Texas and the wars that devastated the country. J.D. reluctantly works with a metal arm while others around him embrace multiple tech modifications to enhance their bodies. J.D. is a retired sheriff who believes in justice, peace, and honor even though they are difficult concepts to hold onto. J.D. still works sporadically as a bounty hunter and when a contract is issued regarding his long-time nemesis Francis Brown. Actually, there are two bounties – one to bring Francis in alive and one to bring him in dead.

J.D. has a twisted history with Frances since the days when J.D. shot his mother when Frances was only a boy. Over the years Frances has become a notorious criminal and J.D. feels the guilt. As he tries to bring Frances in alive, he gets saddled with a teen girl who claims Frances promised to get her out of her hometown. J.D. faces another bounty hunter group who is willing to bring Frances in dead. If that isn’t enough struggle, J.D. and his replacement, Sheriff Trish, uncover a deadly plot by another crime lord, Casket Jones, that puts the bounty situation on hold. It will take combined efforts of the ‘honorable’ and not so honorable to stop a devastating war crime.

The first book in the series, Justice in an Age of Metal and Men, laid out the characters and the history that supports this conclusion. I may have missed adventures and more conflict by not reading book two, but it wasn’t needed to enjoy this one. I enjoy the creativity and cyberpunk elements of the story. Also, Mr. Eichenlaub mixes a healthy dose of humor with the suspenseful danger. The plot twists are anticipated but still a good surprise when they arrive. I recommend this book to fans of cyberpunk, western and suspense.

This is my last NetGalley book received in 2019. (It only took eight months to get it read!) This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Wolf at the End of the World by Douglas Smith

This is a wonderful shapeshifter, urban fantasy.

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith

File Size: 5454 KB
Print Length: 353 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Spiral Path Books; 2 edition (October 15, 2013)
ASIN: B00FXGJMU0
Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The debut novel from the multi-award winning author that Library Journal describes as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.

Review:
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.

When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).

Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.

I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.

Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

This is a good MG story that addresses peer pressure and bees!

The Queen Bee and Me
Gillian McDunn

File Size: 5935 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books; 1 edition (March 3, 2020)
Language: English
ASIN: B07WC3TKR4
Genre: Bees, Children, Peer Pressure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a heartfelt story about the sweetness and stings of middle-school friendship.
Meg has always found comfort in her best friend Beatrix's shadow. Self-assured Beatrix is the one who makes decisions, and the girls have been a pair since kindergarten. But middle school has brought some changes in Beatrix, especially when Meg tries to step outside her role as sidekick.
A special science elective is Meg's first step away, but when she's paired with quirky new girl Hazel, Beatrix steps in to stake her claim on Meg. Meg is taken aback at how mean Beatrix can be--and how difficult it is to stand up to her friend. But as Meg gets to know Hazel while working on their backyard beehive project, she starts to wonder: Is being Beatrix's friend worth turning down the possibility of finding her own voice?
This pitch-perfect exploration of middle-school friendship dynamics brims with heart and hope, and will resonate with readers of all ages.

Review:
Meg has a nervous nature. She and Beatrice have been friends for years. As they enter middle school, Meg is excited to be accepted into a special science class. She just doesn’t know how to tell Bea who will want Meg to join her in dance class as usual. Meg has felt Bea’s ‘freeze’ attitude before and doesn’t want to experience that again.

A new girl has moved into the neighborhood. Hazel is quirky and, to Meg’s horror, Hazel keeps beehives. Hazel and her mother attend a local party hosted by Bea’s mother. When Hazel unexpectedly becomes the center of attention, Bea quickly becomes jealous and starts to make fun of Hazel. When it slips that Meg is taking science Bea is angry that Meg didn’t tell her. Things get worse when Hazel becomes Meg’s science lab partner.

Meg’s mother encourages Meg to become friends with Hazel. But Meg is afraid of the bees that Hazel is so excited about. Meg is in a quandary caught between her childhood friend and the possibility of a making a new friend. Meg wants to stand up to Bea and her entourage who are making fun of Hazel and being mean to Meg too.

This is a story of middle-grade peer pressure and growth. I could feel Meg’s anguish and I didn’t care for Bea and her friends. I felt sorry for Bea too as she is willing to lose a good friend over her own self-importance. Hazel has her own emotional issues that children can relate to. I also loved the science of the bees and how the girls used that creatively in their science project and even in response to an effort to ban the beehives from town. I think this is an appropriate book for middle graders to read to understand the impact their behaviors can have on children who are new or different.

Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020 NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: #The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

I found this to be delightfully different and very engaging.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho

File Size: 5364 KB
Print Length: 160 pages
Publisher: Tor.com (June 23, 2020)
ASIN: B07WPNGGGB
Genre: Action and Adventure, Asian Myth, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Zen Cho returns with The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history.
A bandit walks into a coffeehouse, and it all goes downhill from there. Guet Imm, a young votary of the Order of the Pure Moon, joins up with an eclectic group of thieves (whether they like it or not) in order to protect a sacred object, and finds herself in a far more complicated situation than she could have ever imagined.

Review:
Guet Imm is a young votary (like a nun) who has taken work at a tavern after her temple home was raided and burned. A group of thieves, who consider themselves more than bandits, stops in the tavern and one of their group, Tet Sang, can’t help but interfere when Guet is abused by a customer. After the ensuing brawl, Guet attaches herself to the band of misfits insisting that she has nowhere else to go. Tet tries to discourage Guet as the band is on a mission to deliver certain booty to a buyer in another town. They will have to dodge gangs of bandits as well as military troops along the way.

Guet manages to put off any sexual advances by an explicit threat of retribution. Even though she is a bit of a nuisance, and not particularly skilled, Guet begins to endear herself to the rough band. Eventually, she discovers secrets and interferes with the plans of thieves. Dangers are narrowly escaped and, while Guet is trying to make amends, more secrets are revealed.

I was not familiar with “wuxia fantasy” which apparently means ‘martial-arts chivalry or martial arts heroes’. I totally enjoyed the story, even with its few risqué elements. The characters, especially Guet and Tet, are well developed and the relationships and dialog are entertaining and humorous. There is an unexpected delightful mix of adventure, wit, charm, and magic. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, Asian adventure.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Jumpgate by Robert Stadnik

I enjoyed the characters in this space exploration adventure.

The Jumpgate
by Robert Stadnik

File Size: 1396 KB
Print Length: 237 pages
Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
ASIN: B07RTPMVYS
Genre: Alien, First Contact, Space Fleet
My Rating:4.25 of 5.0.

After being trapped within the solar system for nearly a century, humanity is finally free to explore the galaxy. But questions still remain about the aliens that oppressed the human race. Where are they from? Why did they come to the Milky Way galaxy? The opportunity to uncover those answers finally presents itself. But is anyone brave enough to go through...the jumpgate.
This novel is part of the exodus universe.

Review:
Lieutenant Jacob Diego was part of a renegade human starship, the Phoenix, that defied military orders. Although the crew members became heroes to the public as their actions resulted in defeating the alien forces, they are shunned and spurned by most other military crews as traitors. Jacob requested reassignment to be the Commanding Officer (XO) of the Solaris, one of the few remaining capital ships that are being directed to patrol space. The communication officer on the Solaris is another ostracized survivor of the Phoenix. Jacob is surprised to find another crew member or two onboard who are willing to accept him. Even the captain’s acceptance is reluctant as he has no choice but to follow the orders of the Admiral.

Captain Dewis knows this is his last ship before he is sent to retirement. Instead of maintaining patrol, Dewis decides to take the unauthorized risk of entering the jumpgate to explore the other side and make a name for himself. Jacob protests but is helpless to stop Dewis as the crew would certainly not support the 'traitor'. Two other alien races agreed to explore the outside of the jumpgate but they are unhappy with the digression going through the jumpgate.

When Captain Dewis pursues his obsession by taking the Solaris through the jumpgate it isn’t long before they are attacked by enemies. Jacob and a handful of other crew members, including allied aliens, struggle to keep the ship intact and bring it back to the home galaxy. Will they be able to escape the enemy and destroy the jumpgate to protect their own worlds?

Although there is space action, including battles, this story is strongly character-driven with characters who are troubled. I found the development of the characters – the isolationism, the disharmony, and the power-seeking – interesting. I recommend this book to fans of space adventure who like the character elements as well as the space elements.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

#NetGalley Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey

This combines good mysteries and nice romance.
The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians Book #2)
by Dani Pettrey

File Size: 9336 KB
Print Length: 371 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764230859
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 30, 2020)
ASIN: B0821Q13JH
Genre: Christian Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

Review:
I like this author for romantic suspense with faith elements. This story provides two lines of mystery and dangers, one very nice ‘reunion’ style romance and two other romantic pairings.

Rissi and Mason were together as teens in foster care. They are both delighted to find each other and get to work as a Coast Guard investigative team. Just as they begin the investigation of a death on an oil rig, they find they must survive another ‘accident’. As they interview the witnesses and chase down leads with the help of their team, they share what happened during their years apart. Before they can finish following the clues another death occurs and they get stuck on the rig due to an oncoming storm. They need to salvage evidence while a killer tries to destroy it.

Meanwhile, the head of the Coast Guard team, Noah, is recruited by his sister to watch over her friend, Brooke, a Coast Guard Medic. Someone has broken into Brooke’s home, leaving behind a threatening message. Noah has sworn off women and is focused on his career. But he quickly begins to feel a strong protective bent towards Brooke and is more than ready to face off with her ex-boyfriend if he is the jerk terrorizing Brooke. Brooke isn’t too quick to trust after her break-up but she finds security whenever Noah is around.

On the romance end (and future books perhaps) another couple on Noah’s team are bantering and maybe a future match, as well as a team member who had fallen for Rissi but knows he has lost out to Mason.

The faith elements are woven in nicely. Not all the characters are believers so I imagine the author would develop that in future books/relationships. There was a good mix of danger, mystery, and romance. I would be interested in reading more in the series and I recommend this story and this author to fans of clean romantic suspense.

Source: 2020 NetGalley book for July Partners in Crime Tour: My posting date 7/8. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley goal.

The Crushing Depths

by Dani Pettrey

on Tour July 1-31, 2020

Book Details:

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Published by: Bethany House
Publication Date: June 30th 2020
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 0764230859 (ISBN13: 9780764230851)
Series: Coastal Guardians #2
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Goodreads

Author Bio:

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a 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).
Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, Publisher’s Weekly, and Amazon #1 bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award.

Catch Up With Dani Pettrey:

DaniPettrey.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook!

Read an excerpt:

Chapter One

Late September
Thirty-eight miles off North Carolina’s coast
Greg Barnes clinked along the grated metal steps, his boot heels rasping with each shuffle as he headed topside for a much-needed breath of smoke.
Thrusting the door open with a resounding creak, he stepped out into the night air.
A litany of protestors’ chants mimicked the shrill whining of cicadas.
He glanced at his watch. 1930. Didn’t those eco-nuts ever give it a rest?
As if the cursed rig wasn’t enough—they had the dang relentless protestors going practically day and night.
Exhaling, he rubbed his thumb along the smooth surface of the tarnished gold lighter in his pocket. His tight muscles seized, making his movements stiff. He shook his head. Those people needed to get a life.
Edging around the far corner of the main separator facility, he pressed his back against the structure’s cool outer wall. Generators whirred across from him, finally drowning out the clatter. He scanned his surroundings and exhaled in relief. Finally, alone.
His leg twitched. Just one drag . . . maybe two. It’d been an awful day, and that was the gentleman’s way of putting it.
With unsteady hands, he pulled the plastic-wrapped pack from his shirt pocket.
It crinkled beneath his hold and the sweet scent of tobacco wafted beneath his nose. He tamped the cigarette in his palm and slid it between his cracked lips. Just one drag.
Tugging the lighter from his pocket, he flipped it open, then rolled the pad of his thumb across the ignitor.
A spark flashed and fire roared, hissing over him in a sizzling cascade of torment.

Chapter Two

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Rissi Dawson sat at the long table on Dockside’s waterfront deck, gaping at Mason Rogers. He turned to look at her, his green eyes illuminated in the bright pole lights lining the wooden structural beams. She averted her eyes as heat rushed up her throat, spreading across her cheeks. He’d caught her staring again. Embarrassment drenched her. It’d been three days since his arrival, and she still couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact he was actually sitting next to her.
The boy she’d had the biggest crush on as a teen was back in her life. And on her Coast Guard Investigative Service team.
He handed her the basket of hush puppies the restaurant served instead of bread to start everyone off. His hand brushed hers with the movement, and her heart fluttered. “Thanks,” she said, keeping her gaze fixed on the red basket as she pulled two balls of fried cornmeal from it. She plopped the still-warm puppies onto the round plate to the right of her Coke. Get it together, girl!
The whir of a boat’s motor dropping to an idle sounded over the deck’s edge. A teen jumped out of the white outboard and onto the pier, tying her up to the cleat. Rissi loved living in a place with a boat drive-thru.
Noah raised his glass of iced tea. “Everyone . . .” The team lifted their glasses in response to their boss’s prompting.
Noah dipped his chin. “Welcome, Mason. Happy to have you on board.”
The team clinked their glasses together, even Caleb who sat brooding to her left. Observant as he was, there was no chance he missed the way she looked at Mason. In recent months, he’d developed feelings for her, so it wasn’t surprising he’d bristled at Mason’s arrival—especially after learning she and Mason shared a past, though he didn’t know the half of it. Only that they spent time in a children’s home together for a handful of months as teens.
The opening riff of “Sweet Home Alabama” emanated from Noah’s jean pocket. He hitched up as he extracted his phone. “Rowley,” he answered. “Yes?” Standing, he headed down the ramp toward the restaurant’s pier.
“Rockfish tacos,” the waitress said, placing the plate in front of Rissi. The sweet, tropical scent of the mango slaw swirled in the air.
The waitress handed out plate after plate to each of them, setting Noah’s burger at his spot while he continued to pace the pier.
Caleb bit into his Carolina BBQ pork sandwich, the scent of vinegar wafting in the night’s gentle breeze.
Finn Walker did the same with his crab cake sandwich. He and Noah, who was from Maryland, had argued for months over which state had the best crab cake. Finn had been convinced it was North Carolina, right up until Noah had crab cakes flown in fresh from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore. It took two bites for Finn to concede the win.
“Sorry about that, folks,” Noah said, retaking his seat.
“Everything okay?” Emmy Thorton asked. Rissi looked forward to seeing the quirky angel every day at the station.
“Rissi, Mason.” Noah lifted his chin in their direction. “I’ve got an assignment for you.”
Her and Mason? They’d worked a case his first day on the team, but Finn had joined them for most of the investigation. This would be the two of them . . . alone. A mixture of elation and fear sifted through her.
“Great.” Mason set down his lemonade.
“We’ve got a death out on the Dauntless.”
“The offshore oil platform?” Mason asked, swiping a drop of lemonade from his bottom lip.
Stop staring, girl. So he’s jaw-dropping gorgeous. So you share a past. Still, staring is plain rude. Despite not having a mother to teach her, Rissi knew or, at least had come to learn, her manners.
Noah laid his napkin across his lap. “You two need to determine if the death was an accident or if foul play was involved. Helo is leaving from Textra Oil’s copter hub in forty-five. I need you both on it.”
Mason pushed back from the table. “No problem.”
“Great,” Noah said. “You’ll be joining the head of operations, a commercial diver, and the deceased’s replacement on the company copter.”
Rissi took one last bite of her taco before setting it down. She dabbed the corner of her lips with a napkin. “They aren’t wasting any time in replacing the deceased.”
“The deceased’s name is Greg Barnes. I talked to the head of operations, Bob Stanton, and he said they needed to replace him ASAP.”
“Must be an important position.” She reached for her glass and took a final sip.
“You’d think,” Noah said. “But Bob said the main reason they need to replace him fast is they’ve been working with a skeleton crew.”
Mason’s brows pinched as he stood. “Why?”
“Several guys didn’t show up for their three-week rotation transport out,” Noah said, popping a fry in his mouth.
“I know why they didn’t show up for that copter ride out there.” Tom Murphy leaned toward them from his table situated to their right.
“Why?” Mason asked, moving around to the back of Rissi’s chair. He held it out for her as she stood.
She glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. “Thanks.”
He nodded.
Tom, one of Wrightsville’s most colorful fishermen, crooked his index finger, drawing them in. “That rig’s cursed.”
“Cursed?” Caleb chuckled. “You can’t be serious?”
Tom waggled his finger. “It’s no laughing matter, young man.”
“I’m sure it’s a good story, Tom,” Rissi said. No reason not to be polite. “But I’m afraid we’ve got to catch a copter ride.”
Tom shrugged and turned back to his food. “It’s your lives at stake.”
“What do you mean?” she asked before they passed his table, unable to stem her curiosity.
“You’ll see.” He smiled, his right incisor missing. “Henry’s curse is real.”
“Henry?” Why was she letting herself get sucked into this?
Tom let out a high-pitched chuckle. “Oh, you’ll learn all about Henry.”
“Shall we?” Mason said, gesturing to the wooden ramp leading down to the gravel parking lot.
Excusing themselves, they moved down the ramp. Mason leaned in. He smelled of the ocean and warm spice. He whispered, “Did that guy seriously just cackle?”
She nodded, strangely curious about the old man’s ghost story.
“I thought people only did that on Scooby-Doo.”
She let out a slip of laughter.
“I wouldn’t be laughing,” Tom called after them as they rounded the ramp on his side of the deck. “You two be careful out there, you hear? It’s a dangerous place to be. Just ask the men on board.”
***
Excerpt from The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey. Copyright 2020 by Dani Pettrey. Reproduced with permission from Dani Pettrey. All rights reserved.

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#NetGalley Book Review: The Finders (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1) by Jeffrey B. Burton

Vira, the golden retriever cadaver dog, is a star in this story!

The Finders
A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1)
by Jeffrey B. Burton

File Size: 4502 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (June 30, 2020)
ASIN: B0818NVFT7
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Canine, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Jeffrey B. Burton's The Finders marks the beginning of a fast-paced new mystery series featuring a heroic golden retriever cadaver dog named Vira and her handler, Mason Reid.
Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection. He trains dogs to hunt for the dead. Reid’s coming off a taxing year—mourning the death of a beloved springer spaniel as well as the dissolution of his marriage. He adopts a rescue dog with a mysterious past—a golden retriever named Vira. And when Reid begins training Vira as a cadaver dog, he comes to realize just how special the newest addition to his family truly is…
Suddenly, Reid and his prize pupil find themselves hurled into a taxing murder case, which will push them to their very limits. Paired with determined Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, Mace must put all his trust in Vira's abilities to thwart a serial killer who has now set his sights on Mace himself.

Review:
Mason Reid is a dog trainer who contracts with the police for the use of his trained cadaver dogs. Mace has had a rough year and hopes to turn things around when he adopts a rescue golden retriever. Elvira, later dubbed Vira, picks up the training very quickly.

Mace brings Vira to her very first official job and discovers the dog has a unique sensitivity. After finding the body of a kidnapped, buried girl, suddenly Vira turns on a spectator in the gawking crowd. The dog is taken into custody due to the attack, but Mace is certain that the man is the truly guilty party. Mace sets out to investigate, taking one of his other dogs. They uncover a situation that the police hadn’t found. This seems a good result except that this time there is a man hiding in the shadows. Mace and Vira are the hunted instead of the hunters when they become the target of the real serial killer.

I was quickly pulled into the easy flow of the story. Vira is an easy dog to love and I liked Mace as her trainer/handler. I enjoyed the slow build of friendship between officer Kippy and Mace. The author adds interest by interspersing chapters from the view of Everyman, the very creepy killer. The story has a good blend of dog interest, humor, and danger.

I will look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this to readers who like canine dogs and crime thrillers.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan

This is a tough and engaging thriller.
Vanishing Girls: A totally heart-stopping crime thriller (Detective Josie Quinn Book 1)
by Lisa Regan

File Size: 1883 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (January 17, 2018)
ASIN: B076KMQ7M3
Genre: Crime Thriller, Detective Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Isabelle Coleman, a blonde, beautiful young girl goes missing, eeautifulveryone from the small town of Denton joins the search. They can find no trace of the town’s darling, but Detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn’t even know was missing.
Mute and unresponsive, it’s clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle’s.
The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. When the trail leads her to a cold case labelled a hoax by authorities, Josie begins to wonder is there anyone left she can trust?
Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses their life?
Utterly gripping crime for readers who adored Angela Marsons, Helen Fields and Robert Dugoni. You will be sleeping with the lights on once you discover the first in this unputdownable new crime thriller series.

Review:
Detective Josie Quinn is a tough, dedicated officer, committed to solving crime. She tends to act impulsively at times and has recently been suspended for an assault. Josie is frustrated that her husband, her childhood sweetheart, has betrayed her and has been slow to sign the divorce papers she is waiting for. Josie is doubly frustrated as a beautiful teenage girl has gone missing and her chief won’t let her participate in the investigation.

Josie keeps sneaking into the investigation and hunting out clues behind the scenes. When another young woman is discovered alive, Josie is skeptical that the man accused and killed during the arrest, was the true kidnapper. The young girl is basically catatonic and unable to help in the investigation. But Josie discovers the existence of an older case with a similar abduction. She enlists the help of her fiancé and a pesky news journalist to work on the case and gather the older police file only to learn that the file is missing much of the report. Can Josie get enough information to help the case before she gets fired by her boss? The investigation takes a dangerous twist when the information that Josie gathers apparently threatens some people resulting in Josie and those close to her becoming targets to keep quiet.

Sadly, from the beginning, I couldn’t warm to Josie’s rough character. She was on suspension for excessive reaction and still chose not to follow the rules as she continued to push to be on the abduction case. The investigation and the criminal conspiracy are very interesting, suspenseful, and, at times, horrifying. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dark crime and tough detective stories.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel by Kit Rocha

I really liked this post-apocalyptic biotech action/romance and will want to read more in the series.

Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel
by Kit Rocha

Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (July 28, 2020)
ASIN: B07QMHKDGB
Genre: Action Adventure, Post-apocalyptic, Romance, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Deal with the Devil is Orphan Black meets the post-apocalyptic Avengers by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author duo Kit Rocha.
Nina is an information broker with a mission—she and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to save the hopeless in a crumbling America.
Knox is the bitter, battle-weary captain of the Silver Devils. His squad of supersoldiers went AWOL to avoid slaughtering innocents, and now he's fighting to survive.
They’re on a deadly collision course, and the passion that flares between them only makes it more dangerous. They could burn down the world, destroying each other in the process…
Or they could do the impossible: team up.
This is the first book in a near-future science fiction series with elements of romance.

Review:
Nina and her friends, Maya and Dani, were raised under a program of clones and genetic modification. They each have special and unique skills, tactical strategies, fighting and assassination expertise, and retrievable memories of extensive info. These women were trained to be used as tools, and weapons, as might be directed by the powerful. Somehow along the way, Nina’s conscious helped her to escape with Maya and Dani. Now, in addition to protecting her team, the girls serve their community by providing food, treasured books, and more.

Knox is a cynical, battle-weary captain of a squad of supersoldiers widely known as the Silver Devils. Knox and his squad watched their handlers torture his medic to death. The remainder of the squad escaped the next chance they got. But they are living on borrowed time. The men were able to remove the trackers under their skin but the super strengths they have are based on supplements that are no longer available. They had hope that a specialist could tune their biometrics but she has been kidnapped. In order to ransom her, the Silver Devils need to team up with Nina and her team. Well… is it a team-up or a double-cross?

As the two teams travel to a distant target, there are natural tensions. Some are competitive issues but others are due to attempts to resist the sexual attraction, particularly between Nina and Knox. As the days and nights roll along the chemistry between them builds to a point of no resistance. Under Knox’s fiercely cold demeanor is a heart troubled by guilt and regrets. He admires Nina and thinks he could never be worthy of her caring nurture. But what will happen when they reach their destination and the true state of affairs is revealed?

I loved the strengths and vulnerabilities of the characters. There is plenty of tension and danger that kept me on edge. There were moments that required suspension of belief but I accepted that for the sake of the story. I enjoyed the enhanced skills, the action, the suspense, and the romance. I hope to read more in the series. I recommend this to those who enjoy futuristic, post-apocalyptic sci-fi with romance.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.