Tag Archives: romantic suspense

A Book Review–If I Run by Terri Blackstock.

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Wow! I knew it had been a while since I posted here but I had no idea it was before Christmas.  Anyway, I just finished book 3 in the IF I RUN series by Terri Blackstock so I thought I’d do a review of the series. I love Terri Blackstock books. In fact the first time I read one of her book, I said to myself–she writes like me! So, of course, why wouldn’t I love her books?

The If I Run Series Collection: If I Run, If I'm Found, If I Live

Anyway…the series contains three books–If I Run; If I’m Found; and If I Live. I’m not going to talk about each of them individually but as a group. As always, the story is filled with loveable characters as well as villains to hate, lots of action but some sweet moments as well. All three books follow Casey who has gotten herself in a big mess–not of her own doing but still a mess. Even as Casey runs for her own life, she’s brave enough not to turn her back on others when she can help them.  And, of course, she falls in love during the course of the stories but I won’t ruin it by telling you who it is. The story has a strong Christian content which I enjoyed as well.

So, I loved the story but and it’s a big but for me, the story is written in first person present tense instead of the traditional third person past. If you don’t know what that means and there’s no reason to unless you’re a writer or a speech pathologist or an English teacher, I’ll demonstrate it for you.

3rd person past:   As she walked down the street, a man jumped at her.

1st person present: As I walk  down the street, a man jumps at me.

A lot of young adult novels are written in the 1st person present tense. Personally I don’t like it but Terri Blackstock is such a masterful writer that I was able to overcome my dislike of the format–this time.

So I’d definitely recommend the books if you’re looking for some romantic suspense with a Christian theme.

 

Until next time…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

No Home For The Holidays!

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GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!

My newest release will be available in a few days on December 1, but you can preorder it now! NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is part of my publisher’s Christmas Extravaganza. It features a variety of novellas in a variety of genres that have Christmas as part of the story. Since they’re novellas that means they’re short–so you can read several of them or all of them this Christmas season.  To learn more about the CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA, go to PELICAN BOOKS.  NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is available now as a PREORDER.

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AMAZON LINK

 

Here’s the blurb for No Home For The Holidays:

Unlike the Prodigal Son, Chloe Sullivan knows she can’t go home for the Christmas holidays or ever—not if she wants to stay alive.

She’s resigned to the fact she must stay in hiding to keep herself and her family safe. Lonely and desperate for God’s presence, she’s drawn to a nearby church.

Ex-FBI agent turned preacher, Colton Douglas, mistakenly identifies Chloe as the person breaking into local churches. A midnight chase ensues that ends with him snapping her photo. When the photo goes public he learns more about the mystery woman than he bargained for. . .

And that changes everything!

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

To celebrate the release of No Home For The Holidays, five lucky winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card. So leave a comment HERE so you’ll be entered to win one of the gift cards. Last day to enter will be December 22 with winners being picked on the 23rd. Just in time for Christmas!

Don’t forget to leave a comment! If your comment doesn’t show up right away, that means I have to approve it. Thanks

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL THIEF

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AMAZON LINK

The Christmas Angel Thief is my latest book and it’s about Christmas–of course! Well…sort of…anyway.  Here’s the blurb:

Zoe Adams has a secret—one that’s worth killing for!

As the country’s most infamous PK (preacher’s kid), Zoe chose to rebel against her famous father and his beliefs. Instead, she lived the party lifestyle with the rich and famous of Hollywood until she disappeared after witnessing a crime.

After more than three years of running and hiding, all she wants is to go home for Christmas but knows that can never happen—if she wants to stay alive.

Ex-FBI agent, Marco Bernstein traded his gun in for a Bible. His path crosses with Zoe’s in a most unusual way.  When he recognizes her, he makes a promise to get her home for Christmas

Someone else is just as determined to make sure Zoe never gets home alive so keeping that promise turns out to be more difficult than Marco ever imagined—and even more dangerous!

 

As you can see, it’s a mixture of Christmas, romance, and suspense–three of my very favorite things! Hope you enjoy it–I know I enjoyed writing it!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

 

CELEBRATION!!!

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AND A GIVEAWAY!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment. Winner will be drawn on Feb. 14!

This is a special day for me so I hope you’ll come celebrate the day with me. My eighth book is being released today. BETRAYED is the second in my Sisters by Choice series (DECEPTION was the first.) You might think after seven books, a new release is just one more, not that big of a deal. Wrong! It’s might not be that big of a deal to anyone else, but it is to the writer. If not, they shouldn’t be writing.

But this is even a bigger deal to me.  

I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in 2012. Since then, I’ve had two treatments and all the side effects that go with the treatments. I am not the same person I was on the day I was diagnosed. Chances are I will never be as healthy as I was.  I have permanent balance and hearing issues that aren’t going away–unless God chooses to heal me.

 As we get older many of us will face serious health issues, just as I have and still am. When that happens we can give up or we can keep going on the best we can. Sometimes, adjustments have to be made to the situation, but that’s not the same as giving up. And I have no plans on giving up any time soon!

 So, come celebrate with me today!

 Ever wonder what kind of woman can be married to a terrorist and not know it? 

BETRAYED:  

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake.

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AMAZON LINK

To celebrate the release of BETRAYED, I’m giving away a virtual gift basket! The virtual gift basket includes: DECEPTION, the first in the Sisters By Choice series as well as a copy of my books, SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO; DARK ALLEYS; and GEESE MATE FOR LIFE.  Along with the books, a $25 Amazon gift card is included. To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post.  To earn an extra entry, share this post on Twitter, FB, or any social media site, then be sure to tell me in the comment that you did.

Winner will be chosen and announced on February 14.

GIVEAWAY OF GOODIES!

AMAZON GIFT CARD–$25

An ecopy of each of my books:

BETRAYED–Maria gave up everything to protect her daughter, but her dead husband just called from the grave!

DECEPTION–When a niece she knows nothing about calls, Patti must unravel the truth of her twin sister’s life and her disappearance.

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING–Country music star, Destiny’s life isn’t all glitz and glamour, someone wants her dead!

PURSUED–Trusting Dylan will either be her best decision or her last!

DARK ALLEYS–Homeless and alone, Tessa witnesses a murder, now he’s after her.

SERENITIY SPRINGS, OHIO–His open and shut case just got complicated.

GEESE MATE FOR LIFE–Jenni wants justice for her murdered husband, but is she willing to die for it?

Books by Other Writers:

GLASS by Suzanne Williams: Andre Garner, up-and-coming glassmaker, thought the trip to the island was worth the risk. He’s been warned the place is full of mystery, and that the old woman living there is peculiar and anything can happen.

Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books. Her  blog link is at http://suzanne-williams-photography.blogspot.com/

Escape to Big Fork Lake by Mary L. Ball: A Romantic Suspense–Will an inheritance bring happiness or a trap for murder?

Mary L. Ball lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. She is a member of ACFW and loves the outdoors. The characters in her novels face real-life problems while learning the true meaning of grace.  Amazon link:   http://buff.ly/1gvDuGM    

 Cleansed by Fire, by James R. Callan: Churches are being torched and a man is killed. One minister is swept into the search for the arsonists. But can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?

James R. Callan has written six mystery/suspense books and four non-fiction books. His latest suspense book is A Ton of Gold (2013). His latest non-fiction book is How to Write Great Dialog (2014).  His website is: www.jamesrcallan.com

The Last Detail by Lisa J Lickel: Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding?

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author, editor, and mentor. She collects dragons and loves to connect with other writers. Visit www.LisaLickel.com. 

Heaven’s Prey by Janet Sketchley: A grieving woman is abducted by a serial killer—and it may be the answer to her prayers. Heaven’s Prey tells the story of a villain’s last chance at redemption and a vulnerable woman’s obedience to pray for her enemy.

Janet Sketchley is a Canadian author who writes about God’s tenacity and how faith applies to real life, through weekly devotionals and Christian living posts on her blog. Learn more about Janet at http://janetsketchley.ca/.

Imagine The Future You by Ada Brownell:  This motivational Bible study will help you discover evidence for faith; how to look and be your best; who can help; choosing a career; and how to avoid hazards, all mingled with true stories that make you smile. Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a journalist for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado.

Journey of Eleven Moons by Bonnie Leon: A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another, a tsunami wipes their tribe from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya, who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons.  She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon.  They have three grown children and seven grandchildren. You can find Bonnie at http://www.bonnieleon.com

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED IN THE CONTEST!

Thanks,

UNTIL NEXT TIME…God Bless & Good Reading!

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

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Today’s WRITER OF THE DAY is H. L Wegley. His debut novel, HIDE AND SEEK, recently released. If you love suspense, thrillers, and romance, then this is the book for you! I enjoyed it!!  And he’s giving away an ecopy of the book. All you need to do is leave a comment and you’re in the drawing for the free ecopy of the book. How easy is that???

H. L. Wegley served in the USAF as an Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer. He is a Meteorologist who worked as a Research Scientist in Atmospheric Physics at Pacific Northwest Laboratories. After earning an MS in Computer Science, he worked more than two decades as a Systems Programmer at Boeing before retiring in the Seattle area, where he and his wife of 46 years enjoy small-group ministry, their seven grandchildren, and where he pursues his love of writing.

Let’s take a look at the FIRST LINES:

6:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18

Never practice unwise behavior.

Lee Brandt made that vow as a teenager the same year he swore off dating. Now, here he was thirteen years later parked on a secluded road with a member of the opposite sex.

I really hate irony.

He glanced at the woman sitting in the driver’s seat. Jennifer Akihara was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. She was also the most intelligent. Most guys would die to be sitting here on this Western-Washington mountain road with Jennifer. When he glanced into the passenger-side mirror, it appeared likely that he would.

A vehicle slowed on the highway, and a blast of air left his lungs.

Jennifer’s gaze froze on the rearview mirror and she gasped.

Those lights had pursued them most of the night.

The vehicle turned towards them.

That sent his heart racing.

In an instant, their dead-end hideout turned into a trap.

Jennifer cut the engine and Lee took her hand. Despite the rising panic, awareness of their first touch etched an indelible mark in his memory.

So, what do you think? Definitely intriguing. And that’s just the start of the action!

What’s your favorite type of book to read? Suspense? Romance? A little of both? Don’t forget to leave a comment if you want to win the book! Winner will be chosen on Sunday, Feb. 10!

God Bless and Good Reading!