Review: Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the Book

Book:  Cold Case Connection
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 1, 2020
Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?
Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Through the Fire Blogs, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 16

janicesbookreviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

She Lives to Read, February 17

Genesis 5020, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 18

My Devotional Thoughts, February 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19

Just Your Average reviews, February 19

Remembrancy, February 20

Older & Smarter?, February 20

Blogging With Carol, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

EmpowerMoms, February 21

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

Christian Bookaholic, February 23

KarenSueHadley, February 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23

Emily Yager, February 24

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 26

Hallie Reads, February 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26

Livin’ Lit, February 27

To Everything There Is A Season, February 27

Daysong Reflections, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f5c6/cold-case-connection-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Rating:

4 stars 

My Review:

Wow! Cold Case Connection was SO good! I found the "cold case" to be intriguing and the tunnels sounded creepy.

I liked that the characters had to work together to try and solve the case. It was sad the way certain things happened, but realistic. This is the third book in the series, but I think you can definitely read it as a stand-alone.

All in all, a good read. The romance was fine, but not a favorite. I recommend this book for the suspense/mystery.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* 

Read More

Review: The Way of the Brave (Global Search and Rescue #1) by Susan May Warren

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the book:

Haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong, former pararescue jumper Orion Starr has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team. But he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali in Alaska.

Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from her guilt. The former CIA profiler and psychiatrist green-lighted an operation against the Taliban that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Orion and Jenny will have to put their wounds behind them to save their friends . . . and their hearts.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:
I'm a huge fan of Susan May Warren's novels, so it's no surprise that this book automatically made it on to my want-to-read shelf. ;) I enjoyed this introduction to a new series and the characters were great.

It took me a little bit to get into the story, but towards the end I had a difficult time putting it down and am SO eager to read the next one. I can't wait to see what happens with THOSE characters. Lol!

The Way of the Brave had so many intense moments. I found the pacing to be fast from the middle point of the story on. The romance was pretty good, although I wasn't a huge fan of it for some reason. Also, I did have a little difficultly keeping the characters straight at first.

All in all, though, the ending was fantastic and I really liked the story. As I said, I'm looking forward to the next book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Read More

Review: A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the book:

When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and to raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. But as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, the risk of revealing the truth may come at too high a price for those she loves.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

A Defense of Honor is the first book in Hunter's Havon Manor series and a wonderful historical read. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but it wasn't long before I grew to love the characters.

I found it fascinating how Kit found herself in the situation she was in...and a little sad, too, that things went the way they did. I loved how she helped so many children, even if some of her actions to help them weren't the best.

All in all, A Defense of Honor was very good and I recommend it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Read More

Review: Words of Comfort for Women & Words of Hope for Women by Carolyn Larsen

About the book:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Where do you turn on the days that don't go as planned? When you experience friction in your relationships, challenges at work, or uncertainty over the state of the world? You don't have to succumb to fear, worry, and anxiety. Instead, reach out to the One who promises comfort amid life's trials.

Words of Comfort for Women offers you ninety inspiring devotional readings that will remind you of God's presence in your life during challenging times and help you see your world from a positive perspective.

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

About the book:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

In the face of our trials, it is easy to become discouraged. We can only see the pain of the past and the challenges of the present, leaving no room for hope for the future. But God is not limited by the confines of time as we are, and he is working all things out for our good and his glory.

Words of Hope for Women offers you ninety inspiring devotional readings that will remind you that God has a plan and a purpose in everything--even the hard stuff--and you can trust him to keep his promises.

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

I'm reviewing both Words of Comfort for Women and Words of Hope for Women today. The books are pretty similar, although focus of different things - one on hope and the other on comfort. While they are short devotionals, I can see them helping during those times of life.

The readings are short (two pages each) and feature a Bible passage at the beginning. I appreciated that aspect, since Scripture should be the focus, I feel, in devotionals.

I didn't find the devotions to be super deep or filled with theology, so just know that these are lighter reads and not for study.

All in all, I think these are good devotionals.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Read More

Review: Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy

About the Book

Book: Aiming for Love
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: October 2, 2019

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

 David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

Click here to get your copy!   (aff link)

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

More from Mary

What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory? What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them? Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version? I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas. Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man. Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Aiming for Love is a good book to pick up if you are looking for a nice historical read with some humor. I haven't read a Mary Connealy novel in what feels like ages, so I was curious about whether or not I would enjoy this one... I'm very happy that it was a hit and I am eager to continue the series.

I found the characters to be a delight. It was interesting how the sisters' lived and in some ways I felt bad for them. The romance was as expected and I enjoyed reading the story.

All in all, Aiming for Love was very good and I recommend it to fans of this genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 25

Moments With Mercy, October 25

Bigreadersite , October 25

Emily Yager, October  25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Books, Life, and Christ, October 26

Quiet Workings, October 26

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 27

Stories By Gina, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 27

Older & Smarter?, October 28

Betti Mace, October 28

Wishful Endings, October 28

The Becca Files, October 29

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Mamma Loves Books, October 29

A Baker’s Perspective, October 30

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 30

Britt Reads Fiction, October 30

For The Love of Books, October 30

Hallie Reads, October 31

Connect in Fiction, October 31

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, October 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 1

To Everything There Is A Season, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 1

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Moments, November 2

Simple Harvest Reads, November 2

Batya’s Bits, November 2

She Lives To Read, November 2

EmpowerMoms, November 3

Seasons of Opportunities, November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Blessed & Bookish, November 4

For the Love of Literature, November 4

Through the Fire Blogs, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales , November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

janicesbookreviews, November 6

A Reader’s Brain, November 7

Inklings and notions , November 7

Leona J. Atkinson, November 7

Lukewarm Tea, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed95/aiming-for-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Read More

Review: Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe

About the book:

Book: Fatal Memories

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 1, 2019

She was framed! Or was she?

If only she could remember…

Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects—her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

My rating: 
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:
Fatal Memories was really good! This is one of my favorite amnesia stories I've read recently; I feel like it was written very well and I found it to be believable.

I liked how we didn't know if the heroine was framed or not. I found myself questioning whether she was guilty or not and that is something I love in suspense stories.

All in all, I'm happy I read Fatal Memories and definitely recommend it if you are looking for a quick romantic suspense story.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the Author

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.
 

More from Tanya

It has long been my husband’s desire to travel the country in a motorhome. So when he retired three years ago, we sold our home and hit the road. We lived in the high desert region of Southern California for almost 37 years. I thought it was going to be a rough transition, but it wasn’t…especially since I came to love one of our new locations.

We spend the winter months in southern Arizona where Fatal Memories is set. I love everything about this unique place. We are surrounded by incredible ecosystems…the Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts collide there, so a different environment is around every corner. The beauty of the mountains, streams and lakes (yes, there’s water in southern Arizona—monsoons come up from Baja every summer) and the wildlife is amazing. I’ve been told black panthers have been known to cross the border from Mexico and roam the countryside. My husband and I bought a Jeep so we could go off-roading to see these sites up close and personal.

In addition to all these amazing natural wonders, history jumps out and grabs me. I’m just twenty minutes from Tombstone. Fort Huachuca and Fort Bowie are forty miles away in different directions. Every time I turn around, there’s a history making site or event to grab my interest. I hope you can see why I fell in love with my new home. I hope you will too when you read Fatal Memories.

By the way…if you interested, I write about our travels in my monthly newsletter. Be sure to check it out!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 16

Bigreadersite , October 16

Genesis 5020, October 17

The Avid Reader, October 17

Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 17

Emily Yager, October 18

Sara Jane Jacobs Blog, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Batya’s Bits, October 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 20

Andy Carmichael, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 21

Kat’s Corner Books, October 22

EmpowerMoms, October 22

Through the Fire Blogs, October 23

Betti Mace, October 23

Daysong Reflections, October 24

Mary Hake,October 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 24

Older & Smarter?, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 25

Inklings and notions , October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Just Your Average reviews, October 27

janicesbookreviews, October 28

Gail Hollingsworth, October 29

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed13/fatal-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

Read More