New and notable author: Rebecca Deel

This author is different from the ones I have been doing these blog posts about. I believe she is a Christian, but most of her books I have read would not be classified as Christian fiction....but very clean fiction.

Way back in February, I ran across a book that sounded Christian - it may have even been recommended by someone.  Midnight Escape, #1 in the Fortress Security Series.  It sounded really good, so I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited, and there it say until last week when I was trying to find something different to read.

 I loved the book. There was no Christian content at all, but it was completely clean and curse free. (Yes, Tyndale Publishing and author Ryan Steck, you CAN write fiction novels about military guys and not use bad language. Imagine that.)

Here is the plot for the first book, Midnight Escape: 

"Saving her sister might require the ultimate sacrifice.

Brenna Mason's sister has been missing for more than a week. She failed Dana years before with disastrous consequences. She won't do it again. She's determined to find Dana and bring her home. But someone is just as determined to stop her. Within hours of her arrival in town, Brenna's life is threatened. As a writer, Brenna crafts killer sentences, but she doesn't have the skills to take on a real killer. To save Dana, her only hope is to team up with a man who has his own agenda.

As a former Navy SEAL, Eli Wolfe saw more than enough innocents slaughtered to populate his dreams with bloody ghosts. After his PI mentor is murdered, Eli hunts for the killer. What he finds is a woman with a mission bigger than his. But Brenna doesn't know that Eli asked Dana for a favor which might have led to her disappearance.

Working together to search for Brenna's sister, they discover connections to a human trafficking ring Eli and his SEAL team encountered a few years earlier. With only 48 hours until Dana is lost in the black underbelly of human trafficking, Eli and Brenna must rescue her before the deadline. When Brenna is kidnapped by the traffickers, Eli races to find both sisters before time runs out. For Eli, the stakes have never been higher. Now that he's fallen in love with Brenna, losing her might cost Eli his sanity and his life."

Fortress Security is about a team of men - and women - who guard and rescue people. And the books are really good. After I finished the first book,  I read the second, and immediately wanted to buy the whole series in paperback. This is a series I will want to read again. The author comes up with great characters, plots, suspense, and a lot of action. These are the kind of books that I love to read.

And the kind I want in paperback.

Problem: There are 16 books in the series. Thankfully, most are $10.99, and a few were less than that....but that is a lot of books to buy at one time. After I read the fourth book, I decided to buy all of the ones I had not read yet and finish reading them in paperback, other than #16, which is not in paperback yet.

Since I had the sixth book coming in paperback, I didn't want to read the e-book, so I checked out the author's other books. She has another 16 book series, and one she is still writing that has five books so far, The Maple Valley Series. So I started the first book in her 16 book Otter Creek Series. It is totally different, but is just as good. I have read four of those so far, and the first three had definite Christian content. Four did not, but still stuck to the clean and curse free writing. The first three books are about the Cahill triplets - Meghan, Madison, and Serena. The fourth book is about their brother, Josh. (Can you imagine being a guy and having triplet sisters?!)

This series is set in a small town, and so far centers around the police force in that town. 

And of course I want to buy them all in paperback. But that will have to wait. I do have bills to pay. :)

There are a couple of her books that show shirtless guys - not the whole torso - but from reading reviews, all of her books are completely clean, curse free, and sex free. In fact, I just read book #7 in the Fortress Series that is one of the book with a shirtless guy on the front.....and there are definitely no sex scenes, or mentions of the guy being shirtless while kissing. (He does remove his shirt a couple of times to have burns on his back treated).

What is unusual about this author is I cannot find her on social media at all. She does have a website, but no way to contact her. I was going to contact her and tell her how much I am enjoying her books.

She is definitely one of the best authors I have read that does not write fiction that is Christian.

Yet her books definitely have a Christian world view.

I do read Christian fiction for more than the lack of bad language and lack of sex scenes. I have helped and encouraged so often by what I have read in a Christian fiction novel.

But I am not so pro-Christian fiction that I have to have Christian content overflowing on every page. It is just nice to read a book that you know isn't going to have bad content and bad language in. 

And this author accomplishes that.

About the author:

Rebecca Deel is a preacher’s kid with a black belt in karate. She teaches business classes at a private four-year college in Nashville, Tennessee. She plays the piano at church, writes freelance articles, and runs interference for her family’s Westies. She’s been married to her amazing husband for more than twenty years and is the proud mom of two grown sons. She delivers monthly devotions to the women’s group at her church and conducts seminars in personal safety, money management, and writing. Her articles have been published in ONE Magazine, Contact, and Co-Laborer, and she was profiled in the June 2010 Williamson edition of Nashville Christian Family magazine. Rebecca completed her Doctor of Arts degree in Economics and wears her favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt when life turns ugly.

Check out her website at rebeccadeelbooks.com

Book trailer for the first book in the Fortress Security Series:

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What the bleep is going on with some Christian authors?

 I love Christian fiction. I love reading it, learning about new authors, doing my best to support authors and Christian fiction.

This is not just a soapbox issue. This is not something I just feel is my opinion. I believe 100% there is Biblical basis for what I believe and try to get across in this post.

 In this blog post, I am addressing one of my major pet peeves in Christian fiction: curse words and other inappropriate words in Christian books.

 Some years back, Thomas Nelson Publishing started putting some curse words in their Christian fiction. I contacted them about the language in a book I had just bought and read, and the president of the company actually called me. We chatted, and he offered to send me another fiction book. This is sad: He did a word search, and had a hard time finding a fiction book with no objectionable language (at that time). They did seem to clean up their act, and it may have had something to do with a new president.

There is a Christian fiction group I am in on Facebook, Avid Readers of Christian Fiction. It is the one I mentioned a while back that is run like a HOA. (It seriously is!) Several months back, an author I had never heard of did a post complaining that Christian publishers censor authors from putting curse words in books. (Seriously?!) She got a lot of disagreement - sadly some agreement - and the post was removed.

More recently, a couple of books I read has the subject on my mind. There is a new author that came out with his first novel last year with Tyndale Publishing. It sounded really good, but came out in hardback and I didn't want to spend that kind of money on a new author. (Hardbacks are so overpriced!) I found it a while back on eBay for a decent price, and bought it.

It was a really good and exciting read. The main character is former military, and gets into some trouble when he gets home,, and gets involved in taking some bad guys down.

Unfortunately, the author tossed around some words that should not be in a Christian book. I unapologetically say that.

Hell was used as an expletive several times.

Though it isn't a curse word, the vulgar term for urinating that is used in place of "ticked off" was also used. A lot. (I doubt these authors would toss that word around in front of their kids or pastor).

At least one use of "King James donkey" was used.

A few uses of BS

At least one use of bastard, and not in the original meaning, but as a slur.

   A second book just came out August 8. I debated about getting it. The main character had somewhat of a conversion at the end of the book, so I hoped that might change things. So I bought and read it. The language wasn't as bad. The author did use his favorites a few times, hell as an expletive and the vulgar word for ticked off. 

  It might not seem like a big deal. An author I like said, in reference to the first book: "Considering the character's military background, it really does make it more accurate to his character." Huh? That is not reason for a Christian author to put that kind of language in a Christian book, nor reason for a Christian publisher to allow it.  I had another author defend the use of a definite curse word in one of her books saying "That is the way he would have talked." (Her character). I read her most recent book last night, and it had hell as an expletive once, and the vulgar ticked off word. Another author once used the military excuse for a curse word.

So if the character is the type to use the "F-word", will these Christian authors start using it? If they have pre-marital sex, will they describe the act?

  I don't believe there is ever a reason or excuse for vulgar or curse words to be in a Christian book.

#1 Christians should not use that kind of language, even in a book.

#2 When an author puts curse and vulgar words in a book, they are subjecting other Christians to reading them. I have had non Christians apologize to me for using curse words in my presence, yet there are Christian authors and publishers who defend using them in their books. What does it say about a Christian if they don't care about offending other Christians with offensive language, while you have non Christians apologizing for using?

Did it occur to the author those words would offend some of his readers? Did it occur to Tyndale Publishing that they would offend some of their readers and that it is a poor representation of their company and the principles they used to hold? Do they not care?

#3 I loan books out to people in my church and family, including my 16 year old nephew. There is no way I would loan them books with cursing in them. Last week, the wife of my denomination's president (and my former pastor) messaged me and said she was bored and needed books (she had a hip replacement). There is no way I would have loaned her books with that kind of language in it.

  Yes, we run onto bad language everywhere. When Donald Trump was running the first time, a man from my church posted on Facebook that he didn't want his young children watching the debates because of the language Trump used. I don't know what people said in reply to that, but I shared it and was ridiculed by Christians saying kids are going to hear that kind of language anyway.

Here's the thing: There are certain places you shouldn't have to worry about such things. Like in church, listening to Christian music, reading Christian books.

Speaking of Christian music, I read an article recently decrying curse words and sensuality being put in Christian music. Wow. But there was a day it was unheard of to have it in a Christian book. There was a day people would have gotten bleeped out for saying words on the radio that are in the books I just read. 

Maybe we have become too accustomed to bad language. I know of professing Christians who think nothing of tossing the F word around.

But Christians are to be different. The Bible addresses how we talk. 

Cursing in some of these Christian books has been defended as it makes it more realistic. Realistic. Is Christianity realistic? Is what Jesus did realistic?    

If these authors and publishers keep at it, will be see the F word and other really bad words in Christian fiction?

A lot of authors write suspense and military and avoid bad language. Why can't the author say ticked off instead? Instead of putting in a curse word, why can't the author say the character muttered a curse? Other authors do it that way.

I have read a lot of the Christian line of books published by Harlequin publishing...a secular company that has some pretty raunchy books published....yet I have never found an objectional word in their Christian novels. 

But I cannot say the same thing about Tyndale, a long time Christian publisher.

Christian fiction, author, and Christian publishers should be held to a higher standard. 

There is no reason or excuse to put bad language in a Christian book.

None.

If the authors want to use that kind of language, then write and market their books for the secular market.

Not for the Christian market.

By the way, I gave that author's book 4 stars, mentioned the language as I did in my review for the first, and challenged him to write the third book with no cursing or vulgar words. I promised him 5 stars if he does 😀

   So thanks to the Christian authors and publishers who keep their books clean and curse-word free.  Keep it up. I am sure I am not the only one who appreciates it.

A Father for Her Boys by Danielle Grandinetti

 

Book description:

A family scarred by tragedy… will find hope in an unlikely gardener

A summer escape to the quaint little town of River Cove is just what auntie turned mum Sofia Russo — and her troubled, energetic nephews — needs. It’s a chance to heal from grief and her broken foot. But a surprising friendship with compassionate gardener Nathaniel Turner shows Sofia just how much she’s been missing…and how much she stands to lose when summer ends. 

My review: 
 This is not this author's first book, but it is her first book with Love Inspired. It sounded really good, so I jumped at the chance to review it. And am glad I did. It was a very enjoyable read.

  Grandinetti came up with some great and very likable characters - and one not-so-likable character - for the story. 
Sofia is doing her best to raise two very rambunctious nephews.
Nathaniel is trying to honor his fiancée he lost to cancer by restoring her favorite area in town, fought tooth and nail by Mrs Reynolds.
And then there is Tucker and Rowen, orphans stuck with their aunt. I don't think the author gave their ages, but they are young boys, and Rowen is older.

  I love books with kids and families...just adds something to the book, and those two rascals definitely added to the book.

 This is not a simple romance novel. Sofia is battling feelings of failure - the reason they are taking a break in town far away is because her nephews got caught shoplifting.

Nathaniel is fighting feelings of failure as he faces opposition to his project, and feelings of guilt as he falls for another woman.

And Mrs Reynolds is proof that there is a story behind everyone's behavior. Even hers. 

  Nathaniel is a gardener/landscaper, and the author weaves some truths throughout the story comparing God working in our lives to gardening, and even gardening compared to raising kids. 

This is not simply a romance novel. There are truths and lessons throughout the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and definitely recommend it. Grandinetti hit it out of the park with her first Love Inspired novel. And I think her first contemporary novel.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author, writing both historical and contemporary romance. She is a 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award. Danielle is fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. She now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Check out her other books:

The Offer, Deadly Decisions #2 by D.L. Wood

 

Book description:

Some decisions are deadly.

Addie Nichols, a young, ambitious chef, is determined to make her new Manhattan restaurant a culinary sensation. Pursuing her dream has cost her everything, including financial stability. Though the restaurant is gaining ground, Addie can’t even afford to pay her rent.

One night a wealthy socialite makes Addie an unbelievable offer: an exorbitant sum for personally catering a weekend celebration for her husband on their secluded private island, nestled in the idyllic Thousand Islands. Ignoring inner echoes of “don’t talk to strangers,” Addie accepts. She desperately needs cash, and it’s only a few days. What could go wrong?

Everything.

First, Addie is briefly distracted by a charismatic local boat captain before the disheartening realization that his captivating smile is something else she doesn’t have time for.

Then, she barely sets foot on the island when it becomes devastatingly obvious she’s made a huge mistake. But she’s trapped: leaving would be professional suicide, and now there are questions that need answering. With each passing hour come more disturbing revelations about her hosts, the tension mounting until finally death strikes, and the tranquil island becomes the sinister stage for a fatal script with Addie in the lead role.

With no way off the island, the body count rising, and the killer closing in, can Addie outwit a relentless psychopath before it’s too late?

The Offer is a gripping psychological suspense novel where nothing is as it seems. If you relish strong heroines, unpredictable twists, and riveting intrigue, you’ll be enthralled by this compelling story by USA TODAY bestselling author D.L. Wood. Get your copy now and don't miss another thrilling moment.

My review:
  I have just read a handful of this author's books, and have enjoyed all I have read. (Definitely recommend the Unintended Series). This book was a bit different, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Imagine being stranded on a small island and everyone wants to kill you, and you have no way off...

 This was a fast read.....in fact, my only complaint is once everything started happening, it went too fast...but that is a small complaint.

 Addie was a great character, and was easy to like. Richard and Monica....they were easy to dislike. Sam wasn't in much of the book, but he was a great and likable character also.

 I like Wood's writing style. It was very descriptive - the house, the island, the people...it was easy to see all of those in my mind due to the great descriptions.

 The suspense aspect was well done, and non-stop once it started. You truly feel badly for poor Addie. :)

Wood did an excellent job on this one, and I definitely recommend it.

It has been a while since I read the first book in the Deadly Decisions Series, but as far as I can tell and remember, these are stand alone books and do not need to be read in order.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author of thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited.

D.L. writes Clean Captivating Fiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a "can't-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am" character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she's not writing, you'll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies - Frodo and Dobby - bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.'s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

Notable author: Lynn H Blackburn

 I first ran across Lynn H (Huggins) Blackburn five years ago. I don't remember how I ran across her request for launch team members, but I jumped at the chance to review and be on the launch team for her first Dive Team Investigations book, Beneath the Surface. This was her first actual series, and man...it was really good.

One thing Blackburn really excels at is banter and interplay between the characters. One of my favorite scenes in all of her books appears at the end of Beneath the Surface. The romance is between Leigh and Ryan. Ryan had been interested in Leigh for years, but his best friend - Leigh's older brother, Kirk, - had warned all of his friends off from dating her. The scene where Kirk finds out there is a romance interest between his sister and his best friend is hilarious. 😃

This truly was an excellent series, and the characters totally rocked. Though Gabe totally made the series.

Lynn did have two published books before this series from Revell Publishing: Covert Justice and Hidden Legacy, published in 2015 and 2017 with Love Inspired Books. I personally think it would be awesome if she could get the rights to those, republish  them, and add another book or two.

Her other series, Defend and Protect, is a series about Secret Service Agents. The first book starts out with a literal bang, with Secret Service Agents being targeted and killed. This series is really good too, though I will probably always like her first series the best.

Her next series, Gossamer Falls, will launch March 12, 2024, with Never Fall Again. 

In addition to her full length novels, she has also written three novellas, two of which appear in anthologies with other authors. 

Though she has less books out than a lot of authors near the top of my favorite authors, she has quickly become a favorite author.

In addition to her author page, she has a Facebook group "Lynn H. Blackburn's Deep Divers" where she posts and interacts with readers.

In closing, I will post part of another favorite scene from one of her books. I won't say which one, so if someone read this and has not read the book, it won't spoil anything. 😊

He slid from the seat and knelt before her. In his hand was a ring so stunning it nearly took her breath. A large brilliant-cut diamond was nestled in a collar of smaller diamonds and set in a classic platinum band. "I know this may seem sudden, but it isn't. I've loved you for two years. I was an idiot not to tell you that the first time I saw you, but I'm not going to waste any more time. I want to be with you and no one but you, for better or worse, forever. Will you marry me?"

He asked the question like he wasn't sure of her answer. Did he really think she would say anything other than yes?

She put her arms around his neck. "I love you." She couldn't resist kissing the lips that would be hers forever.

He returned the kiss but after a ridiculously short amount of time, he pushed her back. His eyes were full of love and laughter when he said, "Is that a yes? Because if that's a no, I'm really confused."

"Yes. Always yes."

He slid the ring onto her finger. "Now, where were we?"

About the Author:

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she's sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas! 

Lynn’s titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award. Her newest series kicked off in March 2021 with Unknown Threat, Book 1 in the Defend and Protect series. 

She is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and @LynnHBlackburn on Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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