Series spotlight: The Blake Moran Series by Davie Mac

 

An ad for this author and his books pops up fairly often on Facebook. A few months ago I started the first one, Too Young to Die, but quit after 8 pages. 

 The books are first person point of view, and are written in a different style. I decided to give them a try again this week, and ended up reading all four books.

  The main character is Blake Moran, an early 30's single guy who runs a private investigator business. 

 I mentioned the writing style being different. Blake's rambling thoughts are part of the book. He will privately make jokes that amuse him, state that he said something out loud that is shocking, then say he actually didn't say it. Once I got used to it, I found the books very amusing. It is hard not to laugh out loud while reading these books. 

 The books aren't quite Christian fiction. Blake is not a Christian til the fourth book, but becomes friends with a pastor and has a lot of chats with him and does start going to church at one point.

 But they are clean, and bad language free.......for the most part. In the third book, the word for a female puppy dog is thrown around a few times, in addition to "bastard", and not in the original sense of the word. What is really sad, is the author is a pastor. I wonder if he ever preaches on bad language. Sorry, not sorry. It is a pet peeve of mine when Christian authors put inappropriate words in their books.

 But other than that, these are excellent books. It is refreshing to have books like these where the male character is the main character, and the book centers mostly on him. The Christian fiction market is geared way too much for women.

 I will briefly hit on two other negatives for the series: 

1) They are written first person, and the author occasionally goes to third person for another character. That is OK and cool. However, he needs better editing, for he occasionally messes up and goes to third person for his main character. Sometimes in the same paragraph. It happens a lot, and is obviously a mistake.

2) In a couple of the books, there is debate in classrooms. One in a high school classroom, and one in a college classroom (where the b-word gets tossed around). Even though I agree with the author on the topics-  Creation vs evolution  and global warming - I felt too much time was spent on the issues, especially global warming as it had nothing to do with the plot of the book.

  But even with the negatives I pointed out, these are really interesting, suspenseful, and entertaining reads. Blake is a hilarious character that drive even the people who love him crazy, but he gets the job done.

 An example of his thinking: he is on his way back to the mansion of the guy who hired him, driving a 9 million dollar car the guy loaned him, and said he was pretending to be Batman on his way back to Bruce Wayne's mansion. Then says not really. Then he says, "yeah, I actually did."

 I do recommend these books, with the warning about the language in the third book. I read all four books in the last few days, and enjoyed them immensely. 

 They are on Kindle Unlimited, and there is a fifth book in the works: The Conspiracy Cabal. No date given.

About the author:
Davie Mac (aka David McAllister) is Pastor of a multi-location church and resident of Tucson, Arizona, and has always been a big fan of the “who-done-it” genre. He combines the suspense and humor he so enjoys and weaves in answers to some of the biggest question our society has about life, God, Jesus, and the Bible. David has already completed the third book in this series and is working on the fourth and the audio books. Professionally, David founded and has pastored the Bridge Christian Church for over 30 years. He is also a song writer, having written over 50 songs to date, he plays the drums in a band, and is an avid weightlifter. David and his wife Kimberly have seven children and fourteen grandchildren.

Check out his website: DavieMacbooks.com  By the way, his hair style looks like what he describes for the pastor in his books. 😀

Series Spotlight: Gone to the Dogs by Janice Thomson and Kathleen Y'Barbo

 Confession: And a confession that may offend dog lovers.....This is a series I wasn't sure I would like. I don't like dogs. At all. Part of it is because I got bit on the face when I was a kid by a dog. A collie. And you thought they were a nice dog.....😐

And the problem with dogs is they seem to want to either bite you or lick you. With the same mouth they lick every part of their body. Every part.

And it drives me crazy how people act like they are kids. 

A while back, I had the chance to review #5 in this series, Gone to the Dogs. I passed. Not only was it about dogs, but it was also about football, which I dislike all the more.😀

Then a few weeks back, book #6 came up for review. It is about a service dog, which always intrigues me, so I reviewed it. And liked it well enough to read the rest of the series.

And I enjoyed each book.

Even the one about football.

Sure, I gagged a few times at "fur baby", and a few other things. 😎

But it is a really good series.

A few things about it:

There are two authors. They alternate who writes each book.

Janice Thompson wrote the first book, and Kathleey T'Barbo wrote the second, and so forth.

These are what are referred to as "cozy mysteries." There are no dead people, no one shooting at people, etc. But there is always a mystery, which revolves around dogs.

The same characters are in each book, who all work at or are associated with a veterinarian's office. And each book centers on a different character.

There is romance, but it is fairly light.

The series has six books, and book #6 just came out on October 1. I don't know if there will be others, but I assume so.

I highly recommend it, especially if you love dogs. Or even if you don't. Because I surprisingly enjoyed the series.😏

About the authors:

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.

Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it between the pages of my novels and non-fiction books. 

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone in my stories, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of hot tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

Read Janice's books or follow her baking recipes at https://outoftheboxbaking.com/. 

KATHLEEN Y'BARBO is a Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of more than one hundred books with two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Student and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and three very adorable Londoners.

To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

New and notable author: C.C. Warrens

 I haven't done a new and notable author feature for a while, so it is past time. This new to me author is one I just started reading in the last few months. And she is definitely notable. 

C.C. Warrens is an author who surprised me, to be honest. I had the first book in her Holly Series, Criss Cross,  sitting on my Kindle for at least a year (free) before I read it. It is a first person POV book, and I have never been drawn to those. But I read it, loved it, and immediately started on the second.

C.C. Warrens is actually a pseudonym. Her husband's name is Warren, and the C.C. is the initials of her first name and their last name. I figured that one out on my own. 😎

Holly is a scared of her own shadow person, on the run from a couple of bad guys. What she went through from her foster brother was horrendous, and has her scared to let any male close to her. Detective Marx comes into her life, and becomes one exception to that.

The author wrote three "Holly" novels with Holly as the first person POV, then she wrote a couple of books that has Detective Marx as the main character, third person POV, and a Christmas novel. Those come between the third and fourth Holly novels. 

Book #5 just recently came out, and man was it good.

These novels are Christian, but are pretty intense. And amusing. The author came up with some great characters, but especially Holly. Though she is afraid of everything, she is stubborn. If she is with the detective in a sketchy part of town, and he tells her to stay in the car......there is no way she is staying in the car. 😀

Warrens is an amazing author, and she and her husband both interact in a Facebook group she has for her books. 

I cannot recommend her books enough. They are really good.

Warrens does have one other series she is working on, with one book out so far in that series: The Firefly Diaries, #1 in The Cherry Creek Mysteries. I have not read it yet. 

If you enjoy Christian suspense with awesome characters  that will keep you on the edge of your seat, check out her books. You will not be disappointed.

Right now, on November 5, 2003, you can get the ebook version of Cross Cross, the first Holly novels if you sign up for her newsletter. Click here: Free book.

About the author

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

**Disclaimer from the author**

If you're looking for a cozy mystery or romantic comedy with an ending wrapped up in a nice little bow, well . . . these books aren't for you. My books are intended to reflect the real world—a world that is messy, terrifying, wonderful, and sprinkled with humor. My hope is that these books will touch someone who has been through something traumatic and remind them that even in our darkest moments, God is with us.

Check out her website: CCWarrensbooks.com

Lethal Pursuit, Targeted for Elimination #2 by Jennifer Chastain

Book description: 

 Heather Jensen is just trying to survive after her husband’s death. Widowed with two young children, Heather struggles to make ends meet. But when she receives a storage unit key for a locker in Hawaii, things go from desperate to dangerous. With nowhere to turn, she enlists the help of her brother’s former best friend, Mark Hawkins.

FBI Special Agent Mark Hawkins is on the trail of counterfeiters, and he’s traced the laundered money to Heather. In his gut, he knows that his former best friend, Heather’s brother, is responsible, but everything points to Heather and her deceased husband.

When events turn deadly, it’s a race against time.

But a greater danger awaits them in the exotic paradise of Hawaii. No stranger to dangerous situations, Mark has faced death before. But this time, the danger is personal. Can he protect Heather and her children without losing his heart in the process?

My review:
  This is only the second book I have read by this author, but it is definitely another page turner.

 Mark and Heather were both great and likable characters - and he definitely had a great name 😀. Mark was introduced in the previous book, and it was cool to have him as one of the main characters in this one. Heather was a bit naïve about her brother, but had her kids' best interests at heart.

  Suspense-wise, the book was great. You know who one of the bad guys is, but not everything is revealed til later in the book. And a lot does happen. Including dead bodies showing up.

 Jack, the main character from the first book, was back in this one, and he, Mark, and Travis made a great team as they tried to take the bad guys down and get back what was taken by them.

The romance was a slow build, as Mark tried to abide by the "bro-code", not dating the sister of his former friend, even though that former friend was a psycho bad guy. But there was definitely romance. 

 This was an enjoyable read that had me turning pages as fast as I could tap the Kindle. 

Special thanks to the publisher for an advance  e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.   

A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies and a good romantic movie. She loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen and when not cooking, she’s reading or conducting more research for her stories. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air.  

   

Book review: Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed

Book description:
 

An undercover mission has deadly consequences

The assignment was simple: infiltrate an office Christmas party, gather evidence and take down a drug cartel. However, DEA agent Duncan O’Brien and deputy US marshal Sera Morales encounter more than they were expecting when masked thieves crash their undercover operation and abduct Sera, who narrowly escapes. Can Duncan and Sera work together, despite their competitiveness and hidden attraction, to capture a merciless drug lord—before this Christmas becomes their last?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
   There are a ton of Love Inspired Suspense novels in print, way too many for me to keep up with. This one caught my attention though, and then I had the chance to review an early copy, and took it.

 The book starts out in an amusing way. Not really a spoiler, but the two main characters are undercover at a party as Santa and Mrs Claus. And it is a great start to not just the story, but the interplay between Duncan and Sera. As one of the other characters commented, they argue like an old married couple.

 In addition to the humor, there is also a lot of suspense, tense drama, bad guys, and of course romance. This IS a romantic suspense novel, of course.

 The book is only 224 pages long, but Reed packs a lot into those 224 pages. A lot happens, yet the book does not feel rushed. It does have non stop action and suspense as the agents battle and run from the bad guys, and I definitely didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to find out how it ended.

 All in all, it was a very enjoyable read that shows why this author has so many books under her belt for Love Inspired Suspense.

This is the third book in the author's U.S. Marshals Series. Check out the first two books in that series: Forced to Flee and Forced to Hide.

Also check out the author interview in the previous blog post.

Special thanks to the publisher for an advance  e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author: 

Terri Reed’s awarding winning romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 5 Romance Bestsellers and Publishers Weekly top 5 Religion Fiction Bestsellers, Publishers Weekly top 5 Mass Market Paperback Bestsellers, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 25 Bestsellers and featured in USA Today and have been #1 Amazon Bestsellers, as well as Fresh Picks at Fresh Fiction.com. Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and agility training with her dog. Contact Terri @ terrireed@sterling.net or P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224 and online @ https://www.terrireed.com.

                                     Book #1 in the U.S. Marshals Series

     Book #1 in the U.S. Marshals Series

Interview with Terri Reed, author of the upcoming Undercover Christmas Escape

 I am on the launch team for the Love Inspired novel Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed, due out November 28.

 As part of being on the launch team, I had the opportunity to do some interview questions with the author. This is not a "canned" interview. I did ask these questions, and Terri graciously took time to answer them.😎

1) Terri, Your book Undercover Christmas Escape is releasing November 28. Can you tell a little about it? 

 This is the third book in my US Marshal’s series. In the first two books, which came out last year, we were introduced to Deputy US Marshal Sera Morales. When I decided to write Sera’s story, I was taking a screenwriting class and brainstorming ideas for a holiday rom-com script. But I was also thinking about this book and how to incorporate Christmas into an action-adventure story for Sera. I thought it would be fun if she had to go undercover as a Christmas elf.  However, the more I played with the idea and the story evolved, I decided to have her go undercover as Mrs. Claus. Of course, that meant there had to be a Santa. I always try to pair my characters with someone who’s going to challenge them in some way. Enter DEA agent Duncan O’Brien. Charming, by-the-book and very protective, Duncan was a good foil for the more guarded, sometimes reckless, and driven Sera. For the purposes of the story, Sera had to color outside the law enforcement lines to achieve her goal and Duncan wasn’t about to let her go alone, which meant risking both of their careers. Both were competitive but also determined to seek justice. And in the end, they discovered they were stronger together. 

2) a) Would you mind giving a short bio? Terri Reed’s awarding winning romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 5 Romance Bestsellers and Publishers Weekly top 5 Religion Fiction Bestsellers, Publishers Weekly top 5 Mass Market Paperback Bestsellers, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 25 Bestsellers and featured in USA Today and have been #1 Amazon Bestsellers, as well as Fresh Picks at Fresh Fiction.com. Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and agility training with her dog. Contact Terri @ terrireed@sterling.net or P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224 and online @ https://www.terrireed.com

b) How many published books does this make for you, and do you have a favorite of all the books that you have written?  In total, I’ve written 63 books. As for a favorite, that’s tough. Each book has its own unique set of challenges and joys. But if I have to choose it would be my second Love Inspired book, A Sheltering Love. I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to write another book after the first one but I did and I learned so much through the process, including finding my author voice. 

 c) How long have you been writing as a published author, and what was your first book that was published, etc? My first ever published story was a novella that was included in the 2001 Romance on the Rails collection for Barbour Books. I sold my first book to Love Inspired in 2003, titled Love Comes Home.  

3) Approximately how long did it take you to write Undercover Christmas Escape, and can you tell about writing process? It took me three and half months to write Undercover Christmas Escape. I always start with a germ of an idea and start building my characters and also playing with scene ideas. Then I write the synopsis before I start the chapters.  I dictate my first rough draft and then clean it up on the computer, before sending the pages to my critique partner who reads it and provides feedback. 

4) You have written a lot of Love Inspired Suspense novels - and I am guessing you are one of their authors who has written the most. Have you written many books that are not Love Inspired Suspense? I know of at least one: I read A Family Under the Christmas Tree, and loved it. And as usual the book was better than the movie, in my opinion.😊

I’m so glad you enjoyed A Family Under the Christmas Tree. That was a labor of love.  I really needed to try my hand at something a bit different and was very happy to be presented with the opportunity to write this book. And it was a huge blessing to have the book turned into a Hallmark movie, Picture a Perfect Christmas.

Yes, most of my books are Love Inspired Suspense novels. I’ve also written three novellas that were not a part of the Love Inspired franchise. One of which I’m sharing with my newsletter subscribers. I also wrote a story for Tule Publishing Group titled, Home for Good, as part of their Montana Homecoming collection. I loved writing that story, as well. It had some good tropes—cowboys, reunion-ish, childhood rivalry, frenemies to lovers. 

5) You write mostly, or all Christian fiction. Would you mind sharing why you write Christian fiction as opposed to secular?  I do write mostly Christian fiction because when I tried writing without faith as an element, the stories fell flat and didn’t ring true. When I added faith, not preachiness but characters who have faith and live out their lives with faith, my stories became more authentic and resonated with readers. 

6) I am sure you have done a lot of interviews over the years. Is there any question, or questions, that you wish were asked, but rarely or never get asked?  This is a tough one, but I guess I would say “What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned while writing your books?”  I think the answer is I didn’t expect there to be so much personal introspection in order to craft realistic and fully formed characters. I use a variety of personality typing methods and had to do the work for myself in order to understand theories to be able to apply them to my writing. Becoming self-aware has been a bonus and a pitfall but very enlightening. 

Thanks, Terri, for taking the time to answer my questions, and for giving a glimpse into your life and writing. I have not read every one of your books, but I have read several, and am definitely going to check out your first two books. Those are two I missed.

Congratulations on your upcoming release, which I am about to start reading. I am definitely looking forward to it. God bless you for writing quality Christian fiction. 

I mentioned the movie that was made from Terri's Christmas novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree. The trailer for that movie, Picture a Perfect Christmas, is below: