Book recommendation: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

 

Yeah, I actually did it. Me, a guy who is a confirmed bachelor read a rom-com. That is romantic comedy for those who don't know. 

And it was an amazing read. I laughed a lot. At one point I had just taken a bite of my lemon Outshine Bar when I laughed out loud, and choked on said bar.

Someone on social media said this book has depth. And it may sound odd to say that about a book like this, but it is true. The book is filled with hilarious zingers, one liners, and banter that is pure genius. 

And there is something towards the end of the book that tests the whole town. Not giving any spoilers, but not everything is happy in the book. But it has a great ending. 

I posted my thoughts and mini review in the fiction group that I am in, and the author thanked me, and said she saw a bumper sticker a few years ago on a guy's car that said "Real men read Austen." So maybe a guy reading this book is not that odd.

Pepper Basham is an amazing author. Her books span a few genre's, including the awesome Freddie and Grace Mysteries...which has a 5th book coming out next month: The Bachelor Spy, which I already preordered. I highly recommend her books. 

My review of A Brewed Awakening: 

"Yeah, this is a ROM-COM, and yeah, I am a guy....but man, what a great story. I laughed out loud so many times while reading it, and it was hard to put it down and go to bed...but I had actually fallen asleep after resting my head against the back of my couch.

The comedy and zingers/banter in this book is pure genius, yet as someone else said, the book has depth. I loved the characters, plot, the food and recipe descriptions, the setting. This book deserves more than 5 stars. It is 100% awesome. If you have never read one of Basham's books, this would be a great one to start with."

And I would be remiss to leave off a description of the book: 

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

About the author:
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram. 

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com 

Series spotlight: The Warrior Spy Series by Dony Jay

 

It has been a while since I did a series spotlight or a post about a new or notable author. So it is time I do one, and I am going to spotlight a series I just read....and part of which I re-read: The Warrior Spy Series by Dony Jay. 

Book #1, Warrior Spy, came out in 2015. 
Book #2, Artifacts of Conspiracy came out in 2017
Book #3, Agency At War, came out last month. See why I re-read the first two? 

 The series features a young CIA agent names Reagan Rainey - Ray - and his exploits that take him all over the world. The series is filled with suspense, action, spies, political intrigue, and a lot of drama. It is an amazing series that is definitely geared for guys, though a lot of women would enjoy it also. And the author has an amazing life in the job he does and has done - read his bio at the end of this post. 

Book #1: Warrior Spy

The CIA has a problem. Its best clandestine operatives keep turning up dead. And now, as if things couldn't get any worse, a Defense Department scientist, specializing in high-energy lasers, has gone missing. America needs answers. And fast.

Delta Force operator Reagan Rainey, on temporary duty assignment with a secret CIA entity known as Directorate Twelve, is tasked to do just that--get answers. But to do so, he not only has to outwit and outmaneuver a dangerous cabal of foreign actors believed to be at the center of it all, he must contend with a deadly assassin who is bent on destroying him.

Relying on his bedrock faith in Almighty God, Rainey is forced to race against the clock to uncover what is really going on and why, before his beloved America is pushed to the brink of war.

The Warrior Spy is the first book in the Warrior Spy thriller series. It is jam-packed with heart-pounding action, all-out spy warfare and a new American hero that is sure to please.

Book #2: Artifacts of Conspiracy

Reagan Rainey was eleven years old when CIA men came to his house and broke the news that his father was dead. And so for the past twenty years, he and his family believed just that. But when a Russian spy named Moses suddenly comes forward and teases a tightly held secret from the past, Rainey’s world is turned upside down.

As part of the ensuing internal CIA investigation, Rainey—Delta Force special operator turned CIA operations officer—is dispatched to Great Britain to find out what really happened to his father and why. After narrowly escaping gunmen in England and an ambush in Spain, Rainey mounts his own operation that will lead readers through the spy-rich streets of Vienna and Prague and to the doorstep of Moscow. And leave Rainey staring face to face with a killer.

In his most daunting mission to date, Rainey will do whatever it takes to discover the truth. For his country, his family and himself. A truth that will challenge the very fiber of his faith and just might shake America to its core.

Book #3: Agency At War

Reagan Rainey, America’s best warrior spy, was hoping that a Christmastime trip to New York City with his old college flame would help rekindle their frayed relationship. But instead of enjoying the holiday pomp and fortifying a romance, he finds himself smack dab in the middle of a deadly terrorist attack as it is unfolding.

After narrowly escaping with his life, Rainey is quickly tasked with finding out who planned and executed the attack. He soon formulates an audacious plan that puts himself in the crosshairs as he and his newly formed CIA hunter-killer team endeavor to penetrate the dangerous terrorist organization behind the attack and give them the war they deserve. But for his plan to work, Rainey must enlist the support of a wealthy adversary, a man he would much rather see dead.

In a shadowy world of illicit arms, shifting allegiances, and hostile intelligence services that threaten to submarine the operation and put him in the ground for good, Rainey takes on the role of a lifetime fighting on the blurred front lines for an agency at war.

Jay also has another book that released recently, the first book in his Nathan Press Thriller Series. It isn't quite as Christian in content, and I definitely like the Warrior Spy Series better. 

About the author:

DONY JAY was born and raised in beautiful south-central Pennsylvania. Whether it was playing baseball with neighborhood kids during the summer months or hockey on a slab of ice in his childhood backyard in winter, he’s always had a passion for sports. Dony excelled at soccer and basketball and played both sports collegiately. He holds a BS degree in criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania. A self-described book addict, Dony possesses an insatiable zeal for the written word—something he largely credits to his faithful prep-school English teachers.

Dony is now a police detective with over 22 years of law-enforcement experience. He has served on a US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and is currently a member of a county-wide Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and his department's forensic unit. Outside the crime-scene tape, he is the author of smart, exciting thrillers with richly drawn characters and plots that pack a punch.

When he's not reading or writing, Dony loves spending time with his family, staying fit, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. He also enjoys the outdoors, great music, and keeping pace with Jovie, his lovable and very active Jack Russell Terrier. Above all, he's a follower of Jesus Christ. He resides in south-central Pennsylvania.

Check out his website for more about Dony and his books: DonyJayBooks.com

Series recommendation: Hunt Brothers Search and Rescue by Jessica Ashley

 I discovered  this author last year when I ran across the first book in her Coastal Hope Series. I bought the other four books as they came out, and loved the whole series. The Hunt Brothers were introduced in the final book of that series, Perilous Healing, being cousins of the main male character in that book, Silas. 

Now an interesting thing about the book titles in this series: Those are not the brother's names - though they are their nicknames/call signs.  The book titles are the names of the guy's dogs. 

Bravo came out in February, and features Bradyn

Echo features Elliot. The paperback just came out, and the ebook is due out April 28. I love it when it happens like that.😃

Romeo is due out June 30, and features Riley

Tango features Tucker, and is due out August 25.

Delta features Dylan, and is due out October 27. 

Two of the brothers are twins. I think it is Dylan and Tucker. 

Here are the blurbs for the two books I have read so far: 

Their love is a risk neither can afford—but it might be the only thing worth fighting for.

Bravo:

Former Special Forces Operative Bradyn Hunt may have left battlefields behind for his family's Texas ranch, but he’s still fighting—now as the head of Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue. He and his team tackle the toughest missing persons cases, reuniting families and seeking answers.

Kennedy Smith has been on the run for years, living under different names and never getting attached. Her latest hiding place is as a ranch hand at the Hunt family’s property, figuring there’s no safer place than among a group of Army veterans. But she didn’t count on falling for Bradyn, the quiet, determined leader who just rolled back into town.

Just as she considers staying, her past catches up. The danger she fled is at her doorstep, and now Bradyn is in the line of fire. Kennedy must decide—keep running or fight for the only man she’s ever trusted. But the secrets she’s kept could destroy them both.

A pulse-pounding romantic suspense about trust, redemption, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the past threatens to destroy it. Will they survive the firestorm, or will her secrets bring everything crashing down?

A soldier tormented by the past. A woman with no memory. A love neither of them saw coming.

Elliot "Echo" Hunt carries the weight of his past, haunted by the one person he couldn’t save. When he finds an injured woman on his ranch, he rescues her without hesitation—only to realize she looks eerily like the one he couldn’t protect.

Echo: 

"Jane Doe" wakes with no memory, no identity—just an overwhelming sense of connection to the man who saved her. The attraction between them is undeniable, yet Elliot, scarred by his past, keeps her at arm’s length, terrified of what a second chance at love could cost.

As the danger surrounding Jane intensifies, so does their bond. With every passing day, their hearts grow closer, but secrets from her past threaten to tear them apart.

As Elliot faces his greatest fears, he must decide if he’s willing to trust in God’s plan for a love that might heal them both—or risk losing it forever.

Dive into a gripping tale of love, redemption, and unshakable faith. Get your copy of Echo and experience a heart-pounding Christian romantic suspense story that will leave you breathless!

I just read Echo yesterday, and it was an awesome read. I always enjoy a good amnesia story, and the female is a Jane Doe for most of the book.

The author excels at creating great and likable characters, and she is not afraid to weave  strong Christian themes and truths in her books, while keeping them clean and completely free of bad language. In Echo, I related a bit to Elliot. Three years previous, a tragedy happened and he has been struggling with his faith, and has not been to church since. (No tragedy in my case...politics has caused my struggles, and I do go to church.)

I have enjoyed both books, and am looking forward to reading the others. But yikes....the end of June for the next one. Sigh.

About the author:

A USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels, Jessica recently felt her faith pulling her in a new direction. Now, her focus is inspirational romantic suspense with characters who fight to find their faith in even the darkest of moments, because, as she has learned, it's then we should lean on God the most.

She lives in Texas with her husband and homeschools her three kids. She is an Army veteran and has written multiple bestsellers since debuting in 2016.

                                                Book 3, coming June 30

Book #4, coming August 25

Book #5, coming October 27

Series/author spotlight: Secrets of Whispering Pines Series by Holly Bowne

 I don't normally feature non-Christian fiction on my blog, but I read a clean suspense series recently that impressed me. I actually thought it was Christian fiction at first. It came up a suggestion comparing the author to some of the Christian authors I read. The clean fiction has pretty much become a genre' all on its own. There is no cursing - too bad all Christian authors can't accomplish that - and no sex.

The author is Holly Bowne, and the three book series is Whispering Pines. Unfortunately, those are the only books she has written so far, and all three books came out this past May and June. It is about three brothers: Jake, Noah, and Wade Riley. The first book is about the youngest, Jake. The second book goes up to the oldest, Wade. And book #3 is about the middle brother, Noah.

I loved the series. Although all three brothers didn't appear in any of the three books, Jake and Wade were in the second book, and Noah and Jake were in the third. All three books had great plots, a lot of suspense, and humor. There were some senior citizens that were in the series who were downright hilarious.

My favorite book in the series was the last one, Forbidden Whispers. Noah and Maggie keep running into women that Noah went on one date with, but the date was so bad that the women never wanted to see him again. Add to the mix that he woke up in the house of the woman he had gone on a date with and couldn't remember anything about the date....or how he ended up with a Porsche in his name that he had never seen before.

Plot of Forbidden Whispers:

Maggie Milena is a professional matchmaker who can match up anyone but herself. Noah Riley can’t manage to get a second date…with anyone. When Maggie applies her trademark skills, the results do not go as planned. And now both of their lives are in jeopardy.

No one looking at the gorgeous Noah Riley would ever believe he’s the embodiment of love’s misfortune, plagued by disastrous first dates and an uncanny/a confounding inability to secure a second. He seeks a change of fate by enlisting the matchmaking expertise of Maggie, his old high school crush who still secretly makes his heart pound.

But destiny takes a cruel twist when an evening orchestrated by Maggie ends in the mysterious disappearance of Noah’s date, leaving him in the crosshairs of suspicion. As they race against the clock to exonerate Noah and unearth the missing woman’s whereabouts, danger escalates, testing their resolve and rekindling a love that can no longer be denied.

The books are very well written, squeaky clean, with a Christian worldview,  and I barely noticed they are not Christian fiction.

About the author:

Holly Bowne is the author of the Secrets of Whispering Pines romantic suspense series. She’s worked in advertising, journalism and as a freelance writer. And she finds inspiration everywhere, from movies, TV series, the news, conversations with her friends and conversations she’s eavesdropped on (shhh!). She currently lives on a beautiful lake in Michigan where she dreams up new stories, falls down research rabbit holes, and witnesses the beauty and song of God’s creation every single day. She’s happily married to her college sweetheart, mother of two grown children along with a daughter- and son-in-love, and passionate Gigi to three adorable grandchildren. And she’s not biased about this at all.

Check out her website at HollyBownebooks.com 
If you sign up for her newsletter, you can download a free prequel to the series, Whispers of the Heart.

Series Spotlight: The Bowers Files by Steven James

 Once upon a time, Crossings Book club existed. You could order Christian books that were discounted, and they were always - or usually - in hardback with dust covers. I ordered the Pawn, #1 in the Bowers Files from them. Not sure what year. The book came out in 2007, but my Goodreads review says 2012. I think I read it twice, and the 2012 review was the second time I read it. I didn't use Goodreads in 2007. If it even existed 😉

The main original series consists of 7 books, all but one the names of chess pieces:

#1 The Pawn

#2 The Rook

#3 The Knight

#4 The Bishop

#5 The Queen

#6 The King

#7 Checkmate

  The Series revolves around FBI agent Patrick Bowers, and is an excellent well written series that is very suspenseful. There really isn't much Christian content in the books, but they definitely have a Christian world view and a redemptive message. The books are completely clean, though they are a bit more descriptive at times of crime scenes and violence.

  After the series was completed, James did 4 prequels:

Opening Moves

Every Crooked Path

Every Deadly Kiss

Every Wicked Man

  A few things about the series: The first 5 books were published by Revell, one of the imprints of Baker Book House. I don't know why, but the King, Checkmate, and the prequels were all published by Berkley. And it drives me crazy to see the books on my shelf. The books published by Revell are all trade paperback. The ones by Berkley are mass market paperbacks. So there are 4 short little mass market books, then 5 trade paperbacks, and then two mass market. It looks weird 😊

James has other books:

The Jevin Banks Experience, which has two books. I started the first, but never finished it.

The Travis Brock Thriller Series. which has two books so far. I have not read those.

The Blur trilogy, a series for teens

And some non-fiction. I read Flirting With the Forbidden, which I recommend.

  Not discounting women liking the Patrick Bowers Series, it is definitely one I would call men's fiction.

Author bio:

Steven James's latest thriller, FATAL DOMAIN, is available now. This smart, wire-tight, and emotionally resonant thriller featuring Travis Brock is the next in the series, following last year's domestic espionage thriller BROKER OF LIES.

As a popular keynote speaker and in-demand storyteller, Steven is equipped with a unique master’s degree in storytelling and has taught writing and storytelling on five continents, speaking more than 2000 times at events spanning the globe. 

He is also the critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels, including the bestselling Bowers Files suspense series. His sci-fi novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and was a finalist for an International Book Award. 

When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him playing basketball or hiking near his home in the Appalachian Highlands of eastern Tennessee. 

If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which Steven has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers. 

Check out his website: StevenJames.net

New and Notable author: Hannah Hood Lucero

   

I had never even heard of this author til last week. Her books sounded really good, and I almost bought the first one in paperback....but since they are on Kindle Unlimited, decided to try #1 that way. 

  And I loved it. I immediately bought all 4 in paperback to celebrate something, and waited until they came to read the other three. And I just finished #4 a few minutes ago.

 The series is titled Sons of Vigilance. There are four books total, and the author has one other book that is young adult. 

 This series is about 5 brothers: Connor, Declan, Rian, Liam, and Kael Flynn. They are Irish, and all red haired....or gingers, the term the author uses a lot.

 When the series starts, Connor, the oldest, is married. He appears in all of  the books, but does not have his own book.

 The first book is about Kael, the second about Rian, the third about Liam, and the last about Declan.

 These books are really good. Amazing, even. They are romantic suspense, and the plots and characters are all exceptional. And something the author excels at is something I love in books: banter between the characters. And believe me, there is a lot of banter between the 5 Irish - ginger - brothers. I smiled a lot, and laughed out loud a lot. 

 This is a series and author I highly recommend. 

Book #1: Already In the Kudzu

A suspenseful story of love, loss, and redemption.

A series of bad choices culminated in the worst day of Jamie Moreno’s life. Although she narrowly escaped her abusive boyfriend, he left her drowning in guilt over unspeakable secrets. Now, seven years later, she’s rebuilt a meaningful but lonely existence—and then one telephone call shatters her peace as her past threatens to destroy everyone she loves.

Staff Sergeant Kael Flynn is no stranger to standing between innocence and the evil men who seek to destroy it. On the cusp of trading in his combat boots for a quiet life, his final mission leaves him with a debt he can never repay. When he uncovers his fallen friend’s plan to keep a young woman safe, he sees a chance to do right by his fellow Marine. The last thing he anticipated was falling in love with the mysterious J. Moreno.

Will Jamie’s tormentor prove to be the one Kael can’t defeat before it’s too late?

Book #2: Beau On the Bayou

A romantic suspense that showcases beauty found in the midst of struggle.

Laurelin Dedeaux Holt’s deep roots and robust family legacy serve her well on the day her world comes crashing down. She needs the tenacity of a Mississippi live oak when her husband’s secret life leaves her a widow and single mother. After months of picking up the pieces, Laurelin finds unexpected hope for her future, but Ethan’s enemies have other plans for her.

Rian Flynn’s singular focus is building his career—until the day Laurelin Holt blows into his life with her cynical humor and spellbinding eyes. Soon he must face his own buried fears with vigilance and determination as he treads the murky waters surrounding this rebel disguised as a Southern belle.

With vengeful drug lords, a faceless serial killer, and the ghosts of Laurelin’s past lurking in the shadows of the Gulf Coast, will Rian and Laurelin grow stronger together or be ripped apart by trouble as relentless as galeforce winds?

Book #3: Crossfire At the Precipice 

Heading home in high spirits after securing a career-building business deal, Cynthia Sumrall encounters a grumpy—and handsome—ginger. What begins as two strangers traveling in the same direction soon spirals into dangers and uncertainties that leave Cynthia floundering. +

A few chance meetings shatter all her preconceived ideas about what she wants and leave her questioning everything she believes about God’s purpose for her life.

 Liam Flynn is dutifully going through the motions until a tenacious redhead shakes up his mundane world with her sunshiny personality and adorable southern drawl. For the first time in his life, Liam wants something for reasons other than pleasing his family and rising above the stigmas attached to his questionable past. Real happiness seems within his reach until tragedy strikes and Cynthia disappears. 

Will Cynthia and Liam be able to navigate through the headwinds of hard realities to find purpose and belonging together, or will the turbulence of fear and loss prove too much for their already tattered souls?

Book #4: Dereliction of the Heart

She's running from her past. He's avoiding his future.

Claire Bryant hasn’t set foot in North Carolina since the day she ran from the darkness that stole her innocence and buried her dreams. Now on the verge of embracing the career she’s spent the past eight years building, she receives a telephone call that sends her racing back to her hometown with her precocious young daughter, wishing she’d come sooner and hoping she’s not too late.

Even with the family watchword of vigilance, Declan Flynn knows his career as an Air Force Pararescue Jumper carries a high likelihood that someday he won’t return home. But he begins to rethink his confirmed bachelorhood when he meets a stranded and stressed mother-daughter duo at the Charlotte airport. Ever ready to be the hero, Declan finds Claire highly resistant to his charms but in great need of a friend.

Back in Brevard, old enemies, lost love, and shadowed memories haunt Claire at every turn. As long-buried secrets come to light, her self-reliance and resilience are no longer enough to protect her family. Faced with unthinkable losses, can she trust the handsome young medic to be there when she needs him most? Can she face the life she threw away to embrace the life she’s always wanted?

   These books have very strong Christian and Biblical themes. The author tackles some tough issues, and her characters struggle in different areas with God and believing in Him and his love.

  This series ranks high in the all of the series I have read. I am just sad there aren't more books in the series. 

 And while I am at it, I may as well mention the young adult book, which I have not read yet. The characters in it make appearances in a couple of the books in the above series.

Cathey's Creek Road

A tenacious girl.

A sulky boy.

Bluegrass and dubstep find a brand new beat.

Evans Sutton was twelve years old when an accident left her scarred inside and out. For five years, insecurity has chipped away at her spirit, threatening to dismantle her once-unshakable faith. Can she find a way to see beyond her fears and imperfections to the God-given beauty within?

Abandoned by his father and unprotected by his mother, Gabe Miller has felt adrift for most of his life. With no hope of ever finding peace, he finds himself in a North Carolina cornfield with blood on his hands. Only an unexpected encounter with a beautiful yet exasperating stranger cascades color into his world of gray. Can Gabe shed his armor of bitterness before pride destroys his future?\

As Evans and Gabe’s friendship grows, the broken pieces of their souls begin to fit together, opening them up to the potential for deeper wounds than before. Does healing or heartbreak await them at the top of Cathey’s Creek Road?

There is beauty to be found in the waiting.

About the author:

HANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”

Check out her website: HannahHoodLucero.com

Series Spotlight: Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

The first book in this series came out in January 2021. I was not familiar with the author, but kept hearing a lot of good about the book. I got the chance to review the second book, so I bought the first one and read it in August 2022. And loved it. 

Set in 1085 London, the book centers around Kit Turner, a Robin Hood type female, and Constable Jackson Forge. 

More opposite characters could not be found, and these two clash in some hilarious ways.

The second book was just as good as the first, and I just finished book #3....and man, was it awesome.

The author has a way with words and descriptions that are so vivid, and often amusing. Such as "Her teeth looked mouse-fur covered."

And referring to her father: "The man was far too canny - a trait she enjoyed in herself, but would prefer others didn't possess so much."

I am guessing this is the last book...but would be fine if it was not. All three books are quite delightful and entertaining reads, and though I have not read everything yet by this author, these have to be her best books ever. I definitely recommend these. 

Book#1: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Book #2: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit.

Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who's turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother despite Jackson's warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson. (My review of book #2 here.)

Book #3: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.   Namely, her husband.

   But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.   Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.   Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?  

My review on Amazon and Goodreads of book #3: 

I enjoyed the first two books in this series - a lot - but Griep outdid herself on this one. This one was really hard to put down, but I had to put it down a few times to eat and run errands. The addition of baby Bella was a big plus, and this one was more suspenseful and had more going on - at least it seems like - than the other two books.

Griep has a way with words - like "her teeth looked mouse-fur covered", and had me grinning and laughing out loud with her words and her characters' antics. 

The author also has a gift of colorful description. She did such a great job of describing people, buildings, streets, etc that I could see them in my mind's eye, and found some of her descriptions rather entertaining.

I am guessing this is the end of this series, and it was a fantastic ending. I wouldn't mind if it wasn't the last book though :)

Kit and Jackson were an awesome creation of the author, and these books have truly endeared them to her readers - including me.

About the author:

Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild).

Visit her website for more: MichelleGriep.com

Series/author spotlight: The Home Team Series by Dave Pratt

I did a blog post at the end of December listing several Christian fiction male authors, and separated them into two lists: Those that I had read, and those that I had not. 

When I wrote about this author, I mentioned that I was interested in his books, but hated to pay that much for a book when I had never read the author. A lady from his publishing company saw it, and offered me a paperback. It came a couple of weeks ago, and I liked it enough that I ordered the second book. 

The books are military/special ops, which is a genre' that I really enjoy. Thankfully there are some authors who write some great fiction in that genre' that are both clean and free from cursing. Dave Pratt is one of those authors. 

There is a lot of action and drama in the books, and very light romance. The author has created some great characters for his books, and very well done and exciting plots. And the author is not afraid to insert Christian content. 

The series has two books so far, with at least one more in the works.

The Home Team (The e-book is currently 99 cents)
Sam Anthem has always been a team player, leading his Home Team on secret missions around the world and chasing down bad guys for the U.S. government. But Sam has never had a place to call home or someone to go home to.

 Consuelo Zamora has been serving as a missionary nurse, but her work has led her to be forced to work with some South American drug lords in order to provide medicine for the common people. After being rescued by Sam and his Home Team, Consuelo settles into a new position in Olympia, Washington, to work with a community center there. But somehow, trouble always follows her, and Sam Anthem seems to always be nearby to save the day. 

When Sam is forced on a two-month vacation, he is introduced to a former covert ops soldier-turned pastor. But the vacation takes a turn when the Home Team comes under attack. As the team fights to stay alive against an unknown adversary, Sam begins to wonder if there is more to life than just the job. With his life on the line, Sam must decide between the job or his newfound faith and possible love.

Home Team 2

After a successful mission for the Home Team, the government is ready to create a Home Team 2 to help thwart human and drug trafficking from the infamous Lee family in China. But finding recruits who can handle the assignment is not so easy. And the measures that the Lees will take to protect their investments puts everyone on the team at risk.

When Washington State Patrol Trooper Ellen “Ell” Evander is reassigned to spend time with the Home Team, motivation to find her kidnapped niece clouds her judgment and spurs her on a mission that may end her career. Determined to move on after the assignment is over, will Ell continue on her own or finally find her place on the team?

Army Ranger Alex Anthem soon finds himself side by side with the attractive state patrol trooper. Alex has his own personal reasons for joining in the fight against the human traffickers, but is he willing to risk everything to see the mission completed?

As the pressure mounts, Ell and Alex both have decisions to make that could change the courses of their lives forever.

About the author: 

Dave is the author of The Home Team series of novels. This action-packed series started with The Home Team, released to great reviews in November 2022 by Ambassador International, a Christian publishing house. The second book in the series is Home Team 2, just released through Amazon and other bookstores in hard copy, Kindle and audiobook form October of 2023. Both books are fast reads with plenty of action, conflict and resolution towards God's will and the power of our Savior to bring light to the darkest of places. 

As a speaker and presenter, Dave has spoken at numerous conferences and workshops about writing fiction, nonfiction and project management. Dave is available for limited speaking engagements online and in person and can be contacted through this website. 

Dave is a native of most of the U.S. west coast, from Bakersfield, California to Anchorage, Alaska. He is a retired U.S. Army Medical Department officer and private sector project management consultant. Dave and his family recently relocated to Tennessee but returns often to his life-long stomping grounds in Washington State to visit friends, family, research his next book, and teach for a local college.

Aside from writing and practicing his faith, Dave spends the majority of his time with his kids, grandkids, traveling, and continuing his lifelong study of martial arts. He considers his wife, family and friends some of God’s greatest blessings in his life. If you look closely in his books, you may see hazy reflections of some of his family in his characters.

Check out his website: DavePrattBooks.com

Book spotlight: The Discovery by Dan Walsh

 

 Dan Walsh has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read the first book I reviewed of his - and I think the first book he had published - The Unfinished Gift, a Christmas novel.

  Dan wrote for Revell Publishing, part of Baker Publishing Group, before striking out on his own. I think I reviewed every book he wrote when with that publisher. Most of the books he has written independently are suspense, which is my favorite genre', but I think I like his books of this type the best. 

 And after all the books he has written, this one is still a favorite. Maybe my top favorite. (My review from April 2012 is here.)

 The plot: It is first written in first person, which I have never been a fan of, but it really works for this novel.

  The main character is a young wanna-be author, the grandson of a popular and best selling author. When the book starts, Michael's grandfather has recently died, leaving Michael with the manuscript for the last book he wrote. He leaves it up to Michael to publish it or not.

 The book is mostly what Michael is reading, but goes back to him occasionally. The publisher made it easy to tell when it is Michael and when it is what he is reading. The latter has a line around the whole page.

 It is hard to rave about the book without giving away spoilers...especially THE spoiler. The reason the book is titled what it is.

  Just take my word for it that it is an amazing read. I have read the "discovery" part and what follows countless times over the years. The author just posted a link to the audiobook, and I got the book out yet again, and read those parts again. And as always, my eyes watered. It is very emotional.

 The book has been given a different cover (below), but I like the original the best.

And here is the original blurb about the book:

An Engrossing Story of Family Secrets and a Love for the Ages

When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather's venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel. But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions, had kept hidden from everyone--but which he clearly intended Michael to find. As he delves deep into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage, Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.

A personal amusing note: My youngest sister used to shy away from suspense (she reads them now), and when I loaned her this book some years back, she asked "There aren't any dead bodies washing up on the shore are there?" (slight spoiler): Me, "uh, yeah...but not murdered ones." 😎

About the author:

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 28 novels (all available on Amazon), including The Unfinished Gift, Rescuing Finley, When Night Comes, and The Reunion (soon to be a feature film). Over 1.4 million copies of Dan's books are in print or downloaded. They've received over 53,000 Amazon Reviews (4.7 Star Avg). He's won both the Carol and Selah Awards multiple times, 4 of his novels have been finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

Reviewers often remark about Dan's rich, character-driven storylines and page-turning suspense (even with his more inspirational books). He's been writing full-time since 2010. He and his wife Cindi have been married 47ears, have 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren. They live in the Daytona Beach area, where Dan grew up. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, read his blog, or preview all his books by visiting his website, easy to find on Google.

New and notable author/Series Spotlight: The O' Shanick Series by John Galt Robinson

 I did a blog post at the end of December listing as many male Christian authors that I could come up with. I have gotten a lot of great feedback from that post, and a lot more views than my posts normally get. (It is 7 away from 1000 at the moment).

 One author that I had never heard of before, but came across while doing the post sent me one of his books.

Another author that I had never heard of - not even for my list - contacted me and offered to send me signed copies of all four of his books. I happily said yes. (I am planning on doing a second list of authors I missed the first time, including John).

I have only read one of his books so far, but what a book. Guys who are looking for Christian fiction that is geared towards men and that they will like: these are right up your alley. (Thought women would enjoy his books also). A lot of special ops stuff.

A little about the books:
They are centered around a Navy Seal, Joe O'Shanick, and an ER doctor, Christy Tabrizi. (The author is an ER doctor).

The books are definitely Christian. No cursing or inappropriate content.

The book I read, Forces of Redemption, was extremely well written and obviously well-written.

Book description:
During a hectic Emergency Department shift, Dr. Christine “Christy” Tabrizi rescues a young Honduran girl from the gang that has been prostituting her and discovers the horrors of human trafficking tracing all the way back to the cartels in Central America. Christy volunteers for a mission in Honduras, to help rescue as many young girls as possible from the Cartels that control them. Joe O’Shanick is part of a Navy SEAL platoon deployed in Central America and finds himself in the midst of hostile territory when the President of the United States, a man of Mexican-American heritage who sympathizes with the human condition in Central America, declares war on the Cartels. In the middle of a tense hostage scenario, Christy and Joe’s paths collide, and they must rely on each other and their respective skills to escape with their lives.

My review of Forces of Redemption:

"This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am impressed. It took me longer than normal to read it, but not because it was boring. Far from it. The author is an ER doctor, and he described a lot of medical procedures and ER procedures, and also did a lot of research into drug cartels, human trafficking, Navy SEALS, and more. I am typically a fast reader, but I had to slow down for this one and think about what I was reading more than the average book that I read.

And that isn't a bad thing.

I loved the two main characters, Joe and Christy. The two of them together were quite impressive, but they are both likable and impressive characters on their own also.

I appreciate how the author doesn't shy away from the faith angle. Joe is pretty much an agnostic, and Christy is the opposite. There was some great dialogue written between the two of them as they discussed and argued the existence of God.

The author wrote a great Christian fiction novel about Navy SEALS, drug cartels, human trafficking, etc. without using any profanity. Great job.

Looking forward to reading more about Joe and his doctor friend, Christy."

 I mentioned that I had to slow my reading down for this book and had to think more about what I was reading. The author's wife told me that it was the same for her, but the other books in the series will go much faster. (She seems very nice. Well, so does he 😎).

 There are four books so far, with a fifth releasing (this year maybe?), and at least a sixth in the works. 

                                                                 Book #2

Book #3

Book #4

About the author:

John Galt Robinson is a practicing Emergency Medicine physician. He weaves his experiences from the exciting, tragic and sometimes humorous world of emergency medicine into a much larger story with intriguing characters who tackle relevant social issues in a fast paced adventure. John grew up on Grand Island, NY just upriver from Niagara Falls. John earned his medical degree at East Tennessee State University after a previous career in Sports Medicine as a Certified Athletic Trainer. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and family where he is an active sailor and triathlete.

(At this point, John does not have a website, but here is a link to his Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21259475.John_Galt_Robinson)