Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Deadly Connections by Jennifer Pierce

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Deadly Connection by Jennifer Pierce, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Deadly Connection 

Author: Jennifer Pierce 

Publisher: Anaiah Press 

Release Date: October 20, 2020 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Private Investigator, Reid Lucas, and his mentor, Joe Lockhart, haven’t spoken in years, but when Joe wants to meet in a small-town diner, Reid’s interest is piqued. Without explanation, Joe calls and tells Reid he has five minutes to get waitress, Quinn Matthews, and her son out of the diner before they’re kidnapped by the group of thugs about to walk through the diner’s front door. 

Quinn Matthews’ life is simple and safe, exactly how she likes it—until Reid Lucas walks into the diner. Now, she and her son are running for their lives, and she has no idea why. But when the father of her son shows up and dies saving them, she realizes they all have one deadly connection: Joe Lockhart. Now, she’ll have to trust the mysterious private investigator to not only save their lives but connect her past to her present so they can figure out who is after them. And why. 

As the danger escalates, unexpected feelings arise. Reid doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Quinn’s love–or God’s. And Quinn is too worried about having her heart broken again and the effect of having a new man in her son’s life. Can they let go of their preconceived notions of love and relationships, or are they doomed to just let go of each other? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

Reid’s phone vibrated on the tabletop. He didn’t recognize the number. He contemplated ignoring it but decided against it. He swiped the screen and put it to his ear. “Reid.”

“Are you at the meet?” Joe’s voice boomed from the other side.

“Where are you? I’ve been waiting over an hour.” Reid let his annoyance be evident in his voice.

“I’m not coming.” The answer was clipped.

“You had me sit in this hole-in-the-wall for an hour and didn’t even bother to call and tell me you weren’t going to make it?” Annoyance turned to anger as he clenched his fist.

“Do you see the waitress behind the counter and the little red-haired boy that just ran in? Quinn Matthews and her son, JJ.”

Joe must be close by and watching if he knew the boy had just shown up.

“Yes, I see them. Along with the druggie busboy, thieving cashier, and ogling cook. What about them?”

“You have five minutes to get them out of there before men come in and try to kidnap them.”

“Five minutes! What is this? What’s going on, Joe?” His pulse pounded as adrenaline coursed through his veins. Joe couldn’t have called to have him get her out sooner. Now, the window of time was dwindling.

“There’s no time to explain. They’re here now. I’ll stall them as long as I can. Get those two out now!” The line went dead.

Great. Just great. He had mere minutes to convince that woman to grab her son and leave with him—a complete stranger. He wasn’t sure his rusty powers of persuasion would work this time, but he’d give it a shot. Joe had saved him several times, and he’d returned the favor on occasion. This was serious business, and Joe trusted him. Reid wouldn’t let him down.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, Hidden Danger, is a 2019 Selah Award winner, and her second novel, Expecting Danger is a 2019 Selah Award finalist. Deadly Connection is her third novel. She also has a contemporary romance Christmas novella, Giving Grace, releasing November 13, 2020. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive autographed copies of Hidden Danger & Expecting Danger plus a custom Jennifer Pierce Author tumbler designed by Fine Designs by Megan!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

First Line Fridays: Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund.

"Hello, beautiful. Will you marry me?"

Have you read Almost a Bride? Book blurb below.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

Always close, but never a bride.

Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.

As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.

When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.

Book Review: The Gospel in Dickens

About the Book:

Wish you had time to re-read and enjoy that daunting stack of Charles Dickens novels?

Take heart: Dickens enthusiast Gina Dalfonzo has done the heavy lifting for you. In short, readable excerpts she presents the essence of the great novelist’s prodigious output, teasing out dozens of the most memorable scenes to reveal the Christian vision and values that suffuse all his work.

Dickens can certainly entertain, but his legacy endures because of his power to stir consciences with the humanity of his characters and their predicaments. While he could be ruthless in his characterization of greed, injustice, and religious hypocrisy, again and again the hope of redemption shines through.

In spite of – or perhaps because of – his own failings, Dickens never stopped exploring the themes of sin, guilt, repentance, redemption, and restoration found in the gospel. In some passages the Christian elements are explicit, in others implicit, but, as Dickens himself said, they all reflect his understanding of and reverence for the gospel.

The Gospel in Dickens includes selections from Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, Martin Chuzzlewit, Dombey and Son, Bleak House, Hard Times, Little Dorrit, Our Mutual Friend, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Sketches by Boz – with a cast of unforgettable characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Sydney Carton, Jenny Wren, Fagin, Pip, Joe Gargery, Mr. Bumble, Miss Havisham, Betsey Trotwood, and Madame Defarge.

Read an excerpt from The Gospel in Dickens on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

The Gospel in Dickens commences with a foreword by Karen Swallow Prior (whose works I love). Next, editor Gina Dalfonzo introduces the compilation as well as some of Dickens’ history. The selections immediately follow and are sorted into three categories: (1) Sin and Its Victims, (2) Repentance and Grace, (3) The Righteous Life.  More entries are devoted to Sin and Its Victims than the other categories and it sometimes felt heavy. When needed, I skipped around to the other sections for something more hopeful.

The Gospel in Dickens inspired me to check out a Charles Dickens biography and some of his works from my local library. While each reading selection is prefaced by a paragraph or two that explains the background of the selection, I sometimes felt a bit lost because I have not read his works recently. The book is best suited for Christian readers who have already enjoyed the works of Charles Dickens.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Blog Blitz: Dance With Me by Tope Omotosho

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Dance with Me by Tope Omotosho, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Dance with Me 
Author: Tope Omotosho
Publisher: Beautiful Feet Publishing
Release Date: January 19, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Fiction

The past is a tricky place. For some, it's a place to be desperately held on to, for others a place never to be revisited. 

For Micah Oramah, the pain of a profound loss has caused his faith to be shaken. Blinded by grief, he questions if serving God is actually worth it. 

Tomboy and makeup artist, Zainab Baruwa-Phillips is head over heels in love with God. The only cloud is her past which she is desperate to erase. However, she'll learn that her past is a strength God is looking to use for his glory. 

In Dance With Me, you'll experience the beauty of our individuality to God.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

 

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EXCERPT

 

            “Apparently, my parents like a big family. They also thought it best to give me an African name as a first name to make up for their sins of abandoning their Igbo heritage with the first four.” She turned her gaze to him. “So my grandmother said.” She looked back at the tall hotel and shop buildings that stood afar. “I’m not bothered by it though. I like to believe I’m the unique one.”

            “So, no English name?” His teeth chattered. His hands balled into a fist in his leather jacket.

            “I have one. Rayna,” she said, her long coat, trimmed with fur across the collar and sleeves inducing slight envy in him.

            “Nkiruka Rayna Nnadi. You have a beautiful name.”

            She smiled. “I think so too. Tell me more about yourself. What university do you go to and what course do you study?”

            Inwardly, he was doing somersaults that she was interested in learning more about him. Pleased when she had noticed the small scar on his forehead; a trophy from younger years of playing football.

            “London Met. Public health.”

            “So, you’re a science geek?”

            He chuckled. “I guess you could say that. But I sense God calling me to a different direction.”

            She arched a brow. “Really? Like what?”

            “Probably to become a pastor.”

            “Interesting,” she said, the expression on her face unreadable so he decided to switch the direction of the conversation.

            “I couldn’t help but notice your dance moves in church.”

            There was a gleam in her eyes. “I love to dance. I took ballet classes in school, but didn’t go far with it. Something about standing on your toes and trying to find balance unbalanced me.”

            They spoke, laughed and got to know each other better as the hours hurried by. Daylight fast running out and the temperature dropped even further. Micah noted two important things as he headed back to London later that evening -he wanted to see her again and he was going to take her dancing no matter how silly it made him look. All he wanted was to see her smile and make her happy.

            Two months and seven dates later, Micah officially asked her to be his girlfriend.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Tope Omotosho is passionate about impacting the world through timeless wisdom and knowledge found in her thought-provoking stories. Her stories and articles cut across love, relationship, and romance in a way that does not deny the relevance of God in our everyday life. 

She is a devoted Christian passionate about bringing people to the knowledge of God’s true and unfailing love. You can read more about her stories and articles on www.lifegodandlove.com

CONNECT WITH TOPE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an ebook copy of Dance with Me!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 21, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review: Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith... of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.

Purchase Link: Amazon.

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My Thoughts:

Ten years ago, Pearl in the Sand made it into my top five books of the year. It is going to land there again this year. The 10^th Anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes a striking new cover, additional scenes, and book-wide edits, but the heart of this amazing story remains the same.

Pearl in the Sand immediately captivated my attention with Rehab’s character. She is intelligent, beautiful, witty, and loyal. Yet, she is so broken – spiritually, emotionally, sexually. Her character growth flows through the story and culminates with a deep healing. The spiritual truths embedded in the narrative touched my heart as I watched Rehab absorb them. Opposite Rehab is Salmone, a classic male lead, who proves to be heroic, romantic, and flawed. As Salmone learns to be who Rehab needs him to be, he creates a safe place for her to heal and flourish. A top-notch love story!

With its combination of powerful themes, dynamic characters, sparking romance, and spiritual truths, I can wholeheartedly recommend Pearl in the Sand to Christian fiction readers. I marked many passages to reread and savor after finishing the story. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author:

Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of biblical and historical fiction. Her books have won the Christy and INSPY Awards and been voted by the Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year. Her first Bible study and companion video teaching, The Way Home, based on the book of Ruth, was released from Moody Publishers in June 2020. 

Born in the Middle East, Tessa moved to England in her teens where she attended boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. 

Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.

Connect with Tessa: Author Website 

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First Line Fridays: Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Happy Friday!  

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar.

"Rehab tumbled into consciousness courtesy of an impatient nudge."

Have you read Pearl in the Sand? Book blurb below.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith... of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.