Book Review: The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Shifting Current 

Series: Coastal Guardians novella 

Author: Dani Pettrey 

Publisher: Gracie & Johnny Inc. 

Release Date: May 2, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart. 

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him. 

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? 

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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More Books in this Series

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Excerpt from The Shifting Current

Logan’s cell phone rang. Clearing his throat, he answered on the second ring. “Perry,” he said.

“Logan, it’s Tom.”

“Hey, Tom. It’s been a while.” At least a month since his high-school-buddy-turned-hometown-sheriff had called to chat through a case.

“I’m afraid this isn’t a catch-up call,” Tom said, his tone uneasy, stilted.

“What’s up?” he asked slowly, not liking the tension in his friend’s voice.

“It’s Colt. Something…something’s happened.”

His grandfather? Logan shook his head, bewildered. What could have happened? They’d talked just the other day. “Is he hurt?” The old man was the picture of health, but that didn’t stop accidents from happening. Had there been a car crash? A fall?

Tom released a whoosh of air. “Man…” he said, a catch in his throat. “I don’t know how else to say this other than to shoot straight.”

Logan frowned. “How bad is it? Is he in the hospital?”

“No, I’m afraid it’s too late for that. Logan, your grandfather’s been murdered.”

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My Thoughts

Despite the compact novella form, The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey had no shortage of mystery and suspense. The well-crafted crime/mystery held my interest as Logan and Emmy searched for a murderer and surrendered to their feelings for each other. This was less of a falling-in-love tale and more of a how-do-they-get-together story.

As far as characters go, The Shifting Current had an interesting villain that I almost liked. I think she could carry her own story in a subsequent novella if she was given a redemption arc. Logan and Emmy were perfect together, and I enjoyed how their skill sets complemented each other. Some things in Logan’s character development felt underdeveloped or a bit too convenient, common issues caused by the shortened form of a novella.

The Shifting Current lands as installment 3.5 of Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series. I have not read any other books in the series, and I felt like I was missing Emmy and Logan’s backstory as they were already head-over-heels in love with each other at the start of this story. I suspect I would have enjoyed this novella more if I had read the other novels in the Coastal Guardians series. 3.5 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

Publishers Weekly, #1 Parable, #1 Amazon, ECPA, and CBA bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters (Publishers Weekly), gripping storyline[s], (RT Book Reviews), and sizzling undercurrent of romance (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland.

Connect with Dani by visiting danipettrey.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" mug, gourmet roasted coffee from NYC, and the full Coastal Guardian series including The Shifting Current in paperback!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" notebook, gel pens, and a paperback copy of The Killing Tide!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" vintage sign and a paperback copy of The Crushing Depths!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 5, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 2023. 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

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Book Spotlight: The Duke and the Lady Gardener

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Duke and the Lady Gardener by Alissa Baxter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Duke and the Lady Gardener
Series: The Grantham Girls #1
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: ‎ Dragonblade Publishing
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Genre: Regency/Historical Romance (sweet, wholesome)

Love blossoms for a Lady Gardener when she robs a Duke. . . and then steals his heart.

Alexandra Grantham becomes Lady Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to provide for the local farm workers in the district. However, when her new neighbor, Mr. Robert Chanderly, unmasks her, Alexandra cannot hide her horror as he has it within his power to ruin her reputation. But, instead of blighting her social chances when they arrive in London, Robert decides to bring Alexandra into high fashion, and she effectively takes the ton by storm.  

 

Enemies abound in the Capital, however, causing trouble for Alexandra at every turn. So when an adversary threatens to reveal Alexandra’s dangerous secret, Robert must do everything within his power to defend the honor of the woman he loves—or lose the only lady he’s ever wished to make his wife.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Also Available

   

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Excerpt from The Duke and the Lady Gardener

Alexandra straightened her spine as her coachman directed the horses onto the main road. Soon they would be home, and she could put this unfortunate incident behind her. However, as they came around the bend, her eyes widened in horror as the coach she had just waylaid came into view.

“Slow down, Ben! The horses! He may recognize them.”

Her coachman glanced back at her. “Nay, miss, he won’t. They’re in their traces, and I disguised their markings for the attack. Besides, he’d never suspect a lady of being a highwayman, so he oughtn’t to look at your horses with a leery eye.”

“Of course you’re right. Yet the impression I received of him was that he is an uncommonly perceptive gentleman. I hoped he would have been well on his way by now.” She chewed her bottom lip. “We must stay as far back as possible until we turn off to Grantham Place.” Even as Ben drew on the reins, the carriage in front of them came to a halt, blocking their way on the narrow road.

As Ben halted as well, a groom jumped down from his perch to open the coach door and let down the step. Alexandra held her breath as the dark gentleman emerged. He stood immobile in the road for a while before bowing politely in her direction. Alexandra inclined her head in response. He was very tall, well over six feet, and his shoulders were uncommonly broad, filling out his well-cut jacket impressively. Her wary gaze came to rest on the strong line of his jaw and the uncompromising set of his mouth and chin.

All in all, it was a thoroughly disagreeable face.

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About the Author

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive(previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).

Many years later, Alissa returned to her favorite era. She writes Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways… at least eventually. Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Alissa by visiting alissabaxter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 2, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US Amazon accounts only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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April 2023 Reading Recap and May 2023 TBR

My April 2023 Reads: 

1. The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come.


3. Jonas by Susan May Warren - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.


4. The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


5. Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


6. Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. Endless Grace by Dan Wilt and Ryan Smith. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


8. When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come.


9. The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review (on Goodreads).

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Expected May 2023 Reads:

After reading seven fiction books in April, I admit I'm ready for some nonfiction and my list for May reflects that. I also hope to resume journaling more often. Although I love reading and really dove into it last month, I need journaling to keep me sane. 🙃

1. The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers. - A favorite that I'll be rereading this month with my local book club! Read my review from 2018.


2. June Bug by Chris Fabry. - I missed my local book club's selection for March, but I'm hoping I can squeeze it in this month.


3. Wonder Dogs by Maureen Maurer. -  My older daughter read this book months ago and now it's my turn.


4. Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation by Jon Ward. 

What will you read this month?

Book Review: The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

About the Book:

Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

Read an excerpt from The Words We Lost on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I loved everything about The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese. The second-chance romance trope in this novel delivered plenty of depth, a heartbreaking backstory, steady attraction between Ingrid and Joel, plus a side helping of enemies-to-lovers tension. I was hooked from the beginning. It was a delight to watch Joel and Ingrid tiptoe around each other as they searched for Cecelia Campbell’s lost manuscript and honored her final request. The questions surrounding their past and the missing manuscript kept me flipping pages, but the swoony moments and delectable romance made me want to read slowly and savor the interactions between Joel and Ingrid. I am ready to read it again. 

I marked many quotes as I read through The Words We Lost. More than a great romance, this was a story of grief over lost loved ones, a father and a best friend in Ingrid’s case. Readers dealing with grief may recognize the stages and truths presented. The book was deep, but not hard to read because of all the hope it set forth. The author seamlessly integrated spiritual themes that were honest, not overly convenient or awkwardly preachy. The author’s note tells of her own journey with unexpected grief which undergirded the profound authenticity found in the story.

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese starts the Fog Harbor Romance series, and I am eager for book two. Doubtless, this novel will make my list of favorite reads in 2023. 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.

Book Spotlight: Expired Hope by Lisa Phillips and Megan Besing

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Hope 

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2 

Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: April 25, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. 

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. 

No matter if success takes everything she’s got. 

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. 

Or it could all go down in flames.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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More Books in this Series

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Excerpt

“Joey, we’ve got to go.” She gulped as darkness feathered on the outside of her vision. “There’s a fire.”

“Hold on a sec.”

She leaned into the storage compartment that was longer than any normal closet. “No, now. Fire—”

He did a fist pump. “Gold level! Take that, Simon.” He stuck the edge of his tongue along his cheek. “Dad usually has a fire when he cooks. He burned nuggets in the microwave once. That’s why we order takeout. Is that where we’re going? I’d rather have your pretzels.”

Natalie didn’t wait to explain. She crawled in farther and grabbed his earphones and the gaming device.

“Hey!”

“We’ve got to get out. There’s an actual fire in the kitchen. Your dad needs our help.”

Joey blinked at Natalie and then nodded. Natalie had a harder time moving backward in a skirt and the cramped space. She reached the closet door and was hit with another wave of heat.

Joey yanked on his gaming system, and it fell from Natalie’s fingers.

She gaped. Joey’s curtains were on fire. So was the basketball goal. The posters on his door curled and turned to ash. Flames flickered up from his trashcan.

She threaded her fingers through Joey’s. “We need to get out of here.” But the door and window were blocked by hot flames. Please, God, not again.

Joey gripped her hand. “What do we do?”

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About the Authors

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.  

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. 

Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2023. 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

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Book Review: Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull

QUICK FACTS

• Title: Regency Therapy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy
• Series: The Jane Austen Vacation Club (Book 2)
• Author: Lisa H. Catmull
• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Fiction
• Publisher: Saltair Press (February 3, 2023)
• Length: (278) pages
• Format: Trade Paperback & eBook
• ISBN: 978-1959864011
• Tour Dates: April 24 – May 8, 2023

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

My publisher invited me to attend an all-expenses paid writing retreat at the posh new Hartfield Regency Resort in Loveland, Colorado. Carole isn't nice like that—there must be a catch.

There is. His name is Ryder Hawk, the outlaw leader of the all-male Western writers who work for the same publishing company. He thinks he’s agreed to attend an all-expenses-paid week at a dude ranch.

Yeah, no. Carole has other ideas. She wants to break into the cowboy romance market. If I want to renew my writing contract, I have to do more than put up with Ryder and his gang of cowboy cronies for a week. We have to write together.

The problem is, Ryder and I have a history.

And it’s more like war than peace.

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PRAISE FOR REGENCY THERAPY

“Fun, sweet, slow burn. I was rooting for them!”— Liselotte, Goodreads

  

“You don't have to be an Austen fan to love this series!…If you're looking for a clean, well-written book with some truly laugh out loud moments, grab this one today!”— Lorie AH, Amazon, on Matchmaking Therapy

5 STARS “The romantic chemistry was off the charts with these two and the flirting was on another level!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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MY THOUGHTS

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull might be the flirtiest book ever. Do not read it unless you are in the mood for all the romance. I enjoyed the sharp banter between Ryder and Lucy. Like the Jane Austen inspired setting, the phrases had a smart wit that felt Austenesque. The snappy flirtation held my attention from the beginning and introduced me to the term “bickerflirting” which aptly described Lucy and Ryder’s communication, especially in the early part of their relationship. 

Aside from the flirting, Regency Therapy held good romantic tension while staying in the swoony-but-wholesome category. The story was extremely enjoyable as the writers interacted and competed to secure book contracts. I found the big climax a bit confusing (as did Lucy, who is the first-person POV narrator). What actually happened was explained later. Still, Lucy and Ryder eventually find their way to the expected happily-ever-after which made me close the book with a smile in my heart.

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull is the first full-length novel in The Jane Austen Vacation Club series and worked fine as a standalone story. I read the prequel novella, Matchmaking Therapy, which detailed how the Hartfield Regency Resort came to be, but the prequel is not necessary to read prior to Regency Therapy. I enjoyed so much about Regency Therapy, including aspects I did not have space to discuss here. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series. Four 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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AUTHOR BIO

Lisa Catmull writes sweet contemporary romances and clean and wholesome romances in the Victorian era. Her books have been nominated for Swoony, RONE, and Whitney awards.

She taught Middle School English and History for seven years before pursuing screenwriting and writing. She currently lives between a canyon and a lake in Utah with her husband, two cats, and two rambunctious children.

Her books can be found on Amazon and are always free for Kindle Unlimited readers.

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