With the subtitle of a Regency spy romance, I couldn't help wanting to read this book for my guilty pleasure. And it didn't disappoint on this level. It was a great escape book to read as the wind howled and snow fell outside my window.

Book Details:

Book Title: Saving Shadow: (The Beckett Files, Book 1) by Laura Beers
Category: Adult Fiction, 252 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Release date: September 1, 2017
Content Rating: PG (for some kissing scenes and some violence)

Book Description:

Born with a perfect memory, Lady Elizabeth Beckett has become one of the world’s most notorious spies, despite being the daughter of a duke. She is shielded only by her code name: Shadow. When young ladies of High Society begin disappearing from London, Eliza has no doubt who is orchestrating these crimes; a heinous man she has been investigating for years. Vowing to save them before they are sold to the highest bidder, she must risk everything to stop him.

Lord Sinclair was perfectly content being the second son of a marquess, but when his brother is murdered, he is thrust into a position he has not been prepared for and does not desire. As an agent for the Crown, he is expected to retire now that he is the heir, but he’s been granted special permission for one more mission... to obtain justice for his murdered brother.

Used to keeping secrets, Lady Eliza and Lord Sinclair must learn to open up to each other when they are assigned as partners to bring down the same ruthless man and his brutal empire of abduction and slavery. As Eliza’s tainted past becomes too much for her to bear alone, can she learn to trust her new partner with her secrets, her life, and possibly her heart?
Laura Beers spent most of her childhood with a nose stuck in a book, dreaming of becoming an author. She attended Brigham Young University, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management.

I couldn't help but be attracted to this book cover because it depicts Venice. Author May Patterson got lost there once (I did too!) and just as she was panicking she saw a familiar face. This experience drew her to God. I'm spotlighting this book today and you could win your own copy by entering the giveaway below.


Book Details:

Book Title: Seeking a Familiar Face: The Transformational Journey of Connecting with God by May Patterson
Category: Adult nonfiction, 175 pages
Genre: Christian Living
Publisher: Exploration Press
Release date: September 2017
Tour dates: Dec 11 to 29, 2017
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

The greatest adventure of your life awaits. And it will change everything.

Ever feel disappointed? Like your life isn't as fulfilling as you had always dreamed it would be? Are you laden down with responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed and empty, or maybe even a bit caged?

You're not alone.

Many people in the Bible felt the same way. Most had difficulties. Some felt stuck. Others were depressed, afraid and uncertain. And some just wanted to get closer to God. So they set out on life's adventure —seeking God—and encountered the One who fulfilled their longings and changed their lives forever.

The same can happen for you.

Seeking a Familiar Face guides you on the transforming journey of connecting with God, through simple, yet extraordinary ways. It doesn't matter if you are already seeking Him or just getting started, this book will encourage you to go a little farther toward locking hearts with God.

In this book you will discover engaging narratives from ten biblical characters, along with stories, humor, and practical ideas for seeking God. There are thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter to discuss with a friend or a group. Most of all, Seeking a Familiar Face will offer you fresh hope for deepening your intimacy with God.
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May Patterson has been writing and teaching bible study classes for several years. Her new book, “Seeking a Familiar Face,” was birthed from a Bible study she wrote in 2014 called “A Time to Seek.” She was trained in small group dynamics for over ten years at Bible Study Fellowship, serving as a leader for four years. She has written for several magazines including Focus on the Family, Upper Room Magazine and Shattered Magazine, among others. She is married to her dear friend, Mike, and they have three grown children. She loves to tell stories, laugh, and talk about the adventure of seeking God.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ LinkedIn ~ Facebook
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After reading several books in each of Lauren Carr's three mystery series, I've become a fan, feeling like I personally know the characters in her books. So, of course, I was super excited when Carr decided to include all the main characters from each of her series in one book, Twofer Murder! See what I thought of her latest release and be sure to enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Book Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 400 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: November 17, 2017
Tour dates: Dec 4 to Jan 19, 2018
Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing).

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!



After reading several books in each of Lauren Carr's three mystery series, I've become a fan, feeling like I personally know the characters in her books. So, of course, I was super excited when Carr decided to include all the main characters from each of her series in one book, Twofer Murder!

This novel is like reading two novels in one. There are two settings. One for the main men characters who go away for a fishing weekend and the other for the main lady characters who go away that same weekend to a posh resort for a mystery writers conference. Both groups get caught up in solving a few mysteries, all while dealing with past dalliances, furry pets and dead bodies.

As with most of her recent novels, Carr includes a list of characters at the beginning of the book. For fans of Carr's novels, this is appreciated as there were more than the usual long list of characters, but for a fan of mystery novels who is reading a Carr novel for the first time, this list is essential. The beginning of the book was slow reading for me (in a good way) as I paid more than the usual attention to not only get the set-up for two mystery stories but also to catch all of the clues that Carr drops along the way.

As is her trademark, Carr has the reader going on a fast-paced rollercoaster ride once the mystery gets going and there are so many twists and turns, I don't know how she keeps it all straight! Not one mystery plot thread is left unraveled. The novel alternates between the two settings. Whenever the story switched to the alternate setting, my mind would rebel because I was so invested in that mystery and intrigued by the cliffhanger ending of the chapter. But then, once we switched back, I wanted to stay with the current mystery because now I was intrigued by that mystery!

At first, I enjoyed the girls' setting more since it was set at a writers' conference and included literary agents, publishers and editors (yep, my work world), but halfway through the novel I was heavily invested in both stories and was racing to see how they would both end.

Oh, and the pet characters! Carr includes four of the pet characters from her three series as well, including Monique, the tarantula. Again, as is her trademark this added comic relief to the stories. As a fan, I loved revisiting all the characters in this two-for-one murder mystery. For a first-time reader of Carr's novels, I suggest reading at least one book from each of her series to get acquainted with these beloved characters.

So Carr has done it again! Complex mystery plots mixed in with a great cast of distinct characters, including furry ones, that keep us guessing until the very end, with danger, intrigue and comic relief that makes the perfect mix for a fun weekend bout of reading.


To read more reviews, please visit Lauren Carr's page on iRead Book Tours.
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Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram


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Book Details:

Book Title: Cathadeus (Book One of the Walking Gates)
Author: Jeff J. Peters
Category: YA Fiction, 344 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Release date: Dec 8, 2017
Tour dates: Dec 4 to 15, 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 (fighting scenes)

Book Description:

It has been six hundred years since the Alchemists fused together men and beasts to form strong, mindless slaves. Now, their most vicious creations have attacked the mystical Walking Gates, slaughtering their Keepers and isolating their cities. Wounded in the brutal attack, Braxton Prinn’s mother is on the verge of death and he makes a desperate journey to find the reclusive elven master who can save her. But when he discovers an ancient magic, Brax is caught up in an even greater struggle and soon finds himself hunted for his power. Drawn into the chaos of an impending war and pursued by enemies on all sides, Brax must fight to save his mother and her race from slipping into darkness. Though his untamed magic may be the greatest threat of all . . .

What Readers are Saying about Cathadeus:

“Jeff J. Peters’ strong cinematic writing style allowed me to easily visualize the story and feel that I was right there alongside the characters.”
- Alison W.

“Jeff J. Peters’ writing is so smooth and easy to read – I can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it was…and how quickly you end up being drawn into the story because of it.”
- Amanda R.

“Cathadeus is the best kind of fantasy story - you get to learn along with a flawed main character while you get lost in a richly designed world. You can’t help but keep reading. A cleanly written pairing of characters you wish you could spend more time with and an enthralling world built around them. Cathadeus is the kind of story that plays perfectly off of your imagination, with characters grounded in reality to make it feel like you could really be there.”
- Ryan N.

“Jeff J. Peters definitely has storytelling skills...The story stayed on my mind when I wasn’t reading it. Young readers will be drawn in this imaginative story, while they relate to Braxton’s struggles with temper, insecurity, and young love. Cathadeus is dramatic, with an anxious tone—at times bleak, as the story keeps you wondering until the final battle if good will prevail.”
- Elizabeth C.








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Today I'm featuring World's Best Story 2nd place winner! If you are a fan of historical romance with plenty of action and full of swoon-worthy sword-wielding Highlander Scots, you should check this one out. There's also a giveaway to win a paperback copy and s $25 Amazon gift card!

Book Details:

Book Title: Heart of the Highlands: The Beast (Protectors of the Crown Book 1)
Author: April Holthaus
Category: Adult Fiction, 326 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Grey Eagle Publishing, LLC
Release date: July 2015
Tour dates: Nov 27 to Dec 15, 2017
Content Rating: R (for graphic sex scenes, and mild language)

Book Description:

For hundreds of years, Scotland has battled the English for their freedom. Now, they face a new enemy. In a divided world between politics and religion, the young King James V faces the threat of his own people rebelling against him. As civil war breaks out among the Highland clans, James recruits a secret group of warriors for protection. He calls them the Protectors of the Crown.

Ian MacKay has one mission; to defend the crown no matter the cost. Along with his men, Ian's mission is to hunt down one of the most dangerous men in the Highlands. But when the daughter of an enemy enters his life, his heart becomes captured instead.

Keira Sinclair has lived a life of peace and simplicity until now. With her clan on the verge of losing everything, she is forced to wed a Laird from a neighboring clan to ensure that hers survives. During her travels to her new home, her carriage is attacked and Keira is taken hostage by a ruthless man.

Caught in the middle of a war that she does not understand, will Keira's secrets be safe, or will she succumb to the Highland warrior who now threatens to capture her heart?


It's been a long time since I read an historical romance novel set in medieval Scotland and I was eager to dig into this one. This was a fun book to escape with! The novel is set at a time when the Highland clans are at civil war with one another. A secret group of warriors known as Protectors of the Crown are on a mission to protect their King James. Among these is Ian MacKay, who comes upon Keira Sinclair as she is travelling on her way to meet her betrothed.

Sparks fly as these two headstrong characters find themselves at odds even as they are attracted to one another. When Ian discovers she is betrothed to a dangerous man, a person she has never met, and one that he is hunting, he keeps her in his custody both for her protection and also to discover what connection Keira's father has with this man.

I enjoyed the history, the romance, the action and the plot. The book was well-paced and kept my attention throughout. There are two sex scenes that are explicit but dignified and take place between a married couple. I enjoyed that this is the first book in the Protectors of the Crown series and I am tempted to read the second book which is already published.

If you are a fan of historical romance with plenty of action and full of swoon-worthy sword-wielding Highlander Scots, you will enjoy this one.


Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book. I was not  told how to rate or review this product. All opinions are my own.

Praise for Heart of the Highlands:

"The Beast was a highly enjoyable romance." - Readers Favorite Book Reviews
"Heart of the Highlands: The Beast reminded me why I love historical romances and need to read more of them!"- NightOwl reviews
"The romance was sigh-worthy." - Kilts and Swords
"A new and exciting series." - My Book Addiction and More
"Rich, Rich, Rich in detail. Well written and researched." - World's Best Story Judge

Awards:
2017 Reader's Favorite Book Award Honorable Mention
2016 World's Best Story Award 2nd Place Winner
2015 RONE Award Nominee

Heart of the Highlands: The Beast is the first installment of the Protectors of the Crown Series. Here are the other books to follow:

Protectors of the Crown Series
Book Two- Heart of the Highlands: The Wolf; published
Book Three- Heart of the Highlands: The Dragon; 2018
Book Four- Heart of the Highlands: The Lion; TBA
Book Five- Heart of the Highlands: The Stag; TBA

This series follows a group of five warriors who live their life protecting their king and country. The historical setting is Scotland 1537-1538 during the reign of James V of Scotland.
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Book Details:

Book Title: Life and Death Behind the Brick and Razor: Code Red Diamond
Author: Isaac Alexis, MD
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 100 pages
Genre: Education and Reference
Publisher: Independent
Release date: October 17, 2017
Tour dates: Dec 4 to 15, 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 for mature themes

Book Description:

A prison doctor offers insights into the system's "Correctional Medicine"

Dr. Isaac Alexis' newly-released book Life and Death Behind the Brick and Razor: Code Red Diamond tells of his varied experiences as a physician in correctional medical facilities while at the same time urges teenagers to make better decisions to avoid the perils of incarceration.

Dr. Isaac Alexis brings the fast-paced, high-pressure reality of correctional medicine to readers in his new book. He discusses health problems that inmates face during incarceration and offers detailed descriptions of medical complications that plague many people inside and outside of prison. He also speaks directly to young people about avoiding gangs and drug addiction, as well as respecting their bodies in order to preserve their physical and mental health and their freedom. Dr. Alexis's personal experiences growing up in a tough New York neighborhood act as examples of how young people can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

The desire to help people who do not have access to quality health care drove Dr. Isaac Alexis to focus on correctional medicine. The author also shares how his faith empowers him to advocate for the best medical treatment for the population he works with.

A fascinating and important book, Life and Death Behind the Brick and Razor: Code Red Diamond is a book that should be read by anyone dealing with teenagers and young adults whether in the home, public or educational facilities.



In Life and Death Behind the Brick and Razor: Code Red Diamond, Dr. Isaac Alexis begins his memoir by giving us a brief overview of his early life as an inner city NY kid and his family background. We are introduced to a man who benefited from a strict upbuilding and who worked hard to become a doctor. The writing is similar to a stream of consciousness narrative mode and there are no dates to orient the reader as to what time in his life or history the author refers to, except that he grew up as a teen in the 80s.

Dr. Alexis then moves on to describe his days as a physician in correctional medicine and his experience when taking care of patients in prison. It's clear this is a man who cares about people. Dr. Alexis is a positive person with a Christian outlook and he applies the principle of the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. He clearly is an advocate for providing equal medical treatment for his patients in prison, sometimes going against the superior doctor's orders (of minimal treatment) when he felt a patient's life was at stake. Dr. Alexis took his doctor's oath seriously and saved the lives of prisoners who would have otherwise died if not for his care.

Throughout the narrative, whenever Dr. Alexis mentioned a medical condition, he would explain the condition in detail. Sometimes the details were long and contained medical terms a layperson might not understand. Humor is also infused throughout and I could see Dr. Alexis has a big personality, a forceful positive bigger-than-life kind of character that I liked immediately. I can see how this kind of personality would be needed in his difficult line of work.

As a parent of teenagers, the chapter on drug addiction was the most interesting. It reinforced everything I have read and believe about how aware a parent needs to be in the lives of their teens. Dr. Alexis brings out his experience as a parent, reaching out to other parents to be involved in their children's lives.

Life and Death Behind the Brick and Razor: Code Red Diamond is a short book of 95 pages that can be read in a few hours. It's the portrait of a doctor with a mission. It's more of a memoir than a resource book, however, with some advice for parents on being vigilant and involved in their children's lives.


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