BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Marji Laine here! Happy Spring! 

I began reading some of Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach books several years ago. Those are books that I can seriously just drink in. So when I happened upon a brand new one, released on April 17, I was beside myself with excitement! 

And CHAIN REACTION, book 1 of the Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation series, does not disappoint. The story explodes, literally, out of a quiet little town on one of the coastal island along North Carolina. The place is well-detailed and alive with vibrant characters and real-ish events and places. I feel like I should stop in at The Crazy Chefette someday and try one of her grilled cheese and peach sandwiches. The combination wells up curiosity and disgust within me, with the curiosity winning out. 

The two main characters, Raven and Jake, are surrounded, sometimes physically, with "stars" from other books like the leaders of the Blackout security team and the Lantern Beach police, including Chief Cassidy Chambers, the character who started the first Lantern Beach series. While the presence of the other well-loved characters is special, Raven and Jake and their connected past take center stage. 

Both have brokenness and insecurities hiding within them. The insecurities come out slowly and the characters have to battle against them: Raven with her issues of abandonment, and Jake with his fear of failing. Both are such natural issues to deal with that it's easy to relate to these characters. The fact that they have an unfortunate past between them only makes this chance meeting that much more delicious. 

As with many of the Lantern Beach books, the main characters make the book. That's harder to say with CHAIN REACTION, though. Raven and Jake are perfect together with just the right chemistry and concern over the past to make their interactions engaging, but the story is captivating all by itself. Each new setting, each environment and event, could be a backdrop for another explosion. Having bombs as the modus operandi amplifies the danger and heightens the tension. 

And speaking of tension, I actually have a rating scale for that. I'll be talking about that scale (a bell-curve) next month, but I'll go ahead and tell you that this story settles right into my happy place of a #3 with a medium-high (sparkling) intensity. You'll see what I mean next month (May 16).

As with most of the book groups from the Lantern Beach world, there is a bit of an over-arching mystery. The story itself stands alone well enough, but it leaves lots of questions that will be answered in a future book. And this is the very first time that I've read the first book of one of Christy Barritt's series before the last book of the series has been published. Let alone before the second book has been published! I eagerly await the next episode! 

Here's a little about CHAIN REACTION. 

When an explosion rocks Lantern Beach, authorities scramble into action. Was the WWII relic that washed ashore merely bad luck—or something far more sinister?

Dr. Raven Newton, a forensic archaeologist, is called to investigate the bomb that killed one person. With her specialized knowledge of military artifacts, she’s the perfect person for the job—until she discovers who else is on the case.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Laudner never forgot his whirlwind romance with Raven. Once assigned as her protector during a high-risk overseas mission, Jake broke his cardinal rule: Never get emotionally involved. Now working for elite security firm Blackout, Jake is stunned to find himself face-to-face with the woman who still haunts his dreams.

As the investigation intensifies, so does the tension between Raven and Jake. Raven insists their previous relationship was nothing but adrenaline and proximity. Jake knows differently—and he’s determined to prove it.

With a killer targeting Raven and time running out, she needs protection whether she wants it or not. And Jake won’t fail her twice, even if it costs him everything.

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Get your copy HERE!  

Who are your favorite authors who write in series? (I have at least 4 that I can think of off the top of my head!) Let me know your favorites and you might win your own e-copy of CHAIN REACTION! 

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY!

Marji Laine here! I just had the most wonderful day, enjoying a brand new book! 

Elizabeth Goddard’s new release, STORM  WARNING, is a masterfully written suspense full of expansive twists and unexpected curves. To use the water theme that runs throughout the story, think about a flash flood that diverts suddenly against debris. Then the sheer force of the water shoves through all barriers.

That was the plot of this story. It didn’t just trickle in. It started in the prologue with a violence that grabbed me. Then it gripped again in chapter one. (Seriously, I kept having to remind myself to breath during that scene!) And after several hours, when the intensity grew even more, I could sense that the end was near, a huge apex was growing. But I was wrong – I was only in chapter 10 of 40-something. The author kept the tension amped up and growing throughout the entire story. Every high point was perfectly calculated and lasted just long enough before giving the characters a breath and allowing me to take one as well.

Speaking of the characters, plainly, there is target on the back of Remi Grant, the manager of an isolated lodge on the coast of Washington. While storm watching is the main pastime at this retreat, the storm that’s brewing outside the windows of the lodge doesn’t hold a candle to the internal storm within Remi that is poised to overwhelm her.

Her forgotten past is the problem for her. And it has someone trying to kill her. Her goal, as it should be, is to remember what her mind has blocked in order to identify the who and why of the attacks against her. But she’s not even scratching the surface on the issue.

Her new acquaintance, the “lumberjack,” just happens to arrive on the scene in the nick of time to save her life. Could he have something to do with mounting attacks against her?

Her “lumberjack,” Hawk Beckett, has issues of his own that need resolution. His friend suggested this place, as its very isolation could give him a chance to find what he’s searching for. And in truth, the stormy waves crashing against the rocks below him and the wind threatening to knock him over vie against the torrent of deep regret and shame that roils through him over and over again. But when he finds a girl about to fall to her death, instinct and training kick in. Besides, there’s something about this girl. Something more than the fact that someone had tried to kill her.

These two characters are great together. They alternate between trust and suspicion, secrets and openness, confidence and vulnerability. They are presented with such an authenticity; as real as people I actually know. Having finished the book, I want to know more about them and the others at the lodge!

And speaking of the lodge, that is just one of the intriguing settings from this book. I am convinced that Elizabeth Goddard has visited the Washington cliffs during storm season. Her descriptions are so intense and have such depth that I bet she has also climbed a hanging ladder, taken a pre-storm helicopter ride, and maybe even visited a “SquatchCon” event. (That setting was a particular favorite of mine! LOL!)

I can’t recommend this book enough! If you are a fan of the tingling that tightens your shoulders during a good suspense, you’re going to LOVE this book! There’s even a tricky little mystery here (well a tricky big one) that can take you one direction before shooting you the other way. I LOVE a good mystery, and this one is just right!

STORM WARNING is available in e-book, paperback, a library hardback, and an audiobook. I enjoyed it as I crocheted my coming grandbaby’s blanket on audiobook. (My favorite way to enjoy a book.)

Get your copy HERE! I hope you LOVE it!

And speaking of loving great suspense. What book would you recommend right now? Or maybe you have one on your bedside table just waiting for you? Share the title and author in the comments and why you’re excited about it. You just might win a free e-copy of another favorite of mine from Elizabeth Goddard, BURIED. It was the first one of hers that I read and had me hooked on her books ever after!

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense

The Suspense Sisters had some great releases in July while we were sharing our giveaway. These simply must be shared with you! 

First, from Mary Alford released on July 23:  

Innocent lives at stake…
Can a former soldier and his canine save them?

Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 Oooo! This sounds so good! You can get your copy from Amazon. 

 

And also released on July 23, this one by Jodie Bailey:

Kidnappers out for vengeance…

Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Mountain Country K-9 Unit

Love K-9 cops? Get your copy HERE! 

And lastly, Marji Laine has the final story in this cozy mystery and light suspense series bundle:

How do horses, a legendary creature, and a bride-to-be add up to family drama, intrigue, murder, and pure cozy mystery joy? 

Pick up your copy of THE VISITOR MYSTERIES and find out!

The Visitor doesn't invite mystery and mayhem to join her on her journeys. They just show up as she tours the country to support her family's charitable foundation and spend time with her many siblings. Match wits with her as she attempts to unravel the mysteries and unexpected dramas that go with them.

"The Visitor, Connie, is like a younger version of Jessica Fletcher, and trouble follows her all over the country."

See you next week! 

Review: COLD VENGEANCE by Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl!

I had such a delight the last few days. I was able to sit and crochet on a new blanket, watch (silent) Olympic games (volleyball, beach volleyball, and water polo), and listen to a fiendishly intense suspense by Nancy Mehl on Audible. 

Close to perfect this side of Heaven! :)

COLD VENGEANCE is the third and final book in the Ryland & St. Clair series, and boy was it worth the wait!

Elements of the first book came back to haunt in this story as the partner of the Salt River Strangler, seemed to continue to send threats to River Ryland. But there was so much more to this story.

I have seldom had the pleasure of such “Sherlock-esque” deductions. I felt like I was in the room where it all happened, right alongside River and her partner, Tony St. Clair. That was so much fun! And the secondary characters opened up huge emotional swings.

First, there was the client with a missing fiancé. Hope was a thin strand for this situation after so long, and it wobbled back and forth with despair throughout the story. This guy had all the makings of a tragic character, so the entire strand of the story had me emotionally knotted.

Then, there were River’s mom, dealing with Alzheimer's and floating in and out of lucidity, and her precious care-giver. Having lost my mom a couple of years ago to complications with Alzheimer’s, this strand of the story was all too real. And made even more complicated with appearances from River’s dad and brother.

Finally, there was the building tension between River and Tony. You’ve already felt it if you’ve read the other two books of this series, but it becomes palpable from the beginning of this one!

As a completion of this series, it is most satisfying! And though I did read and review book 1, COLD PURSUIT, I haven’t yet read book 2 of the series, COLD THREAT. It’s always ideal to read a series in order, of course, but don’t be afraid to read book 3, COLD VENGEANCE, out of order. It makes for a GREAT stand-alone story!

Here’s the description of this book. The cover gives you a direct link to the Amazon page for it, or you can click HERE to get your copy!

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan.

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the targets of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both?

So what is the suspense or mystery that you are most wanting to read right now?

Author Interview with KRISTEN HOGREFE PARNELL and a Giveaway!

Marji Laine, here. I LOVE new books, and Kristen Hogrefe Parnell has just released a brand new book, HOLD YOUR BREATH. I can’t wait to read it, and I’m delighted to visit with Kristen today! Yea! Welcome! 

So tell me about your new release. Is this a suspense or mystery or both?

Hold Your Breath is Christian romantic suspense, and I enjoy writing this genre because it is such an effective vehicle for showing how God can use the problems in our lives to draw us to Him. Plus, our own lives are full of suspense—just not usually to the degree we find in fiction!

LOL! I certainly hope my life is never full of suspense to that degree! So, what ignited this book? Was there a particular situation or place that gave it the first nudge?

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a setting near and dear to my heart. My husband taught me to ski there when we were dating, he proposed near there, and we are now making new memories there with our young son (Pictured with Kristen at Fred's General Mercantile). This setting is stunning during any season, and so, I wanted to write a series that captured that beauty. Beech Mountain isn’t the only setting in the Crossroads Suspense series, but it features into every book. Characters not only face literal crossroads between Beech Mountain and another setting, but they but also face spiritual crossroads as they fight for truth, justice—and their lives.

Tell me about your characters at the beginning of your book.

At the beginning of the book, Jayna is outwardly a travel blogger wanting to bring awareness to the recovering communities of the Bahamas (post hurricane), but inwardly, she is a young woman desperate for love. Unfortunately, she once again seeks it in the wrong place, this time, with dangerous consequences.

 

Liam Bracken is a private investigator with a big heart that has been disappointed more than once. The last woman he liked chose his best friend over him, and now, he’s helping that same best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain during his church group’s trip there. His Irish red hair earns him the nickname Ginger Ale from the mysterious Jayna who joined the group at the last minute. He is not only a surprisingly good cook, but he also has a keen intuition about people—and he can tell Jayna is not only running from, but terrified of, something.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, what advice would your main character give to readers for this holiday? How would she plan to celebrate tomorrow

After her harrowing ordeal, Jayna would tell the reader to savor time with family. She would celebrate with her sister Beatriz’s family and their parents. They would serve Puerto Rican dishes, including Pavochon (turkey seasoned to taste like pork), Mofongo stuffing, and tostones (twice fried plantains). A certain Ginger Ale might also be invited to the festivities.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? What are you most thankful for in your family? In your writing career? In your relationships? In something else? 

This year, my immediate family is all traveling to visit my brother’s family. Their five children adore my adventurous one-year-old, and thankfully, they have the energy to keep up with him!

Ah, those one-year-olds! My grandson is the same age and has gone from barely toddling to running in what seems like a moment! So, what are you most thankful for this year?

I am most thankful for another year together, because this year has surprised us with some unexpected health challenges with my mom.

Treasure the moments! I’m so glad you are all able to be together! And thanks for joining us today! Kristen is offering one copy for free to one of you! Leave a comment below sharing what you are most thankful for in this season of gratitude!

Kristen has also shared a little tidbit of her story, this part told from Jayna’s perspective. I can’t wait to read it!

            Liam was just pulling his cinnamon rolls out of the oven when the rest of the crew arrived. TJ beelined for the coffee. Matt looked as though he had tumbled out of bed, but he perked up when he spotted Olivia. Reef reached for Kaley’s hand, and the girl literally glowed.
            Oh.
            Shoot.
            Mood music.
            A trip to the mountains. 
            With your girlfriend and her crazy friends.
            Reef was going to propose.
            Jayna’s stomach turned sour, and her perfect eggs didn’t look so appealing anymore. It wasn’t that Kaley didn’t deserve to be happy. She did. But Jayna couldn’t be at the epicenter of a perfect proposal when her own magical moment had ended so awfully days before.
            She fumbled for her empty coffee mug and got in line behind TJ. “So, what are we doing again today?”
            TJ chugged his black coffee. “Ask Reef. He planned everything.”
            The knot in her stomach only grew. Of course, he had.

 Get your own copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH at this LINK or by clicking the cover.

INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH GODDARD by Marji Laine

Inspiration for
Grayson "Gray" Wilde

I have so enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth Goddard over the last several years and am delighted to get to share with her about her life and her newest book, UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR!

Marji: Okay, can I just say that the guy on your cover bears a striking resemblance to Chris Hemsworth in the Thor movies? Lol! Did you have him in mind when you crafted this hero?
Elizabeth: Ha! No, I sent them the picture of someone else, a different actor. Unfortunately, I didn’t put the name on my art file so I can’t tell you who  it is. But I wanted the shaggy hair and I got it. I have always loved the landscape covers but after seeing a guy on my cover, I think I’ve changed my mind. LOL!

Marji: I'd feel the same way! How did this hero come about? Was he a minor character in another book? What has been his evolution from minor character to main character?
Elizabeth: The reader is introduced to Grayson “Gray” Wilde as minor character in the first Wilderness, Inc. book. They learn he’s a federal agent—a special agent with the FWS (Fish and Wildlife Services). Honestly, I wasn’t aware these special agents existed until I started researching. Gray made a quick appearance at the beginning of Targeted for Murder. He and his brother, Cooper Wilde, have some conflict, of course, but they’re also brothers and have each other’s back. Since he’s one of the Wilde siblings he needed his own story.

Marji: When you craft characters, do you develop a full psychological mark-up or maybe use bits and pieces of people you already know?
Elizabeth: I don’t develop a full anything when I start. It all happens as I write. In fact, I might start out with the basics of their background but then as I’m writing the story more pieces to the character’s story emerge and help me to create that dark moment near the end. I think it’s impossible to not draw from your life experiences and people you know.

Marji: Wow! I'm in awe of authors that can develop everything as they go along. I have to plan like crazy. Speaking of planning, how has Grayson Wilde avoided marriage so far? Surely women don’t avoid him, so why is he still available? And what is it about Gemma Rollins that intrigues him?

Elizabeth: He has significant trust issues after an experience with a woman he loved—so he avoids getting romantically involved. But Gemma gets under his skin because she shares a passion with Gray. She’s working to save God’s creatures from those who would abuse them. He ends up not only investigating a wildlife trafficking ring but serving as her protector and given their shared interests and proximity, how could he not fall in love?

Marji: Totally understandable. Is there a character in this story that we should look for in a coming book?
Elizabeth: False Security is book three and we are introduced to two new characters—Olivia Kendricks and Zachary Long—but we’ll also spend a lot of time with the Wilde siblings in that story. Alice Wilde gets her story in Wilderness Reunion, which is book four.

Marji: So tell more about WILDERNESS, INC? Is there a set number of books for this series, or could there be more built on when the current works in progress end?
Elizabeth: I just turned in the fourth and last book, Wilderness Reunion. Initially I had planned for six but the editors have decided to limit the number of books in a series to four now for the Love Inspired lines. Personally, I could keep writing stories set in the wilderness forever. But I’ll be moving on to a new series—just as soon as my editor approves my proposal and I hope she does!

Marji: It's so satisfying to read a series from beginning to end but sad, too. Still, how exciting to get to start something brand new and fresh! Hope to hear of your new series soon! Now about you, personally ... winter in the deep north. How does a Texas girl survive? I’m sitting here in a tee shirt and jeans with my back door open to the porch and my dog running around. The only thing slightly cold are my bare toes. I’m guessing that wouldn’t fly where you are?
Elizabeth: Not at all. In fact, we had an ice storm last night. There are three cars stuck right in front of my house on the country road. Yes, I’m a Texas girl but I really got my fill of those three months of blazing Texas sun in the summer, and I crave cold and snow. So I’d say that the Lord has answered my prayer to see snow and plenty of it! Lol!

Marji: Ha! I'll say. And do you still home school? I thought I remembered we had that in common, though I'm about to graduate my final pair.
Elizabeth: My oldest child is about to turn 25. Yes, I have home schooled my four children all these years, but they are in high school now and about to start college. I am more of a resource manager when it comes to their schooling.

Marji: Yes, I've noticed that with my own. What does your day look like and how do you balance life and writing?
Elizabeth: I think I have finally figured out how to juggle writing and life. I just pace myself. I have a calendar and I know how much I need to get done on any day. If I have time, I will do more, but I just hit my mark and then I’m good to do everything else I need to do regarding my life outside of writing.

Marji: You churned out 4 or 5 books last year, right? How in the world do you keep such a demanding pace?
Elizabeth: Yeah. I also write mysteries for Annie’s Mysteries, which is a write-for-hire publisher. I refer back to my previous answer—I pace myself. That said, there are still many times when I feel utterly overwhelmed and sometimes I start to hyperventilate. I always seem to take on too many projects, but then I just take a deep breath and put it all on the calendar. I compartmentalize and work on one thing at a time. Sometimes that means working on one project in the morning and another at night, but I try to avoid that if I can.

Marji: Okay, now you've just proved to me that you're Super-Author! What accompanies you as you write? Snacks, music, pets, drinks? How do they help or hinder?
Elizabeth: I have found as I age that silence is my best writing buddy. So writing in the mornings when the house is quietest works best for me. When my youngest son gets moving and demands my attention, then if I haven’t achieved my goal already, I might be in trouble. When the kids were young and there was much more chaos going on, I could sit in the middle of that and write—not so much anymore.

Marji: I can certainly appreciate that. I couldn't have even tried to write when my kids were little, but then the Lord knew what He was doing to delay that career in my case! Thanks so much for joining me today!

Readers, one of you can win UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR. Leave a comment with your email address (must have an email address!) and share your favorite thing about winter. One comment will be chosen at random on January 26 and that reader will be contacted for his or her choice of a Kindle or print version of the book!