Monday, September 29, 2025

"Hunter’s Rose" by Carole Brown

 

About the Book

Book: Hunter’s Rose

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Historical Western Romantic Suspense

Release Date: 2022

It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but because she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.
And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

I really liked “Hunter’s Rose” by Carole Brown. This book really kept me reading and at one point in the book I was like “What did that really just happened? I was glad it turned out to be quite something else. This is a story of love and friendship and loyalty. Yes, there is violence with gun usage but it does happens with greed. 

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty, best selling, award-winning full-sized books, one children’s book, one anthology and one companion book, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and one granddaughter, traveling, their dogs, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

More from Carole

When I began writing the Western Romatic Supense books, I didn’t realize how much I would fall in love with the characters and their lives. All three of the books were special to me (and I am considering more).  One thing that helped me was a lot of research, but even more so was our travels in several western states. We were able to meet quite a few new people along with some of the American Natives.

It’s always fun to find new things in each of my books, and in Hunter’s Rose, I learned about early restaurants during that time period. I searched for information about the early trains. I looked for places and things about Boston. I researches, especially, for Mexican teas. And I also had to research Mexican language.

It was a very fun time spent in research, and though I’ve only briefly visited Mexico, it was still a part of my memories and life events which added to the research for my book.

Travel is a big part of our life. From Washington state to Florida to Maine, it all was folder for my future books at the time. And as a writer I intensely enjoy capturing every moment, every memory, every thing that could possibly be used in a book.

  • From harrowing experiences to almost vehicle problems and close-to-wrecks at times (and not usually our fault).
  • From winter weather where I was praying we’d make it to our destiny.
  • From fun times like gold panning in mountain streams to rescuing beautiful horses, along with trying my hand at weaving—and oh, what a laughter my American Indian friends thought that was!!
  • From trying foods that I didn’t particularly care for to some delicious items that I really enjoyed.
  • From almost meeting President Reagan to climbing a mountain to see the hogans where certain American Indians lived (and one where a baby sheep stayed with them).

I could go on and on, but it would take too much time. Finding, living the life we’ve had has been a blessing, especially for my work as an author.

And I feel so honored to have the privilege of learning from life and the experiences we’ve encountered to give me that so that I might create stories that are realistic, fun and touching.

I hope you find Hunter’s Rose just that way.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, September 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 29

Guild Master, September 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Fiction Book Lover, October 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 3

Denise L. Barela, October 4 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

For the Love of Literature, October 5 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 7 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, October 8

Stories By Gina, October 9 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92783-m1qk3cx9

First Comes Marriage....Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma

 


About the Book

Book: First Comes Marriage. . .Then Comes Murder

Author: Donna Mumma

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release Date: September, 2025

Vivien’s Bridal Creations Found at Murder Scenes

Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton’s Department Store.

It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien’s fellow employees and close friends—Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi—and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien’s business at Wynton’s. . .and her reputation.

 

Click here to get your copy!

I wanted to like this book, and I ended up thinking it was ok. It is a mystery about brides being murdered shortly after marrying. Greed is definitely an evil thing!  The main wedding dress shop owner definitely kept her faith through all the trials and the attempts to frame her. This is a story of friendship as well as a mystery. As I have mentioned there is murdered and the story is not graphic (just tells how like with a candlestick) so nothing to make the reader uneasy except murder itself.  This book also tells a little of the segregation of the races in this time period.  I am giving this book 3 stars. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these are my own opinions. 

About the Author

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery, and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also serves as a line editor and contributor for Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by writers. An avid believer in education, Donna earned her M. Ed in elementary education and writes educational blogs and articles to assist teachers overseas for the International School Project. A native Floridian, she loves sharing life with her husband and her energetic collie, Duke.

More from Donna

Til death do us part comes sooner than expected in Levy City, Florida. In Vivien Sheffield’s bridal salon at Wynton’s Department Store, the goal-of-the-day is to make her brides happy. But since all brides were not created equal, some days she leaves for home with a smile, while others send her straight to the mirror searching for new gray hairs. It’s the life of a wedding gown designer and bridal consultant. Miss Vivien, along with her dearest friend and assistant, Mirette, are ready for all the surprises that come with helping girls down the aisle to their happily-ever-afters. That is until someone decides to start killing her brides.

It wouldn’t be Wynton’s department store without some sort of drama going around. Miss Vivien’s friends Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi are no exception and must work around their own troubles when they jump in to help save Levy City’s brides. Audrey has been promoted and works to find a suitable replacement for her old job as Mr. Wynton’s secretary while her new position takes her back to the heart of the fashion industry, a world she turned her back on. Mary Jo battles to keep her family together amidst trying to honor the needs of her parents and fulfilling her duties as a clerk at Wynton’s. Gigi has been given a golden opportunity to work her way up in the store, but her deep insecurities may ruin her dreams of success. Miss Vivien faces public scorn and distrust. She wonders if the time has come for her to follow society’s rules for women her age and just be a grandmother.

Not ones to bow to trouble, the women of Wynton’s lean on the bonds of their friendship while working together to try and make sense of the strange clues the murderer leaves behind.

Female friendships is a strong foundation for this story. We girls all know when you’ve found your special circle, no matter how large or small, you can count on them to come behind you when life throws you a bouquet of rotten flowers. I’m blessed to have a group of friends I met in college almost forty years ago who have supplied me with wonderful building blocks to use for the ladies of Wynton’s friendship.

Because we’re scattered across the country, we don’t see each other often. So, a few years ago, the organizer of our bunch decided we needed to have a yearly reunion. For a week, we get together to eat, laugh, share life-stories, and love on one another in the special way only dear friends can. We have a motto, “You can’t make old friends.” There is something wonderful about being around the women who knew you when you were young and fresh yet still love you when life has started to trace a roadmap of wrinkles across your cheeks and brow. We’ve been there for each other during the blessed times, and there when life steam-rolled one of us and flattened us on the ground.

There are seven of us, from different backgrounds, countries, races, careers, and opinions. We met when we all lived in an old, non-air-conditioned dorm at the University of Florida, where we laughed, sweat, and helped each other grow up a little. Three of us married guys who also lived in that dorm.

Like my ladies at Wynton’s, we know each other’s warts, and we love past them to the greatness we see in each other. There is something special about long-standing female friendships, where that same mama-bear ferocity we had for our children spills over to those select sisters God brought into our lives. And like Miss Vivien, Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi, we will rush in without fear to help us get through the worst of times.

These are the women who help me grow up, shape up, and live up to who God meant for me to be. They are a gift. They are my tribe.

They are my friends. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Vicky Sluiter, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 29

Texas Book-aholic, September 30

Lily’s Corner, October 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 2

Lights in a Dark World, October 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

For Him and My Family, October 4

Sylvan Musings, October 5

Blogging With Carol, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 8

Pause for Tales, October 9

Stories By Gina, October 10 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92610-liztun9g

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Detecting Concealed Evidence by Dana Mentink

 

About the Book

Book: Detecting Concealed Evidence (Security Hounds Investigations Book 5)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 6, 2025

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!


 I really enjoyed reading "Detecting Concealed Evidence" by Dana Mentink. I don't think I have ever been disappointed in one of her novels. They keep me turning the pages. I really was surprised at the ending of this one. I really liked most of the characters in this novel and I especially liked the dogs. This novel was full of twists and turn. I definitely recommend this entire series if you like romance and suspense and rescue dogs. This is a clean read, and Christian beliefs are implied in the story and included in a couple of the scenes. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

 

 

More from Dana

Those bloodhounds are galloping on through this Security Hounds series, aren’t they? Here in book #5, we have Chase and the unbelievably chill Tank. They couldn’t be more opposite. Tank is the kind of dog who only leaves his sunny napping spot when there’s an urgent need to do so. Chase is an energetic, unrestrained, human who gets caught up in the life of the reserved Pilar, a cello player who is simply trying to earn a few extra dollars when her delivery van is forced off the road and she’s kidnapped. That’s only the beginning of the adventure. I hope you will enjoy Tank, who falls deeply in love with Pilar’s cello music, and Pilar and Chase, who definitely got off on the wrong foot when they first met. And what is the object the killer is desperate to get his hands on? Hope you enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 23

The Avid Reader, September 24

Devoted To Hope, September 24

She Lives To Read, September 25

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25

Betti Mace, September 26

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Labor Not in Vain , September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Holly’s Book Corner, September 29

Bizwings Blog, September 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 1

Pause for Tales, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 3

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lights in a Dark World, October 5

EmpowerMoms, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92607-ugsyewij

Friday, September 26, 2025

40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon

 

About the Book

Book: 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God

Author: Rosann Coulon

Genre: Nonfiction

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Our relationships with our earthly fathers were designed to reflect our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Sadly, the reality of sin means that many of us have relationships with our dads fraught with pain, disappointment, or absence. This devotional consists of ten sections which point to God’s perfect display of fatherhood toward us as His children. Scripture readings, reflection questions, and prayers help to reveal His loving heart. If your relationship with your earthly father is marked by heartache, or if you need a rich reminder of the goodness of the Lord, 40 Days to God, My Father will be a balm to your soul.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

I really think everyone should owe and read and reread "40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God" by Rosann Coulon. It is short 40 devotions that have no date listed so any devotion is good for any day. She even says in the section "How to read this book you can pick the section that resonates with your current life situation and start there.  There are ten sections having 4 daily readings, and each one has Scriptures to read and a Pause, Ponder and Pray section. This would be another book to journal with or to start journey.  I think this book is a good one because the author is honest and tells us that God did not always give her the answer she wanted, such as for children and losing her father to Covid. I plan on rereading this book and doing the Pause, Ponder and Pray section more thoroughly, I read the book for review purpose and really felt a tugging in my heart to do a deeper study of the Scripture as I want to really find shelter in My Heavenly Father. 

I received a complementally copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Rosann Coulon is the author of the book 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God. She has contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Grace Co., Hosanna Revival: WHEN blog, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home.

 

 

 

More from Rosann

40 Days to God, My Father was born out of a difficult season with my pastor-father’s struggle with substance abuse. As I walked through the painful circumstances with my earthly father, I found myself grappling with trusting God as a good Father. I sensed the Lord inviting me on a journey to know Him as my One True Father. It was through reading the Scriptures––where I saw the Lord’s character revealed––prayer, and reflection that I found my trust restored.

I want to share the same truths I found with others who may be doubting the goodness of the Lord. Assuredly, He is the perfect Father each of us desperately needs. I pray readers will come away from the book knowing that He is faithful, loving, and kind.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 25

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 25

Simple Harvest Reads, September 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

She Lives To Read, September 30

Guild Master, October 1 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, October 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Vicky Sluiter, October 6 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, October 7 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , October 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rosann is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92609-mf95uhpz

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology by Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

 

About the Book

Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology

Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.

Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

"Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology) by Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis was a fun read. Three stories about mail order brides. This was about Christmas time, but I think these stories would be good anytime of the year. 

This quote is so true! “You need to surrender to God and drop that load of grief and bitterness you’re carrying, or it’s going to destroy you and hurt all the people who love you.” I enjoyed each of the three stories, but my favorite was "The Prodigal Groom" followed by "Miss. Mayberry Meets Her Match".

I recommend this book to all readers but especially to readers that likes mail order bride stories and Christmas stories Inbox that you make your heart rejoice.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.  


About the Authors

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Carrie

Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West

By Carrie Turansky

In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.

December 13 brings one of the most beloved Swedish traditions—St. Lucia Day. In Sweden, the youngest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles, waking her family with coffee and saffron buns. Annika lovingly bakes these sweet rolls with her intended’s daughter, hoping it will draw them all closer.

As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgÃ¥sbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.

Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry  Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, September 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

She Lives To Read, September 25

Pens Pages & Pulses, September 25

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 26

Vicky Sluiter, September 26

Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Bizwings Blog, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Maureen’s Musings, September 29

Cover Lover Book Review, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 2

Blossoms and Blessings, October 3

Holly’s Book Corner, October 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 5

Pause for Tales, October 6

Jodie Wolfe, October 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Carrie, Vickie, and Susan are giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92608-x04cbuqz