Locks, Hooks and Books
Monday, September 16, 2024
Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Stellar Heir by Scott Killian
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.
He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.
That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.
Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.
An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.
About the Author: Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian
Twitter: https://x.com/authorsekillian
Email: saltnsulfurpublishing@gmail.com
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/9f595cbdc394/author-scott-killians-newsletter
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DF1RLYLB
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Blast and Giveaway: Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nunez
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.
Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.
But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?
In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.
Read an Excerpt
The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.
They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.
…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.
…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.
About the Author: Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Redeeming the Rake by Lorri Dudley
About the Book
Book: Redeeming the Rake
Author: Lorri Dudley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: August 20, 2024
He’s bent on destroying everything she values, stealing her heart in the process.
As a vicar’s daughter, Emily Thompson has always put her family’s reputation first, even when it meant setting aside her aspirations of joining the Royal Art Academy. But when a notorious London rake is accosted in her sleepy Costwold village and her quick thinking saves the libertine’s blackened soul, that reputation she’s so carefully guarded is left vulnerable to vicious gossip.
Agent Lord Jacob Edward Warren’s silver tongue can’t save him when he’s staring down the barrel of a vengeful husband’s gun. but an enchanting damsel’s skill with a bow and arrow offers him the hope of tomorrow. Intrigued by Miss Thompson’s quiet charm, he commissions the budding artist to paint his portrait, but his intensions change when he discovers this beguiling beauty holds not only his chance at redemption but also the intelligence he’s been assigned to gather.
The time spent in Lord Warren’s company has Emily wondering if he’s hiding more than charm and wit behind his reputation as a rake. But when she’s drawn into Jacob’s noble cause, the web of danger proves more perilous than either of them are prepared to face.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.
More from Lorri
Before I started writing books, I used to teach art at a local Christian school for first through fifth grade. Having a main character as an artist was a delight. I wrote Emily’s view of vibrant colors, light and shadows, shapes, and perspective from my personal experience and enjoyed putting an artist’s visual viewpoint into words.
A clash of characters—the Neoclassic vs. Romantic method
The early 1800s ushered in a change from the Neoclassical to the Romantic movement. (They had me at romantic.) Neoclassical art focused on traditional subject matter, often contemporary Lord and Ladies, political figures, or Roman mythological characters. The style used prominent horizontal and vertical renderings in a shallow space with sober colors, and brush strokes weren’t to be seen. Romanticism, on the other hand, focused on imagination, an awe of nature, emotion, and individualism. Romanticists painted with a broader brush—literally and figuratively.
Emily and Jacob’s relationship becomes the merging of the two art movements. Although Emily is artistic, she’s traditional and holds herself in check, afraid to make mistakes or act freely due to a fear of people’s perceptions and being a vicar’s daughter. She sees the world in bright colors and displays a touch of Romanticism in her artwork. When not painting, Emily sees herself and her future in plain and sobering colors. She keeps her world small and shallow to protect her family’s reputation, especially her beloved and impressionable younger brother.Lord Jacob Warren is the born-to-be-wild, laugh in the face of danger, third-born son, who doesn’t care a wit what others think as long as he accomplishes his mission as a spy. However, his individualistic, romantic side is intrigued by the vicar’s daughter who saves his life, and he’s curious about the woman who’d pound on his chest and scream, “You will live, in Jesus’s name!” His emotions stir when Emily notices details about him that others never bothered to learn and becomes charmed by her natural beauty.
Jacob and Emily may paint with different brushstrokes, but their love, when blended, demonstrates a powerful masterpiece, the kind of love that only God could orchestrate.
Enjoy!
Blog Stops
She Lives To Read, September 10
Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 11
Holly’s Book Corner, September 11
lakesidelivingsite, September 12
Betti Mace, September 13
Stories By Gina, September 14 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17
Texas Book-aholic, September 17
Cover Lover Book Review, September 18
DevotedToHope, September 19
Book Looks by Lisa, September 20
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 21
Pause for Tales, September 21
Simple Harvest Reads, September 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, September 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5437
My Review
I had the pleasure of reading the first two books from the Agents of Espionage series by Lorri Dudley. It was an honor to have the opportunity to read the latest release, Redeeming the Rake. I found it to be my favorite of the series. I loved getting to know Jacob and Emily. I was quickly engaged in their story. It had everything that I love in a novel: danger, intrigue, adventure, faith, and romance. It was not hard to read the whole tale in one sitting. I loved it.
I am giving Redeeming the Rake five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are fans of clean historical romance. I would love to read more to come from Lorri Dudley.
I received a paperback copy of Lorri Dudley's Redeeming the Rake from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Bloom in Your Winter Season by Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors
About the Book
Book: Bloom in Your Winter Season
Author: Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors
Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: April, 2024
Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study.
Click here to get your copy!
More from Deborah
Deborah received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.
More from Deborah
Blog Stops
Godly Book Reviews, September 7
Divine Perspective, September 8
Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10
Girls in White Dresses, September 11
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12
Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, September 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18
A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)
She Lives to Read, September 20
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Deborah is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5434
My Review
I enjoyed reading Bloom in Your Winter Season. I thought it was an inspiring book to read that helps encourage Women with faith. It has six chapters that is broken into five days. Each chapter tells of different women from the Bible. Each day is written by different authors and include: scripture, commentary, questions to answer, and prayer. The days are only about three and four days long and easy to add to any busy schedule. They were a blessing to me day to day. I felt a sense of joy and was reassured of God's love.
I found Bloom in Your Winter Season to be a five star read. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read Bible Studies.
I received a paperback copy of Bloom in Your Winter Season from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson
About the Book
Book: Tracking Tilly
Author: Janice Thompson
Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction
Release Date: August 2024
Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.
The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.
More from Janice
Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!
Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.
We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.
Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.
My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.
Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!
I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.
My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.
And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.
As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.
Thanks for reading, y’all!
Blog Stops
Lighthouse Academy, September 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8
Pause for Tales, September 9
Texas Book-aholic, September 9
The Avid Reader, September 10
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14
Lily’s Corner, September 15
She Lives To Read, September 15
Devoted To Hope, September 16
Lights in a Dark World, September 16
Book Looks by Lisa, September 17
Labor Not in Vain, September 18
Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, September 19
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5433
My Review
Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is a great start to The Little Red Truck Mysteries. I loved getting to know the Hadleys and finding myself involved in the mystery. It had a few twists that I was not expecting and had no way of predicting. I was intrigued with the mystery and had to keep reading to find out "who done it". I thought it was a fun, entertaining and delightful book to read on a rainy day.
Tracking Tilly will be getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean cozy mysteries. I am eagerly awaiting for the release for next installment from The Little Red Truck Mysteries. I can not wait.
I received a paperback copy of Janice Thompson's Tracking Tilly from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Movie Review and Giveaway: God's Not Dead: In God We Trust
Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy)
Synopsis:
My Review:
I am a huge fan of God's Not Dead film series and was excited to have the opportunity to view the newest movie, God's Not Dead: In God We Trust. I loved watching this movie. I thought it's release is at a perfect time with the upcoming presidential elections. It was thought provoking that had me look at the current political climate in a new light. It was full of faith that I found it to be inspiring.
I am giving God's Not Dead: In God We Trust a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for viewers of all ages who love to watch God's Not Dead series.
I received an early screener link to view God's Not Dead: In God We Trust from Pinnacle Peak Pictures, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Disclosure:
Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me who you will be watching God's Not Dead: In God We Trust film with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.
Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway is limited to US winners only.
Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.
Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.
Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.
Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.
Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.
Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.
Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Garden Girls by Jessica R Patch
About the Book
Book: The Garden Girls
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Genre: Thriller
Release date: April 23, 2024
On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past.
FBI agent Tiberius Granger has seen his share of darkness. But a new case sets him on edge. It’s not just the macabre way both victims—found posed in front of lighthouses—are tattooed with flowers that match their names. There’s also the unsettling connection to the woman Ty once loved and to the shadowy cult they both risked everything to escape.
Bexley Hemmingway’s sister has gone missing, and she’ll do anything to find her—including teaming up with Ty. That may prove a mistake, and not just because Ty doesn’t know he’s the father of her teenaged son. It seems the killer is taunting Ty, drawing everyone close to him into deeper danger.
As the slashing winds and rain of a deadly hurricane approach the coast of North Carolina, the search leads Ty and Bex to an island that hides a grisly secret. But in his quest for the truth, Ty has ignored the fact that this time, he’s not just the hunter. Every move has been orchestrated by a killer into a perfect storm of terror, and they will need all their skills to survive…
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.
Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living devotionals through her monthly email newsletter. You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.
She resides in the Memphis area with her husband and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog since becoming empty nesters. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
More from Jessica
Does Dark Subject Matter Belong in Inspirational Thrillers?
Spoil alert! Yes.
I am often asked why I write thrillers with darker subject matter and should I? My answer is easy and it’s biblical.
In the Bible, you’ll find all sorts of twisted, dark subject matter. Simply read the book of Judges. God didn’t sanitize the Bible or the people, which include sexual immorality, murder, gruesome violence against women and even cannibalism and child sacrifice (you won’t find child sacrifice in my books, so rest assured). He didn’t approve of these things nor did He condone them, but He also didn’t edit it out for easy reading pleasure. It was important to reveal the dark human condition and what happens apart from God; many heinous things were perpetrated by God’s people as they edged away from their faith into disobedience.
Reading this darker subject matter is hopeful because it reminds us of who we, too, can become apart from God actively in our lives and that God can still accomplish His redemptive purposes in the midst of that darkness. Light shines and is a beacon of hope. Of salvation.
So I don’t shy away from the underbelly of humanity whether it’s through an unbeliever or a believer who has run off the rails and needs brought to repentance and restoration. Light always shines in my books—God rescues, redeems, reconciles and redirects. I’m willing to go there in my stories because I know that it doesn’t stay dark. It doesn’t stay hopeless because we are never without hope.
In The Garden Girls, I wanted to explore that darkness but not with pointy horns and pitchforks. I think we all run from blatant evil that isn’t hiding or masking itself. But what about when evil masquerades as an angel of light? What about when it’s charming, smells good, offers pleasure, and seems harmless? Like a shiny lure that is attractive but when bitten, hooks and binds the unsuspecting victim. Biblical principles and truths weave through the story and in at the heart, it’s a redemptive story. One that takes hurricane force to bring a man to Truth, and choice to bow his heart and yield to sacrificial love.
Blog Stops
Book Looks by Lisa, September 5
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 6
Inspired by Fiction, September 7
Stories By Gina, September 8 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 9
Texas Book-aholic, September 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Blogging With Carol , September 15
For Him and My Family, September 16
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 16
Holly’s Book Corner, September 17
Just Your Average reviews, September 18
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jessica is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of Her Darkest Secret, a paperback copy of A Cry in the Dark and a $35 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5432
My Review
The Garden Girls is the third installment from Jessica R Patch's FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series. I thought it was a fabulous addition to the series. I enjoyed travelling to the coast of North Carolina and discovering secrets with the main characters Ty and Bex. I found myself fascinated with all of the twists and turns. I never knew what would happen next. It was a great book to read in one sitting.
I am going to give The Garden Girls five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean romantic suspense. I would love to read more releases from the talented author Jessica R Patch in the near future.
I received a paperback copy of Jessica R Patch's The Garden Girls from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent m own honest opinion.