Friday, March 31, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Mirrored Reflections by J F Ridgley

 


Book Details:

Book Title:  Mirrored Reflections by J.F. Ridgley
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  418 pages
GenreChristian Romance
PublisherR Pride Publishing
Release date:   December 2022
Content RatingPG-13 +M.  This is a Christian Romance, no sex. two hot kisses. Lots of trauma but a happy ending. There is a language warning: Chad's debridement is painful, being a burn survivor is painful and the story is about also about sexual trafficking.
Book Description:

“I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU” - Hebrews 13:5

Opposites attract and Chad and Sierra are that.

Chad is destroyed on the outside by a suicide bomber while Sierra is broken on the inside by human trafficking. They are each other’s reflection of who they are - beautiful but ravaged by life.

Chad Michaels, an Afghan vet, comes home to a suicide bomber who destroys not only his family but the man he was. Now, he must deal with life as a burn victim -- as a monster. But Sierra sees what a beautiful man Chad truly is.

Not all wounds are flesh. Many are inside one’s soul where Sierra Smith’s scars run deep. Yet, Chad sees the innocence that Sierra fails to see. Kidnapped at the early age of six, Sierra was raised to become a high-end prostitute who now dreams of becoming a nurse...someone who helps heal people not service them. But her past relentlessly haunts her.

​Sierra and Chad are determined to help each other heal from their traumas – whatever it takes. And, somehow, with God’s help, they will survive to see a brighter day.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
Books2Reads

Meet the Author:

JF Ridgley is the author of eight novels and short stories set in ancient Rome and three contemporary romance novels. She loves researching history and writing fiction based on real stories of real people. She also loves to write contemporary romance because the ancient Roman saying of ‘Live. Love. Laugh.’ is just as true today.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook pinterest instagram goodreads



MIRRORED REFLECTIONS Book Tour Giveaway




My Review: 

I found Mirrored Reflection to be a great read. It was also a fabulous introduction to the new author to me, J F Ridgley. After reading this one, it will not be the last. The writing style is a little different than what I am used to, but within the first few chapters, I was hooked. It is one of those books that toys with my emotions, forcing me to keep a box of tissues beside me while I read. It is not one that I would want to read in public spaces. I liked that there was a faith element within the pages. It is not on the too preachy side, though, keeping some readers from feeling uncomfortable with those kinds of elements. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Chad and Sierra. I liked watching them grow and seeing how they were trying to heal from the trauma they endured. I thought the author did a good job with how one would feel with events given to them.

Mirrored Reflections will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading from the clean romantic fiction genre. I am interested in reading other books from J F Ridgley in the near future. This one is definitely worth reading and not to be missed. 

I received a paperback copy of Mirrored Reflections from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Every Flower of the Field by Sara Davison

About the Book


Book: 
Every Flower of the Field

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 15, 2023

Safe is the most dangerous feeling of all.

For as long as she can remember, Rose Galway has been a captive, controlled by one man or another. To her, though, God is the one holding the keys, refusing to set her free despite the desperate pleas she has sent heavenward.

Detective Laken Jones has known hardship too, including the daily trauma of racism. Still, nothing he has gone through compares to what Rose has endured. He wants nothing more than for her to experience hope and healing and maybe even happiness in her life.

But first he has to find her.

Laken is willing to risk everything to set Rose free. And to help her find her way to God. Even if that means letting go of her—and the future he envisions for the two of them—forever.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and two sparrows for a penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

 

More from Sara

Neil Gaiman once said, “Fiction gives us empathy. It puts us inside the minds of other people, gives us the gift of seeing the world through their eyes…” To me, that is one of the primary reasons to read and to write fiction. Every time I write a scene with a character, it’s my job as the author to put myself inside that character, to think what they are thinking and feel what they are feeling, and to draw readers inside that character too.

When what that character is experiencing is deeply painful or traumatic, that job can be extremely difficult. In my series, two sparrows for a penny, the main characters of the first two books, Every Star in the Sky and Every Flower of the Field, have has been caught up in sex trafficking for several years. What they experienced wasn’t easy to write about, especially since, although Tala’s and Rose’s stories are fictional, I am painfully aware that so many women have been or are currently in the same horrific situation.

It may be difficult to read about too, although the stories also contain humor and love and family and, ultimately, hope. Still, it is so important that stories like these are told. If Neil Gaiman is right, reading about what others are going through increases our empathy, our compassion, for their plight. And empathy and compassion are catalysts for action. If we turn away from suffering, pretend it doesn’t exist, we do nothing to help alleviate it. But if we face it, acknowledge it, we might find in ourselves the courage to take a stand against it, to do what we can to help, to let these women know that they are not alone. That they are precious to God and they are precious to us.

The title of this series is two sparrows for a penny, which comes from Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Every human being caught up in the unspeakably heinous world of trafficking is loved by God. He sees them and knows what they are going through and, one day, he will mete out perfect justice to all who perpetuate this evil. My hope and prayer for these stories is that readers will be compelled to pray for the women and some men who are victims of this practice and maybe even become involved, through a reputable agency, in working to help free those in captivity.

And I also hope and pray readers will be reminded that, whatever they are going through in life, they are never alone either. As God knows the name of every star and takes care even of the flowers of the field, He knows every one of our names and watches over us as well. Tala and Rose finally come to realize that, even in the midst of horrific circumstances, they were never alone. God saw them, remembered them, brought them out of captivity, and will continue to walk alongside them as they begin their long journeys of healing and hope.

And He promises over and over in His Word that He will do the same for every one of us.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 23

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 23

An Author’s Take, March 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

Texas Book-aholic, March 26

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 26

Betti Mace, March 27

The Sacred Line, March 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

deb’s Book Review, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

For Him and My Family, March 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Rebecca Tews, April 5

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Sara is givinga way the grand prize package of a book-related stained glass window hanging and a paperback copy of Every Flower of the Field!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/24ff1/every-flower-of-the-field-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Every Flower of the Field is the second installment from Sara Davison's Two Sparrows for a Penny series. I really enjoyed the first book, Every Star in the Sky, and enjoyed this one even more. I believe since this is a series, it would be best to read it in order, but readers can get enough information from this one to be able to read it as a stand alone. This time around, readers give goes on a thrilling ride with Rose and Laken. The suspense kept me engaged that made me want to keep reading on until the end. 

I am giving Every Flower of the Field four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Romantic Suspense. I look forward to the next book from the Two Sparrows for a Penny series to see what adventure awaits.

I received a digital copy of Every Flower of the Field from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Connection Game by S S Turner

 


Book Details:

Book Title:  The Connection Game: A Novel by S.S Turner
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  272 pages
GenreLiterary Fiction
PublisherThe Story Plant
Release date:   Feb 2023
Content RatingPG: There’s some violence and a small bit of profanity.

Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: The Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan
The Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan 
Publisher: DX Varos Publishing (March 7, 2023) 
Category: Literary Fiction, British and Irish Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction 
Tour Dates March 13-April 11, 2023 
ISBN: 978-1955065702 
Available in Print and ebook
396 pages 
Campbell Sisters

Description Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

Helen Campbell is the eldest and most practical of three sisters, daughters of hard-working Irish emigrants living in New York City in the 1950s. She does what she can to keep the wild-child middle sister, Carolyn, in line and support the youngest, Peggy, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a doctor. Then Helen meets Charlie. While it's love at first sight for those two, Carolyn’s antics threatens to derail all the sisters’ future happiness. However, through thick and thin, the three sisters strive to prevail, though not necessarily in the ways they thought they wanted.

Excerpt

In this excerpt from The Campbell Sisters, Helen and Charlie are on their first date and Charlie, a professional boxer, takes Helen to Sillman’s Gym to watch a fight. 


“Thought we’d take in tonight’s fight. What do you think Helen? Excited?” Charlie pointed to a man sitting at a desk in the corner. “That’s Lou Stillman. He owns the place. He always sits right there so he can watch the door and make sure no one gets in without paying. And I mean no one. If some celebrity tries it, Lou yells, ‘Pay up, ya bum.’ He’s great.”

While Charlie talked, he pulled Helen over to the gallery seats. “These seats okay?”

Helen looked at the wooden folding chairs in a daze. “They’re fine, Charlie.”

“Swell. You want something to drink? There’s a counter in the back that sells food at lunch, but they might still have some sodas or something.”

“No, I’m fine.” Helen couldn’t imagine eating or drinking anything. It was tough enough to hold her dinner down. She knew the gym’s stench would stay in her nose for days, and she’d probably never get it out of Carolyn’s sweater.

“Hey, Charlie,” someone called from across the room.

“Joe! Didn’t expect to see him here tonight. Helen, mind if I go over and get Joe? He’s my trainer. Gee, this is great. I really want you to meet him, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll be right here when you get back.”

Charlie squeezed her shoulder. “Save the seat next to you for Joe. I’ll put my cap on my seat.” . . . 

“Helen, I want you to meet my trainer, Joe Hayes. Joe, Helen Campbell.”

“Nice to meet you, Helen,” Joe said, pulling off his fedora and shaking her hand. “Whatever did a pretty young lady like you see in this bum?”

“Don’t pay any attention to him, Helen. He just wishes he’d met you first. Joe, grab the seat next to Helen. . . “

. . . the bell rang and the referee jumped into the ring to announce the fighters. There wasn’t an emcee or announcer like Helen had seen on the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports TV show she sometimes watched with her father. This was much more informal. The referee read the night’s card and the two boxers climbed into the ring amid both cheers and jeers.

Charlie came back to his seat just as the bell rang to start the first round. The two men on either side of Helen could have been on another planet. They were so fixated on the action in the ring, it was like she wasn’t even there. The bell rang again to signal the end of Round 1.

“Do you see the way Hank’s flat footing it?” Joe asked. “He won’t last long unless he starts to tap dance.”

“You’re right. And he’s not covering his left side at all,” Charlie said.

Helen sat mute while the two men critiqued the boxers’ performances. The bell rang for Round 2.

“Did you see that, Helen?” Joe asked after one boxer landed a punch. “That’s called an upper cut. You try to get in under the other guy’s defenses and land one on his chin.”

“That must hurt. I’m amazed anyone has any teeth after a punch like . . .”

Helen’s voice drifted off. She stared across the ring at a couple who had just arrived and were trying to find two seats together.

“Helen? You all right?” Joe asked.

Charlie was busy discussing the fight with another boxer who sat on his left.

“Charlie,” Joe yelled over the noise of the gym, “something’s wrong with Helen.”

“What?” Charlie turned and looked at her. All the color had drained from her face and she stared straight ahead, not responding to either of them.

“Helen,” Charlie yelled, shaking her arm. “Helen, what is it? What happened, Joe?”

“I swear, I don’t know. She was fine one minute, then the next, she turned into a statue, just staring across the ring.”

Charlie looked over to where Helen stared. He didn’t see anything unusual.

“Helen.” He grabbed her chin and swung her head around to face him. “Helen, say something.”

Her eyes focused on his and she shook her head. “What? What’s the matter?”

“Oh, thank God you’re all right. Joe and I thought you were having a fit or something.”

“A fit? What are you talking about? Charlie, that makes no sense at all.”

“Helen,” Joe said, “we were talking and all of a sudden you stopped and froze. Scared me to death, I have to say. What happened?”

“I . . . I don’t know. Maybe the fight . . . being up this close . . . I don’t know. And . . . and I thought I saw someone I know.”

“Do you want to leave, or go say hello to whoever you saw?” Charlie asked.

“No. No, I’m fine now. Honest. And it wasn’t the person I thought it was. Sorry to have caused you both to worry.”

“You’re sure?” Charlie asked.

Helen nodded, but Charlie grabbed her hand and didn’t leave his seat for the rest of the fight. Joe kept one eye on the fight and one on her for the next few rounds.

She was aware of their concern, but she knew what had happened had nothing to do with the fight or the gym. One half of the couple who came in late was her sister, Carolyn. And when the man with her removed his hat, and gave Carolyn a loving kiss, the gym’s lights glittered off his gold wedding band.

© Eileen Joyce Donovan

Awards and Praise for Eileen Joyce Donovan

2019 Marie M Irvine Award for Promises, 2021 When Word Count competition for A Lady Newspaperman’s Dilemma “This story is well written and immerses the reader in the period rooting for Alex. At times, I found her decisions a bit rash, but I remembered myself fighting for my career in a male-dominated field. The story is well-researched, and I enjoyed it immensely.”- Carol Amorosi, Author of The MacKay Mysteries, Series “It was compelling to read of the mores of the time: school teachers couldn't drink in public, staying at a boarding house came with a set of restrictive rules and trying to get lead stories in a newspaper entailed being part salesperson/part private investigator. With the role of newspapers and reporters being in the news of late, this depiction of a young woman learning the ropes in a competitive, male dominated field was fascinating in the scope of how tough it is to get a story right.”- Susan Wands, Author of Magician and Fool “I don't normally read historical fiction, but I so enjoyed this book set in the 1920's. The theme is timeless as the main character is determined to make it in a man's world. Great read!”- Stacy Wilder, Author of A Liz Adams Mystery, Series “The characters and fast paced plot drew me in and kept me reading. I enjoyed the historical details and the fact that every time I thought I knew how a character would react, I was wrong. The author is too skilled to fall into stereotypes.”- Grammarian, Amazon Review

Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce DonovanAbout Eileen Joyce Donovan

Eileen Joyce Donovan has been writing her entire life, in one way or another, whether it was imaginative stories for friends, or advertising copy for clients. At the persistent urging of her husband, she finally agreed to seriously edit and revise one of her stories and take the plunge. Years later, her persistence paid off and both her debut historical fiction, Promises, and her second novel, A Lady Newspaperman’s Dilemma, won prestigious awards. Her short stories have appeared in several anthologies, and her essays have been included in various Chicken Soup for the Soul editions. She lives in Manhattan, New York and is a member of Authors Guild, Women’s National Book Association, Women Fiction Writers Association, and The Historical Novel Society. Twitter: https://twitter.com/etdonovan1

Pre-order Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

Amazon Barnes&Noble DX Varos Publishing Bookshop.org IndieBound

Follow Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 13 Kickoff & I 
Emily Many Thoughts of a Reader Mar 14 Review 
Denise Amazon & Goodreads Mar 15 Review 
Danielle Urban Book Reviews Mar 16 Review 
Jane Amazon & Goodreads Mar 17 Review 
Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Mar 21 Review & Guest Post 
Sal Bound 4 Escape Mar 22 Review 
DT Amazon & Goodreads Mar 23 Review 
Just Another Reader Mar 24 Review & Excerpt 
Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews Mar 29 Review & Guest Post 
Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Mar 30 Review & Excerpt 
Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews April 4 Review 
Bee Book Pleasures April 7 Review & Interview 
Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews April 11 Review 

Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

My Review

The Campbell Sisters is my first introduction to the talents of Eileen Joyce Donovan. After reading this book, it will not be the last. I found this story of three sisters of Irish heritage living in New York City during the 1950s. It was entertaining to see how the three lived and their relationship with each other. It was delightful to read their antics in their daily lives and in finding love. I really liked reading their tale.

I am giving The Campbell Sisters four and a half stars. I recommend for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. I will most definitely will be looking forward for more releases by Elain Joyce Donovan in the near future. This one should not be missed. 

I received a digital copy of The Campbell Sisters from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Book Blast and Giveaway: The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Eighty-four seconds can change your life. Or destroy it. Josie Nickels is an Emmy-winning news anchor, poised to rise through the ranks of television journalism. On a bitter March evening on live TV, the pressures and secrets burbling behind the closed doors of her ridiculous Victorian mansion explode and the overwhelmed journalist spills family secrets like a Baptist at altar call. The aftermath costs her much more than a career. It robs her of a beloved son—a preppy, educated millennial trapped in the deadly world of addiction. Desperate for a new start and a way to save her son, Josie packs up her pride, her young daughter, and accepts a new job slinging cosmetics at a department store make-up counter with other disgraced celebs. In the gorgeous mountains of Asheville N.C., known for hippies, healings, and Subarus, Josie is faced with a choice for her son: Take a chance on a bold, out-of-the-ordinary treatment plan for her son or lose him forever. This heart-wrenching and, at times, hilarious novel, will delight fans of book-club women’s fiction and inspire and give hope to those with addicted sons and daughters.

Read an Excerpt

She’d felt the bump of her lower abs, firm with life as she stood from the vanity and twirled in the fitted, beautifully cut gown, its swishy A-line skirt floating beneath her waist. In the mirror, the iridescent beads shimmered against the sun drifting through her bedroom window.

Her parents’ fifteen-room Beaux Arts mansion spoke Southern elegance at its uppity best. As she admired the gown, she heard staccato raps at the door. Without invitation, her mother burst into her pink-and-cream bedroom with its billowing canopy bed that made Josie feel protected. “You look beautiful,” she said, scanning her in her entirety. Josie waited for the “but.” “Turn around and let me see you from the side.”

Katherine looked striking—and intimidating—in her ruby mother-of-the-bride gown, its ruched waist showing off her incredible figure and a front slit opening to reveal a long, tanned leg. “The dress is deliciously posh. However…” she said, hands on Josie’s shoulders as she angled her in the light. She rubbed her forehead. “I’m having second thoughts about you wearing white. Anyhow, too late now, isn’t it?”

Josie inhaled sharply, refusing to let her mother ruin this day. “Can’t you wear a support garment? Around your middle?”

“I’m four months pregnant, Mother. It’s not exactly a secret.”

“Secret or not. We’re not the bloody sort to display our premarital lust at the altar.”

Josie flushed but said nothing. Her mother’s barbs and put-on British jargon would not get to her today. She had nothing to hide. It was 1994, for heaven’s sake, and not puritanical times when young women like her had been shuttled away to stay with “beloved relatives.”

About the Author:
Susan Reinhardt grew up in LaGrange, GA. and Spartanburg, S.C.where most girls twirled batons, entered beauty pageants, and became debutantes.

Bucking the norm, Susan spent her free time water skiing almost every day, fishing, and pining for a ragamuffin boy who was always up to no good.

Earlier in her college years, she pursued nursing, but most of her patients were terminal and her mastery and frequency of giving enemas had her questioning this line of work, though she adores nurses and often wishes she’d have stuck with the field.

She recently took a part-time job caring for adults with disabilities and loves the work, figuring it would at least make up for past misdeeds and get her a better shot at the Pearly Gates.

Writing has always been her first love. And she became good enough at it to earn many dozens of awards, including three Best of Gannetts for her feature stories and columns. Along with a bunch of other junk that really doesn't matter in the end.

What matters to Reinhardt is making people laugh. And think. And love others.

She is married to her second and final husband, country and genius lawyer Donny Laws who is bald but has a ponytail and loves to ride a bike. She has two adult kids, three steps, and a granddaughter.

She’s been on national TV, has modeled for one glossy magazine, and was the subject of a British documentary on aging and body image. She hopes that the documentary is lost and never resurfaces.

She once had a radio show called Susan Uncensored; a sold-out one-woman show called “From Hilarity to Insanity and Back.”

She no longer water skis but performs fairly decent front and backflips from a diving board and half-ass rides a unicycle and twirls a baton simultaneously.

Her hobbies include a vintage camper obsession and she’s owned three. Recently she’s settled on her 1968 Scotsman, which she hopes to paint pink and teal with polka-dots and haul on book tours.

She has two rescue cats who vehemently hate each other.

In her next life, she’d like to be a figure skater.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour and Guest Post: Fade to Blue by Hank Scheer

 



Book Details:

​Book Title:  FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  288 pages
Genre: Thriller 
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  Mar 2023
Formats Available for Reviewprint-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: ​PG-13 for some bad language

"Fade to Blue kicks off with shocking twists and attention-grabbing characters. The ongoing discussions between cat and mouse are tense, especially as the lines between terrorists and anti-terrorists working undercover become blurred. The stakes are high but also personal—Marcel’s monologues, while not likely realistic, are a lot of fun. Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot, Scheer has written a winning page-turner." -BookLife, Editor's Pick 

"Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next." - Kirkus Reviews

"The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with René, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want." - Foreword Clarion Reviews

"The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads." - Midwest Book Review

Book Description:

Will Dr. Brenalen's unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer's, or will it be used for bioterrorism?

Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah's brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.

Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn't count on is that two can play this game.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N 
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

Hank Scheer's writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, "Hey, let's write a short story." They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.

At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person's brain.

Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.

It doesn't involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.

Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.

connect with the author: website goodreads
Guest Post:

Creating Sarah and Marcel


When I began writing Fade to Blue, my protagonist was an evil scientist named Edgar Brenalen, who concocts a brain-destroying drug to use against his enemies. I quickly decided there are enough evil people in the world and changed him to a well-meaning scientist who accidentally creates a horrific drug. That evening I told my wife I was going to write a book. To my surprise, she didn’t laugh.


“Really? What’s it about?” she asked.


“It’s about a scientist who’s working on a cure for Alzheimer’s. One day he accidentally creates a brain-destroying drug, and he . . .”


“Why does your scientist have to be a man? Why not a woman?”


Realizing she’d cut me off, she offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I interrupted you. Go ahead.”


Thank you. Anyway, as I was saying, it’s about a scientist. One day she accidentally creates a brain-destroying drug.”


And just like that, Dr. Edgar Brenalen became Dr. Sarah Brenalen.


Sarah’s nemesis in Fade to Blue is a professional assassin named Marcel. While creating his character, I remembered the movie Three Days of the Condor, in which Max von Sydow plays a hitman named G. Joubert. Unlike the vile killers I’d seen in other movies, Joubert was a gentleman—well-dressed, articulate, and soft-spoken. He was an artist, listened to classical music, and just happened to kill people for a living.


I stole G. Joubert from Three Days of the Condor and made him Marcel Joubert in Fade to Blue.


Enter the Giveaway:
FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer Book Tour Giveaway



My Review: 

Fade to Blue is a fabulous debut for the new author Hank Scheer. I found this book to be one that held my attention from page one until all the way to the end. The mystery and suspense often had me sitting on the edge of my seat. With all of the twist and twists, I could feel my head was spinning, making it seem as though I was on a scary roller coaster. Whew, what a ride! This is one of those books I could never be able to predict as to what would happen on the following scenes, forcing me not to put it down. Sarah was a character that had me wanting to keep rooting for her. Her tale is filled with action, danger, adventure, mystery, and suspense. All of it had me thinking "what if", and if it could be something that could really happen.  It looks like Hank Scheer has earned himself a new fan, and his talents have truly shown through in this book.

I am giving Fade to Blue five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hank Scheer to find out what other thrilling reads he will release in the future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed and is worth reading. Readers will not be disappointed.

I received a paperback copy of Fade to Blue from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Movie Review and Giveaway: Miracle at Manchester

 



MIRACLE AT MANCHESTER is a powerful film based
on the true story of a high schooler & the power of prayer!

Moms, watch MIRACLE AT MANCHESTER with your family today & be inspired!

Do you need hope in times of distress? Watch this
film & be reminded of God’s strength & sovereignty!

God is still in the business of miracles. Based on the true story, a
high schooler’s bright future changes in an instant when he’s diagnosed
with an aggressive cancer. But the power of prayer and support from
his community renews a father’s faith and brings healing to a family.

Watch Miracle at Manchester on Pure Flix starting March 31st!


Trailer:

 


My Review:

I enjoyed watching Miracle at Manchester. I loved that it was based on true events and how the power of prayer works. It is one of those movies that made want to keep a box of tissues handy throughout. I was inspired by Brycen’s courage and determination to survive, as well as those who were so supportive during his fight. It is one of those movies that tugs and toys on your emotions while, also warming your heart. My family and I enjoyed watching it.

I am giving Miracle at Manchester a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages and for those who enjoy watching faith based and inspirational movies.

I received an early screen link of Miracle at Manchester from Pure Flix, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Giveaway: 

3-month subscription to Pure Flix 


Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me who will be watching Miracle at Manchester with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Winner’s name will be drawn on April 5, 2023.


Giveaway Rules:   


Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Winners will have to reply to email that is sent to you to let you have won within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days and those who have won a PureFlix subscription in the last 6 months, will be disqualified.