by Crystal Caudill | Jul 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
July’s Theme: Heroines in Unusual Professions for Their Time
August’s Theme: Bounty Hunter
To Write a Wrong
by Jen Turano
Review by: Crystal Caudill
Jen Turano never fails to be witty, entertaining, and exciting. To Write a Wrong was such a fun story with its dime novel heroine writing during an era when female mystery writers were not accepted. With the hero also a mystery writer and her competitor at that, this story is filled with laughs, romantic tension, and even a murder case. I’d probably call her style light and comedic romantic suspense. How can a book be both comedic and suspenseful? Turano just manages to pull it off with moments of concern for the protagonists and a constant trying to figure out who is the “would-be” murderer, all while laughing at the awkward situations. It truly was just the read I needed, and I’m so glad that I FINALLY got around to taking this one off my TBR pile.
For Fans of: historical romances with a gallon of comedy and a quart of suspense, novelist protagonists, secret identities, light-hearted mysteries, and clean romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she’s determined to solve.
Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.
As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne’s way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Bookhouse | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
Recommendations for August:
- The Bounty Hunter’s Bargain by Lucette Nel
- A Match of Sorts by Lucette Nel (A female bounty hunter!)
- Claiming the Bounty Hunter’s Heart by Clari Dees
- A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer
- Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy
- Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight
- The Bounty Hunter’s Baby by Erica Vestch
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 25, 2023 | Author Interviews
It’s always a pleasure to have fellow authors on my blog. Jennifer L. Wright and I had the chance to meet, I believe, at Fiction Readers Summit 2022. If you know me, I’m really terrible at remembering names, people, and places, so don’t quote me on that. But I DO know we’ve met, and I’m looking forward to reading The Girl from the Papers, releasing on August 8th. Before I get into that, let’s dive right into the interview.
Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home.
She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy dachshund, and three overly demanding guinea pigs.
Her debut novel, ‘If It Rains,’ was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, ‘Come Down Somewhere,’ is a semi-finalist for a 2023 Carol Award in the Historical Novel category. She is also a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
*Be sure to follow her on Facebook as she will be giving away a copy of The Girl from the Papers on her Facebook page during release week.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Jenn with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
JLW: Sweet
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
JLW: Print
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
JLW: Just water (I’m pretty boring!)
Morning Person or Night Owl?
JLW: Morning Person
CC: Favorite Holiday?
JLW: Halloween
I have to confess that Halloween is my least favorite, but it IS so fun to see the little ones dressed up. It’s a sweet time of community fellowship in our neighborhood, so I like it more now than I used to. 😉
What does your writing process look like from beginning to end?
JLW: I usually spend 3-4 months researching and plotting out a novel before writing. First drafts are usually fairly quick–4 to 6 months–as I am simply trying to get what I call my “garbage words” out of my head and down on paper. I then do 3 or 4 self-edits trying to smooth out the rough edges before handing it over to my agent, who walks me through a basic developmental edit. Using her notes, I will do another 2 or 3 edits before finally turning it into my publisher. By the time I “finish” a novel, I’m usually pretty sick of it. Ha!
CC: Wow! That is a lot of time! And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who takes time to get a story written out. I see so many authors who just can churn out books like it’s nothing. And the 3-4 months of plotting . . . I actually love that and need to give myself more time to just dance around in a story before getting it on paper. You have inspired me.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
JLW: While drafting a novel, I cannot read anything that falls in the same genre or near the basic story line. It totally sends me into a tailspin of self-doubt.
CC: Hugs! Boy do I understand that one, but you needn’t worry. You are a great writer.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
JLW: I originally started out as a journalist, working in both print and radio media. Even though it had been my dream since I was a child, it didn’t take long before I started feeling that nudging from the Holy Spirit telling me it wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. I left the field around the time I had my first child and, while I knew it was the right thing to do, I still had the urge to write. That’s when God began to lay it on my heart to start writing fiction. I didn’t originally plan on writing so-called “Christian fiction”–I never marketed my material to agents that way–but, looking back, I can see that was God’s plan all along. The agent who signed me mentioned she noticed a very obvious faith element underlying my work and suggested I make it more evident as a way to strengthen the manuscript. I did that, and my first book sold within a month. Totally God’s hand!
CC: I love seeing how God works through our stories . . . and how he totally turns our self-made plans upside down.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, The Girl from the Papers.
Inspired by one of America’s most notorious couples, Bonnie and Clyde, Jennifer L. Wright delivers a riveting tale set during the public enemy era of the Great Depression.
Beatrice Carraway has dreams. Although she’s aged out of the childhood pageant circuit, she’s intent on carrying her talents all the way to the big screen―if only she can escape the poverty of West Dallas first. But as the Great Depression drags the working class further and further under, Beatrice struggles just to keep herself, her mother, and her younger sister afloat. After a string of failed auditions, she feels defeated.
And then in walks Jack Turner. Though Beatrice is determined to pull herself up by her bootstraps, Jack has decided on a different path out of the gutters. It isn’t long before Beatrice is swept into an exciting and glamorous life of crime beside the man she loves. Keeping one step ahead of the law, she sees her dreams of fame come true when her name and picture are plastered in newspapers across the country. Yet as their infamy grows, the distance between them widens. While Jack begins seeking bigger payouts and publicity, Beatrice starts to long for a safe, quiet life and something deeper to fill the emptiness in her soul. But when the danger of Jack’s schemes ratchets up, Beatrice fears her dreams―and her future―will end up going down in a hail of bullets.
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Tyndale
CC: Where did you get the idea for The Girl from the Papers?
JLW: I wrote a blog post about Bonnie and Clyde while sharing research information about the Great Depression as I was writing my debut novel, ‘If It Rains.’ My editor at Tyndale happened to read that particular post and mentioned to me it would make for an interesting story, although she didn’t think I could turn it into something with a redemptive arc. Long story short: I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I immediately set out to prove her wrong. (She loves the book, by the way!)
CC: I have to admit, I’m dying to know how you wove the redemptive arc in. That alone interests me in diving into an era I don’t typically read. It’s such a fascinating premise!
What about this story drew you to it?
JLW: I found it interesting that the real Bonnie and Clyde both had such a strong faith background, and yet they ended up pursuing anything but Jesus. I couldn’t help wondering what would have happened if they’d made different choices. I think that’s the underlying thought we all have when we see tragedies such as theirs; we wonder about the pivotal junctions that led them there. Writing this book helped me explore that on a deep, spiritual level.
CC: I had no idea that they had such a strong faith background. That really does make one ponder.
Who was the most challenging character to create?
JLW: Jack! Jack is my version of Clyde, and I wanted very much to humanize him to readers. It’s easy to look at criminals who commit violent acts as monsters, but the truth is, they aren’t: they are people. And there are reasons they do the things they do. I wanted readers to at least understand Jack and where he was coming from, even if they didn’t agree with his actions.
CC: That is such a hard balance, but I love that you went after it and from the sounds of it, achieved it!
What do you hope readers will take away from yours story?
JLW: I hope readers will see God’s grace woven through the pages of this story, even if our actions do not deserve it. I want readers to understand just how much God loves them–no matter what–and that they are never too far gone for His saving power. It’s never too late to turn around and choose better. CC: That is a powerful and important message indeed. Before we wrap up, I have one more question for you:
What animal is most like you?
JLW: We recently added three guinea pigs to our family, and I think I’ve found my spirit animal in them. They are a bit stand-offish but sweet to anyone who puts in the effort, and they are happiest when either A) sleeping or B) eating. I identify with that a lot. 🙂
CC: LOL! That is great! And I’ve loved seeing your guinea posts on Facebook!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Girl in the Papers and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what do you know about Bonnie and Clyde? Do you think there is ever a point where you’ve gone too far to change your direction?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 18, 2023 | Author Interviews
I had the honor of meeting Loretta when she and the Suspense Squad interviewed me for their YouTube Channel, and if you like suspense, I highly recommend you follow their channel. Lots of fun interviews can be found there. Now it’s my turn to get to interview Loretta. Allow me to introduce you to her officially:
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in realistic situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray and is published by Love Inspired Suspense. Loretta loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee.
She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Loretta with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
LE: Salty
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
LE: Print
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
LE: Coffe & Tea
Morning Person or Night Owl?
LE: Morning
CC: Favorite Holiday?
LE: Christmas
With the exception of salty and morning, I’m right there with you.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
LE: My first desire to write was while I worked at my church as the Administrative Assistant. It wasn’t uncommon for people to trickle into my office and unload their problems, difficulties, and pain while having coffee. The tug hit me after hearing people comment, “I don’t need anyone to preach to me.” I wanted to write stories people would enjoy reading that would share the love of God in a non-threatening way so they could see God has the answer and He IS the answer. He will make a way where there appears to be no way.
CC: Amen. Writing is such a special ministry that touches people in a way that other ministries don’t. It’s an honor to share that ministry with you. And I’m not saying that writing is a better ministry, just one that serves in a way different from others. EVERY ministry is important and needed. God reaches out to people in all the ways they need it, and some of us just need it through the non-threatening way of story.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
LE: I stand amazed at how God has been in every aspect of my writing journey. My first encounter was how He put the strong desire to write in my heart. I’m an introvert. Well, maybe a recovering introvert. I’m learning to put myself out there more. God gave me the longing to attend a writers conference. I did, and I traveled alone. That, in itself, is a miracle. I rarely travel alone.
Everyone talked about needing an agent. I was mortified by the thought of talking to a professional, so I prayed. Honestly, I prayed God would send me an agent I’d be compatible with and someone who loves Him as much as I do. Who knew I’d enter a contest and an agent would contact me through the contest coordinator? She didn’t know who I was, but she saw something in my writing that sparked her interest. I’m certain God opened that door. Now, Tamela Hancock Murray is my God-given agent.
Receiving a contract for publication was another story. Rejection after rejection didn’t stop me. It wasn’t all happy times, but I learned what it meant to have thick skin in the writing world. One day, eleven years later, I was offered the opportunity to write a proposal for a mountain rescue collection by Love Inspired and see how I do.
I now have two published novels, Pursued in the Wilderness and Blue Ridge Mountain Escape, and a third one, The Marine’s Deadly Reunion, releasing on December 26, 2023. God has blessed me beyond measure, and I remain humbled by Him.
CC: I love hearing how God orchestrates each person’s unique writing journey. And eleven years shows your commitment to wait for His timing and his promises. I am so glad to now get to read the fruits of your labor.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
LE: I would advise aspiring writers to be themselves. Be authentic. Don’t try to be like another author. Write what you know, or at least do your research so your writing will be as accurate as possible. Put words on paper. You cannot edit what you haven’t written. It’s important to understand every story needs editing and is generally edited over and over again. Don’t take rejections personally. It’s hard and sometimes you’ll want to throw your hands up and quit. Don’t quit! Press forward. Pray. Trust God knows what He’s doing.
CC: Such sound advice. And I want to add just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The hardness of this journey ensures that we have to lean into God to keep moving forward.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, Blue Ridge Mountain Escape.
The firefighter rescued her once…
But can they outrun the dangers?
A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: What about this story drew you to it? Does this story have any special meaning to you?
LE: I was drawn to write this story through experiences I’ve heard my son and son-in-law share in their encounters as firefighters. Even though they work in the city, fires are dangerous wherever they break out. Blue Ridge Mountain Escape is a story about wildfires in the mountains. My heart goes out to all firefighters, regardless of their location. They put their lives on the line for others every time they run toward the flames. That’s why this book is dedicated to firefighters, including my son and son-in-law.
CC: That is wonderful. I have so much respect for those who put their life on the line for others. What a blessing to have two sons/sons-in-law who serve in such a manner. Please tell them thank you from me.
What readers do you think will enjoy this story?
LE: Anyone who loves reading suspense with a touch of romance will love this book. At least, that is my prayer. Kendall, the hero, is strong, determined, and knowledgeable about his firefighting profession as a forest service firefighter. He must rescue a lady from a burning cabin in the mountains and get her to safety, but the intensity of the fire pushes them in the opposite direction of his firefighting teammates. Most anyone who has an interest in fires and fire behavior would enjoy this book.
CC: I definitely think that should catch most readers’ attention. I love the concept behind it.
What was some of your favorite research while you prepared for Blue Ridge Moutain Escape?
LE: I loved researching details about wildfires. I interviewed a Forest Fire Management Officer and gathered a lot of information about fire behaviors and tools firefighters use in fighting forest fires. I was intrigued to learn that wildfires can make their own thunder and lightning, and they can develop a fire tornado or in my book’s setting, a fire whirl.
CC: Holy moly! I had no idea about that. It really must have been fascinating to research.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
LE: It is my desire readers will grasp the fact that God is with them wherever they are and in whatever situation they find themselves in. Just as God leaves the flock of sheep and goes after the one who went astray, God pursues after us. In this story, Kendall leaves his co-workers and risks his life to save another.
CC: I love how Kendall mimicks God love in his actions for one. What a beautiful parallel.
As my last question, I always ask a fun, silly question: You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do and is anyone with you?
LE: If I were in the back of a police car on my way to jail, it was probably because I couldn’t wait until I got home to indulge in my chocolate selection, so I sat in the middle of the grocery store floor and stuffed my mouth before paying for my sweet treat. My sister would probably be with me since we are so much alike. Guess I’d have to call my daughter to post bail.
Oh man, the temptation of chocolate. I can totally understand! and LOL! Daughters are a blessing from God for more than one reason, it appears. 🙂
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Blue Ridge Mountain Escape and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, have you ever had an experience with a forest fire, or fire of any sort? If not, what do you think would be the scariest thing for you in facing a fire?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 11, 2023 | Book Reviews
The Pinkerton’s Pursuit of Justice
by Clari Dees
Review:
Sometimes you just need a good ol’ Western to read. Clari Dees did not disappoint with The Pinkerton’s Pursuit of Justice. The story was well-written, lively, engaging and never dull, surprising, and also contained a spiritual element that was light, yet solidly done.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tremain’s determination to capture and keep ahold of the slippery Emmalena. When he realized more was going on than a simple pick up a thief and haul her back, he was equally determined to protect her and root up the truth. His character arc was believable, respectable, and one I enjoyed watching him grow through.
Emmalena was probably my favorite character. She was a woman capable of taking care of herself, yet knew her limitations–even if she did push them on occasion. She might have been on the run, but she had a good heart and a good reason to stay hidden.
Watching these two as they fought against, with, and then for each other was a delight that I intend to repeat.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Pinkerton stories, westerns, and historical suspense. This was my first book from Clari Dees, but I loved it and am already picking up my copy of the second book, Claiming the Bounty Hunter’s Heart.
Genre: Western
Plot:
He’s searching for justice. He just didn’t expect it to be her.
Pinkerton agent, Tremain Taggart, has dangerous criminals to investigate and apprehend. He doesn’t have time to escort a petty thief to Denver, but the quicker he completes the assignment his superior ordered him on, the quicker he can return to more important cases. However, the straightforward task promptly turns into the most complicated, chaotic chase of his career, and if he ever gets his hands on the elusive Miss Justice, he will be sorely tempted to wring her neck.
All Emmalena wanted was a tiny corner of the world to call her own. But after running away from the circus—the only life she’s ever known—all she’s found is trouble. And now she’s on the run, again. This time with a disturbing Pinkerton hot on her trail. If she can’t outrun or outwit him, she might have to risk her heart and actually trust him.
She’s the assignment he didn’t want. He’s the complication she didn’t need. But together, they might be exactly what they were each searching for.
Author Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Clari%20Dees/author/B00BQ38Z4S
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 4, 2023 | Book Reviews
Under Fire
by Lynn Blackburn
Review:
This was my first series from Lynn Blackburn, and I loved it so much that I bought physical copies of the book after borrowing the audiobooks from the library. The Defend and Protect series was a great mix of suspense and romance, and it focused on the Secret Service. No surprise there why it intrigued me. With all the underlying tension between Tessa and Zane throughout books 1 and 2, I couldn’t WAIT to read their story.
While I did really enjoy the book, it ended up not being my favorite of the three. The suspense and action were a lot slower for the most part, and the romance was way up. It was perfect for those who love the will-they or won’t-they get together books, with special looks, pet names, and kisses. I tend to prefer suspense over romance and this book was definitely a romance over suspense. I still really enjoyed it, and I really appreciated the touching on alcoholism. Overall, it is a book I recommend and will probably enjoy again in the future.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Plot:
USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend–and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.
Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president’s protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.
Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?
Sparks fly as award-winning romantic suspense writer Lynn H. Blackburn closes out her Defend and Protect series with this explosive tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and relationships restored.
Lynn Blackburn’s Website: https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Baker Book House | Christianbook
Have you read the series? Which book was your favorite? Have you read any of Lynn Blackburn’s other books? Recommendations for a next read from her? Or if you haven’t read her yet, are you intrigued?
