by Crystal Caudill | May 9, 2023 | Character Interview
I’ve enjoyed several Love Inspired Suspense authors over the years (I’ve really only read a handful), but I’ve yet to read Dana’s books. That’s why I’m so excited to get to meet Micah Bender from Crime Scene Witness. Join me in finding out who he is, what the story is about, and what danger lurks in the shadows. First, about the story:
Crime Scene Witness by Dana R. Lynn
Finding a safe haven
is the only way to stay alive
When crime scene cleaner Lissa Page discovers a clue at a murder site, she’s attacked and becomes the killer’s new target. Now Deputy US Marshal Micah Bender must protect the single mother from becoming another victim. But with threats coming from every direction, Micah needs to hide Lissa—and the Amish community he left behind might be the answer to keeping his witness safe.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Now for our interview with Micah.
CC: Would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?
MB: Good morning. My name is Micah. I’m the hero of this story, though sometimes I don’t feel too hero-like, and that’s the truth. I was Amish once, a long time ago, but I’m a Deputy US Marshal now. I don’t have time for romance or any of that emotional baggage. Only, I’m protecting this woman, Lissa, and her little girl. Cutest kid I ever saw. Lissa’s getting under my skin, too. But I know it can’t go anywhere. Being a marshal is my life. Protecting people. And trying to forgive myself for past failures.
CC: That is a hard place to be when a good woman walks into your life. So is that your biggest fear–falling in love?
MB: What I dread is the thought of someone I love paying for my mistakes. Twice in my life, I’ve failed to protect someone close to me. One of them died. The other was lost for more than 20 years. I figure if I keep my focus 100 percent on my job and don’t let myself get too close, I’ll see the danger before it strikes. And no one will suffer because of my failure.
CC: Oh honey, you can’t hold onto guilt like that. But I suppose that is something you are going to have to learn on your own. Who is your favorite person to deal with during the course of Crime Scene Witness?
MB: Little Shelby is a hoot. She’s about as adorable as a kid can get. And sassy. Like her mama. Except I’m keeping my distance from her mother. But Shelby? She sent me one smile, and I couldn’t resist her. If I were ever to have a daughter, well, no. That’s never going to happen. Forget I said anything.
CC: Kids do have a knack for worming their way into our hearts. So you’ve told us a little bit about Shelby, but what we all really want to know is who is this Lissa, and how would you describe her?
MB: Alyssa Page. Everyone calls her Lissa. She’s sweet and sassy. And brave. I know she’s scared. After all, she’s witnessed her best friend’s murder scene, has lost most of her family, and has sacrificed so much to be a good mother. On top of that, someone is out to kill her. But she’s not letting it break her spirit. I can’t help but admire her grit.
CC: She does sound like a special woman. You mentioned she’s lost most of her family, but what about you and your family? Do you enjoy family gatherings?
MB: This is complicated. Yeah, I enjoy family gatherings. I still feel awkward being a deputy marshal in an Amish home, but my parents never say anything to make me feel that way. They are just tickled to have me back in their lives. And the food! No one cooks like my Mamm. She’s amazing. I’m getting hungry thinking about it. Of course, there is still some sorrow. No one has seen my brother Isaiah in more than fifteen years. I keep praying. I know the others do, too. My parents don’t talk about him. It’s too painful.
CC: That is really hard to cope with. I suspect I know your answer to my next question. If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?
MB: It would be a tie. If I weren’t so broken, my first wish would be that I could allow myself to fall for someone like Lissa and have a family of my own. Of course, that’s not something I see happening anytime soon. My second wish would be to see my brother Isaiah again. Man, I miss him so much. I can’t even talk about him, the pain is too raw, even after all this time. We were close once.
CC: Broken family relationships can be so incredibly hard. I look forward to reading the story to find out if you get any closure and if maybe a family is in store for your future.
Readers, if you like quick and suspenseful reads, then you need to check out Crime Scene Witness, now available online and sometimes at Walmart.
About Dana R. Lynn:
Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at www.danarlynn.com.
Connect with Dana: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub
Readers, what Love Inspired stories have you read before?
by Crystal Caudill | May 8, 2023 | Counterfeit Faith
I’m so excited to be participating in this giveaway of 14 Faith-Filled books to inspire your reading. There will be two prize packs with one winner of each. (If you are an international reader, check out this giveaway just for you.)
*Open to US Residents only. Not sponsored by anyone but the authors themselves. Giveaway starts May 1 and ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 14th.*
Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill, Confessions to a Stanger by Danielle Grandinetti, Grace Immeasurable by Gina Holder, Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson, The Breakup Project by Carolyn Miller, Shadow in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp, Hope in Cripple Creek by Sara R. Turnquist
From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin, Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly, The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy, The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green, In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer, Beyond Wounded Hearts by Cynthia Roemer, To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh
#Faithfilledbooks #bookaddict #bookaholics #bookcommunity #bookgiveaway #bookgram #booklove #greatreads #readingcommunity #christianfiction #bookstagram #books #christianromance #christianbookstagram #christianauthor #christianfictionbooks #christianbooks #inspirationalfiction #christianauthors #readersofinstagram #bookish #historicalfiction #bookstoread #booknerd #christian #contemporaryromance #historicalromance
by Crystal Caudill | May 2, 2023 | Character Interview
I’ve known Shawna for a long time. She ‘s a sweet woman with a heart for her family and for the preschool kids she teaches. Her first book, The Unsuspecting Heather Meyers was a story close to her heart, and it was a joy to see her launch that into the world. I’m excited to be able to share with you her newest release and first foray into the cozy mystery world with The Visitor Plays a Game. Before I introduce you to her heroine, Teagen, allow me to introduce you to the story.
The Visitor Plays a Game by Shawna Robison Young
How do a Yellow Mustang, a missing Dog, and a game of Clue add up to murder? Connie B. Wright must unravel the mystery. Teagan Wright is determined to impress Aunt Connie. Her fondest hope is to work with her for the Wright Foundation, and organizing a small part of this elaborate fundraiser is a great opportunity to show what she can do. But when her best friend is the victim of a hit and run and her least favorite person winds up missing, Teagan becomes more focused on proving that isn’t the one to blame. Then there’s the body she finds . . .
Purchase Links: Amazon
Now for our interview with Teagan.
CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Teagan. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
TW: Hello, my name is Teagan Wright. As the daughter of a police officer, it’s no surprise I love the game of Clue and a good mystery. I’m a senior in high school and just got accepted to the University of Chicago. Go Maroons! I plan to follow in my Aunt Connie’s footsteps by pursuing a degree in business and then hopefully work for her at our family’s foundation someday. Like Mary Poppins, my aunt is practically perfect in every way. I was hoping to impress her and prove myself when she came in town for the fundraiser I helped put together for a local organization that provides sports training by top athletes to underprivileged youth. But now that I’m the number one suspect in a hit and run, I have found myself in the middle of a real-life game of Clue and must prove my innocence to not only the police but my little town and my beloved Aunt Connie.
CC: That is a tough place to be at any age, especially as a high school senior. What is your biggest struggle or fear?
TW: My biggest fear is that something bad is going to happen to the people I love. My mom died when I was ten years old. My dad is a police officer, so his life is on the line every day. I’m really proud of him, but I’m scared every time he leaves for work.
CC: That is really hard. And now you’re under investigation for a hit and run. What a way for all those fears to run together. Do you have a dream that you keep close to your chest that you can share with us?
TW:I really want to work for my family’s foundation someday. My aunt Connie runs the organization, and she is amazing. I want to be just like her. She’s smart, perfect, kind, and tough. And she often finds herself caught up looking into the mystery of the town she’s currently visiting. She’s so cool. But what’s not cool is this time, the crime my aunt has found herself trying to solve involves me as a suspect.
CC: Who is your least favorite person to deal with?
TW: Oh my goodness, hands down Lacey Brown. She’s a bully and is dating my best friend, Ty. I don’t know what he sees in her. Oh, and Mr. Lewis next door. He isn’t the nicest man. You hear the stories about the old man who yells from his porch for children to stay off his lawn? Yep, that’s Mr. Lewis.
CC: Grumpy neighbors can definitely pose a challenge, and so can the mean girlfriend of your best friend. So let’s flip the question, who is your favorite person to deal with?
TW: Ryan Dodger. *BLUSHING* We’ve been friends since elementary school, but in the last six months, I’ve started to see him as more. Strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, gorgeous, but more than that he is incredibly kind, the basketball team captain, class president, and all-around great guy.
CC: Awww. Crushes can be so sweet. What is one of your happiest memories?
TW: My happiest memories are the times my mom and I would sit at the table drawing together with the beautiful gel pens set she’d given me before she passed away. She was an incredible artist and made me the most beautiful pictures.
CC: Such a beautiful but bittersweet memory. It must have been really hard to have lost her. Do you have a relationship with God or has that experience pushed you away?
TW: God is a big part of my life. I know who I am and whose I am. When people in my past tried to knock me down, I stood my ground and remained true to me. I know that’s because I’m confident in who I am in Christ.
CC: Such a powerful truth! And I’m so glad you have that confidence already in your life. If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
TW: Even the most vile people are capable of redemption. Jesus died for all of us. Sometimes Satan gets a hold of our hearts, and he finds a way of twisting our hurts until we break and change. Look for the hurting and stop Satan from winning. Pray and be there for them. And even when it’s hard, accept their apologies to heal both your hearts.
CC: Such wisdom from a young woman. May we all learn to pray and be there for the people we struggle with.
Friends, if you enjoy quick, fun, and mysterious reads, you’re going to want to check out The Visitor Plays a Game. You won’t regret it.
About Shawna Robison Young:
Shawna Robison Young is a contemporary fiction author who enjoys writing a little bit of the unexpected. Why be normal? In a world of conformity, a touch of something out of the ordinary can make a work of art astonishing.
Shawna loves all things chocolate, especially a warm cup of hot chocolate and sea salt caramel truffles. She is the mother of four, a preschool owner and teacher, a former children’s minister, and the wife of a Navy veteran. Whether it’s singing the ABCs, sharing what she’s learned with new writers, or passing along Bible truths to her children’s ministry classes, she’s a teacher at heart.
Connect with Shawna: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads
Readers, what cozy mysteries have you read before?
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 30, 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 be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit 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.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
April’s Theme: Lawman Hero
*May’s Theme: Exploration or Pioneering
*suggestions can be found at the end of the post.
While this book is not a historical, it is ChristianFiction. 🙂
by Vannetta Chapman
Review by: Madie – An Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge Participant
Short version: likeable characters, un-put-downable cozy mystery, sprinkled with humor and inspirational thoughts, not a romance novel (so NO frustrating love triangle, if you prefer to avoid that).
Extended version:
I was unsure what to expect when the description said Agatha had lost a family member. This book did not make me feel uncomfortable or depressed. It stayed lighthearted (but not shallow) on this subject, with occasional fond memories, or inspirational thoughts. I appreciated that.
I liked most characters. Lovable Agatha is my favorite! She reminded me a lot of a beloved family friend we have. She’s a positive person with a big heart, hardworking, smart, has faith-powered strength, and her inner thoughts are relatable and hilarious. The police station ones had me laughing out loud! Glad to see an older woman who isn’t romance-obsessed or a busybody.
That said, I did enjoy Gina, who technically is sort of a busybody. She’s funny, fearless, determined, and a good friend.
Ex-detective Tony is smart, brave, and a good person and neighbor. I like how he comes out of his shell to help Agatha with her serious situation. Having his more pragmatic thoughts was also a nice balance with Agatha’s.
Tony’s law enforcement facts were fascinating, as were Agatha’s about modern Amish living. Spaced out nicely, they didn’t delay plot, and there was time to absorb them. While many characters are devout, it’s never preachy or unrealistically perfect. Just decent people being fair and kind.
I suspected everyone except Agatha and the baby, but was left guessing until around the murderer reveal. I enjoyed the additional mysteries of what suspects innocent of murder were hiding. It was realistic when our perspective on some characters changed as we got to know them more.
The only time I could put it down before at least three chapters in a sitting was when there was too much background noise for me to read. My only criticism is that the ‘bad’ characters and their motivations are less developed than almost any of the ‘good’ ones.
Good setting descriptions. I knew Texas has rivers, but don’t generally think of them as quiet, scenic vacation spots. I’m eager to continue this series, and find out more about people’s pasts and loved ones.
I received a free copy from the author, but with no obligations. The opinions given here are my own.
For Fans of: Cozy mysteries, Amish stories
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Plot Overview:
Who killed Russell Dixon?
When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream–an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She’s also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent.
Then she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3. She runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.
Dead Wrong is a story of discovering new friendships and embracing a different path in the midst of tragedy. Above all else, it’s a story of God’s grace and provision.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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?
May Recommendations: A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott, A Sweetness to The Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick, An Untamed Land (Red River of the North Book #1) by Laura Snelling, Freedom in the Mountain Wind by Misty Beller, The Ladies Maid by Susan Page Davis, Love Comes Softly Series from Janette Oke, God’s Daughter by Heather Gilbert (Viking era, very unique and heavy topic hitter)
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 25, 2023 | Character Interview
Hi all! Stephenia has blessed us today with a character interview AND a chance to win a print copy of The Swindler’s Daughter. To be entered for your chance to win, check out the bottom of the post. But first, the interview!
I first met/read one of Stephenia’s books when I was very early on my writing journey. It’s been fun watching her writing career evolve over the years. I’m really excited about her newest release, The Swindler’s Daughter, and today I am excited to introduce you to the heroine, Lillian Doyle. First, let me introduce you to the story.
The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee
A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.
Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away–in jail–Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.
When she goes to take possession of her father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye–and has put a target on her back.
To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she’s always dreamed of, she’ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers–especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook
Now for our interview with Lillian.
CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Lillian. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
LD: Hello, everyone! My name is Lillian, and I am the reluctant heroine of this story. You see, I always believed my mother to be a widow and my father long dead. Turns out that isn’t quite the case.
CC: That is a pretty shocking discovery! And definitely very troubling. What else can you tell us about your story?
LD: I’ve lived my entire life with a mother who wants nothing more than to achieve high-society status. Up until a few days ago, I thought my father had died a long time ago. But then news arrived that my estranged father only recently passed away—in jail. He left a business and all of his possessions to me, but…well, he’s made me a rather unusual heiress.
Then on top of all of that, when I went to take possession of my father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure was already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son! It’s quite the mess.
CC: Yikes! How has this revelation affected you?
LD: It’s caused quite the topsy-turvy in my life, let me tell you. Mother and I already had a strain on our relationship—what with her wanting to marry me off to the highest bidder and all—and the revelation of my new inheritance hasn’t helped matters.
CC: Now that you are an heiress, will your plans change?
LD: Everything has changed. My father left me little more than a mystery and house without answers. There’s a lot I need to do to settle the estate—a challenge that has become even more difficult since there are other people trying to lay claim to my father’s home. Jonah insists that the house should go to his family, but my father’s will left it to me.
CC: Who is Jonah?
LD: He is the stubborn cowboy who has apparently taken it upon himself to make everything more difficult for me. It seems my father’s family prematurely gave the house to Jonah’s mother, and Jonah is determined to make sure his mother and sisters aren’t tossed out. As if I would do such a thing!
CC: So what are you going to do now?
LD: To discover the truth and take hold of the independence I’ve secretly always dreamed of, I’ll have to figure out the truth about what my father left behind. It’s a mess for certain, but there has to be something good at the end of this tangle of secrets. Right?
CC: We certainly hope so! Thank you for letting us get to know you a little better. One final question to leave our readers with. If there was one thing you could tell someone reading your story, what would it be?
LD: Don’t be afraid to reach for your dreams. The best things in life often come on the other side of difficulty. It might be hard to face your calling or take a leap of faith, but it’s a risk worth taking!
That is a hard but good lesson that takes a lot of bravery. Readers, don’t miss your chance to read Lillian’s story and figure out all the mystery behind her inheritance.
About Stephenia McGee:
Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Connect with Stephenia: Website | Stephenia’s Shop | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Stephenia is giving away a copy of The Secrets of Emberwild to one commenter on this blog post. If you could inherit anything, what would you want to inherit?
*US residents only
**Extra entries are available below, but those who do not comment on the blog will be disqualified
