Book Reviews

The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden

The Best Intentions JustRead Blog + Review Tour Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Best Intentions
Series: The Huntresses #1
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: November 21, 2022
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one—not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends—knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all—except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer. As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah M. Eden

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML’s “2013 Novel of the Year” and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award’s “2014 Novel of the Year,” Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahmeden.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


MY REVIEW

The Best Intentions
by Sarah M. Eden
Book 1 in the Huntresses series
Rating: 3/5

As someone who is a big fan of the author, I was actually a little disappointed by this story. I found it enjoyable but not as much as the other books I’ve read from her. I don’t know if it was the main characters or the plot but the story did not grab my attention the way other books from the author had. There is a certain sweetness to the book that is lovely and endearing but overall, I came away from the story unsatisfied and wanting more. I will definitely continue to read more books from the author and maybe you will have a different opinion about the story from me.

The cover is gorgeous as always. The characters were sweet and supportive but maybe lacked some of the flavor that I have come to expect from the author. The plot felt weak to me. Do I want to read more about the Huntresses? Absolutely. But will I reach for this book again? Probably not.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

The Best Intentions JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Sundown by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Title: Sundown
Series: Sky King Ranch #3
Author: Susan May Warren
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: November 1, 2022

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman.

A few of her stories prove true–he’s found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt’s not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it’ll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they’ve vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

Grab your copy here!


About the Author

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.


My Review

Sundown

by Susan May Warren

Book 3 in the Sky King Ranch series

Rating: 4/5

Such a fun conclusion to this series! It’s full of romance, action, and adventure that will make you keep turning the pages. I do think it probably needs to be read after the first two books. They are also worth reading so I highly recommend them too.

First, the cover is gorgeous. All of the covers in this series are beautiful.

Second, the story kept my interest and sucked me in from the very beginning.

Third, the clean romance between the two main characters was great. Such fleshed out characters that are relatable.

Fourth, the author always manages to weave in her faith with power moments of truth. Such a great addition to the story.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian romantic suspense that is entertaining and action-packed!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.


Also Available

Read my review of Sunrise here.
Read my review of Sunburst here.

SCARS by Linda K. Rodante

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for SCARS by Linda K. Rodante, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: SCARS
Series: Spiritual Warfare #4
Author: Linda K. Rodante
Publisher: independently published
Release Date: September 2022
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense

He tried to leave the past behind, but it won’t leave him…

Ex-gang member Garrett Lovett is a new creature in Christ. At least, he’s trying to be. He’s got a wholesome routine, a place on the IronWorks football team, and a pretty woman he wants to know better. But when the old gang resurfaces with the ultimatum to re-up or face consequences, Garrett has tough decisions to make. These guys know how to get to him—his addictions, his fears. When things get life-threatening, Garrett must decide if this God he’s heard about is real or not.

And if so, can he rescue Garrett and those he loves before it’s too late?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda K. Rodante is a Florida transplant now living in Tennessee. She loves sweet tea, apple butter and both the mountains and the oceans. Her work with crisis pregnancy centers and anti-trafficking groups gave her a heart for women struggling in today’s society, while still respecting the role God has given men.

She writes Christian romantic suspense novels. Her books wrap sweet romance in real-life issues women face today with an edge of mystery and suspense. She desires to entertain and encourage women in their walk with the Lord. Her books can be found on Amazon She’s a past finalist of ACFW’s Genesis contest and a member of Word Weavers International.

Connect with Linda by visiting lindarodante.wordpress.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


READ AN EXCERPT

Excerpt 3

They rode in silence for a while and finally pulled into Howard Park. A short distance across the causeway, he parked on the far side near the water. Evening was dropping fast. Seagulls called, the wind blew cool and damp, and sea-salt smells filled the air.

After kicking off their shoes, they headed across the sun-warmed sand. When they hit the hard sand along the water’s edge, she turned and headed up the beach at a fast clip. Garrett hesitated a moment then met her stride.

They circled the small island, passing a few other late comers. He wondered if a park service employee would run them off soon. The park closed at dark, and dark was almost on them.

Ryann stopped abruptly and glared at the dark waters. So, did she want to talk anymore, or should he leave it?

A half-moon rose over their shoulders competing with the setting sun. The wash of tangerine, blue and sapphire would be gone soon fading into night. Shallow waves rushed and withdrew, their hush-hush sound background music to his thoughts.

He cleared his throat. “I keep hearing about this forgiveness stuff.”

“Yeah, me too. Only if you forgive, that doesn’t change the other person.”

Ah. There was someone she felt should change. His dad kept acting like Garrett should change, and Garrett was sure his dad should. “What if they don’t feel they need to change?”

Her laugh sounded like a bark. “That’s the thing. They don’t feel they have to. So why should I forgive?”

He was sure she should, but she was getting out of his league now. Pastor Alan or Reece could help with that question. “You should ask someone who knows this stuff.”

Ryann shook her head. The wind tossed her hair across her face, brushing her lips. He swallowed, stared over her head at the Gulf waters.

“Maybe?”

She huffed. “Maybe.”

“Someone important hurt you. Let you down. They tell me that’s the stuff you gotta deal with.”

She huffed again.

“That guy you were facing off with at the church? He’s one of those that hurt you, right?”

“Matt? Maybe.”

“Lot of maybes here.” He tilted his head, wondering if he should pry anymore. “Come on. Let’s walk.”

She turned, sent him a long look from under her lashes. “You do this often?”

“Walk at the beach? Just started since joining IronWorks. Some of the guys there come out regularly. I like it. Seems the wind blows dust from my mind.”

“Why did you join the gang?”

He said nothing, but watched the wind catch her hair, twirl it. Behind her, across the waters, the sky had turned dark violet. Warmth stirred in him that had nothing to do with physical desire, but everything to do with the pleasure he felt being with her, that she’d wanted to come, that she’d shared something of herself with him. It made her question not so intrusive, and he gave her the condensed version about his mom dying and his father’s descent into alcoholism and abuse.

She stopped. “I’m sorry about that.”

He could feel her concern. “Yeah, me too.”

“How are you and your dad now?”

“Still a long way from where it should be.”

Her chin dipped as if acknowledging that, and she started walking again. He caught up in two steps. Moonlight shimmered on the waves now. The rush and crash from their interplay creating a hypnotic effect.

Ryann wandered near the water, kicked spray into the air. A hundred lights caught the moon’s glow and winked at them—a counterpoint to her frustration.

He drew close, making sure she could hear him over the wind and waves. “So, Matt?”

She glanced his way but didn’t answer.

Okay then…

He lifted a hand to her cheek. The moonlight glinted on her hair, across her nose. Her lips pulled in, and he felt her studying him, felt her hesitation. He slipped his hand down her jaw, under her hair, to the back of her neck.

How long had it been since he’d wanted to kiss a woman, nothing more on his mind? Since he was fourteen? Sixteen? In the gang, women were objects. To be used. Yet right now all he wanted was to continue this closeness that had suddenly developed between them, to get to know her.

He pulled her gently forward, his gaze searching hers. Lowering his head, turning it, he pressed his mouth against hers, feeling its softness. She didn’t pull away. He dropped his hand down her back, let his arm draw her close, felt the length of her against him.


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of WARRIOR (Spiritual Warfare Series #1) and $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 26, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours