#covenantbooks

Not Dead Yet by Traci Hunter Abramson

About the Book

Title: Not Dead Yet
Series: Guardians #6
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: June 13, 2022

Cassidy Edgemont has been dead for four years. At least, that is what the world has been led to believe. After becoming unwittingly entangled in a group called the Coalition, known for using fake news to generate political unrest in the United States, Cas was offered a devastating choice: stage her own death and join her rescuers, the guardians, or risk the wrath of the organization she betrayed. She chose death.

As an invisible government operative, Cas has been living in Paris with no complications—until her family pays an unexpected visit to the European city, changing everything. They think Cas is dead, and she has to keep it that way. But when a bomb is detonated nearby and fake news incites riots in the city, Cas recognizes the mark of the Coalition.

Donovan, a fellow guardian, is summoned to join her in Paris to attempt to untangle the intricate web linking Cas’s past with the recent bombings. But as the threat level escalates, Cas must again make an impossible decision: face possible exposure to her family in her race to uncover the truth or risk the loss of innocent lives.

Grab your copy here!


About the Author

Photo of Traci Hunter Abramson

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality – best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary – Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

Connect with Traci: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bookbub


My Review

Not Dead Yet
by Traci Hunter Abramson
Book 6 in the Guardian series
Rating: 4/5

The author continues to deliver high impact, romantic thrillers that the reader cannot put down. As a fan of the author, I was excited to get my hands on an ARC and read what came next. Each book can be read as a standalone which I can verify since this is only the first book from the series that I’ve had the privilege of reading and I was not confused. However, I plan on reading the rest when time allows.

First, I was immediately drawn to the cover. I loved seeing a woman of color on the cover, which made me even more excited to delve into the story.
Second, the European setting of the story was well written and dropped me right into life in France and Belgium. I loved reading about Cass’ love for Paris and am impatiently waiting till I can go myself. 
Third, the romance between the main characters was sweet and intense at the same time. I liked how they could relate to each other’s situations but still had to face the realities of what a relationship between them would look like.
Fourth, the action is jam-packed and this thriller is sure to get your heart racing as you try to solve the mystery along with the main characters.

Highly recommend this clean, contemporary romantic suspense with intrigue and a lot of heart.

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


More from Traci

Paris anyone? After years of restricted travel and various COVID-related challenges, I needed to spend some time back in a city I love, even if it was only as part of my fictional world. Add in my years working with the CIA, and Not Dead Yet was born.

While Not Dead Yet is technically the sixth book in the guardian series, all of these books are written as stand-alone novels, which simply visit some characters from previous novels and sometimes introduce characters that will be featured in the stories to come.

Not Dead Yet was particularly enjoyable to write, not only because it gave me an excuse to revisit my photos and memories from my most recent trips to Paris, but also because of the parallels that naturally occurred with my own life.

Cas, the main character, is the first female guardian in my fictional top-secret program of government operatives who strive to serve and protect U.S. intelligence and military personnel. When I worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, I often attended meetings in which I was the only woman in the room. Respect and loyalty had to be earned regardless of gender, and I was fortunate to work with some amazing individuals over the years. Some of those treasured work relationships come through within the pages of this book.

Another similarity to my own background is Cas’s family dynamics. She has her parents and a younger sister, which mirrors my own early childhood. Her family is often in the public eye because of their association with the media industry. While I didn’t come from the extreme wealth and fame as my character did, I do remember well what it was like to have a mom on television (The Home Hunter in Phoenix, AZ) and to have a sister working in the entertainment industry. While my sister (Tiffany Hunter) has taken over The Home Hunter in recent years, a few of her earlier positions included serving as the backstage coordinator for the Grammys as well as working as Bill Murray’s personal assistant.

Not Dead Yet blends many experiences from my past with the events of the present and the ever-present question of What if? I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.


Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4
Inklings and notions, August 5
EmpowerMoms, August 5
For Him and My Family, August 6
Cathe Swanson, August 6
Texas Book-aholic, August 7
Blogging With Carol, August 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8
Betti Mace, August 9
Wishful Endings, August 9
deb’s Book Review, August 10
Inside the Wong Mind, August 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 12
Holly’s Book Corner, August 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13
Mary Hake, August 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14
The Book Club Network, August 14
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 15 (Author Interview)
Dee S. White, August 15
CarpeDiem, August 16
Reading with Emily, August 16
Pause for Tales, August 17
Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Traci is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed Book, Matching bookmark, Matching pin, and Matching stickers!!

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/2070b/not-dead-yet-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lily of the Valley by Sarah M. Eden

About the Book

Title: Lily of the Valley
Series: The Gents #2
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Genre: Georgian Romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: April 11, 2022

Cumberland, 1786

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

Grab your copy here!


About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep 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.

Connect with Sarah: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub


My Review

Lily of the Valley
by Sarah M. Eden
Book 2 in the Gents series
Rating: 4.5/5

I don’t know how she does it but the author has written such a fun, charming, witty and heartwarming romance between two very interesting characters. I easily lost some sleep over this novel and must know more. (I actually have not yet read the first book in this series but from her other books, I am somewhat familiar with the characters at-a-glance) I am planning on going back to read the first book, but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary for your enjoyment.

First, the cover was just okay for me but after reading the story, it makes a bit more sense. I personally don’t find the cover model’s hairstyle attractive but that doesn’t take away from the story.
Second, the premise of the story was interesting since Kester Barrington seems to be an introvert while the rest of the Gents do not. The friendship between them is so refreshing and fun. I loved all their antics and larks. I also enjoyed seeing the Ridley family move up in the world. Trying to avoid the insecurities and the faux pas is not easy to navigate but the Gents and Julia were happy to help.
Third, the love story between Kester and Violet was beautiful though not perfect. The characters each must deal with their hardships before being able to come together. The way they complement each other is precious, and I love how the author didn’t shy away from the harder topics.
Fourth, I loved all the ingenuity involved with Kester being an amateur inventor and all that entailed. As someone who is also a “fixer/problem-solver”, I love exploring all the possibilities (especially during that time).

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, sweet romance that makes you laugh and cry.

P.S. Kester’s speech at the end is perfect. There, I said it.

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.


More from Sarah

Research is one of my favorite aspects of writing. Lily of the Valley offered ample opportunities for researching incredibly interesting topics. One main character is an amateur inventor, which tossed me deep into the realm of innovations of the 1780s and 1790s. The other main character has an interest in engineering and mechanics, allowing me to delve into what was known and understood in these fields at the end of the 18th Century. Amongst the supporting cast are a variety of interests, strengths, and passions, all of which saw me pouring over everything I could find from this era on those topics.

A particularly fun area of research I tossed myself into was parlor games played in late 18th Century England. Among my favorites I learned about:

  • The Three Kingdoms, a game very much like modern-day “Twenty Questions.” The guesser has up to six questions to gain clues about what the others in the group have decided among themselves is the thing the guesser is trying to discover. One twist: the first question is always “To which Kingdom does the item thought of belong? (meaning animal, vegetable, or mineral)
  • Short Answers, a game of wits and creativity. The group sits in a circle and one at a time, ask the person to their right a question which that person has to answer in only one word. However, the word cannot be repeated during that round. Once someone has answered a question “Yes” no one else can answer with that word until the round is over. A round ends when someone cannot think of a one-word answer to the question they have been asked and is, subsequently, eliminated.
  • A centuries-old version of musical chairs
  • A game that involved determining which fabricated crime the various players would pretend to have committed.
  • Plenty of games involving forfeits of kisses or handkerchiefs or other shows of affection that the very staid rules of Society would have otherwise looked down on.

Discovering more about the historical context of this book was intriguing and delightful. I hope readers will enjoy learning more of this bit of the past, lose themselves in romance, enjoy the delightful friendship between the characters, and perhaps even find a few new games to try.

-Sarah Eden


Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, June 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6
Inklings and notions, June 7
Reading with Emily, June 7
For Him and My Family, June 8
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 8
Texas Book-aholic, June 9
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10
deb’s Book Review, June 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 12
The Book Club Network, June 12
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 13
Pause for Tales, June 13
Connie’s History Classroom, June 14
Sylvan Musings, June 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 15
Rachael’s Inkwell, June 16
Wishful Endings, June 16
Through the Fire Blogs, June 17
Britt Reads Fiction, June 18
Labor Not in Vain, June 18
To Everything There Is A Season, June 19
Miriam Jacob, June 19


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, print copy of book, and Exclusive Sarah Eden vinyl stickers!!

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/1e7ee/lily-of-the-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway


Also Available

Read my review of Charming Artemis here.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: An Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft

About the Book

Title: An Accidental Romance
Series: The Jennings Family
Author: Karen Tuft
Genre: Regency Romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: December 6, 2021

Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enters the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home . . .

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go.

With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

Purchase your copy here: Amazon | B&N | Deseret


About the Author

Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU then graduated from the University of Utah in music theory as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. She also has a 75 percent success rate when it comes to matchmaking and is a big believer in happy endings. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel—whether by car, plane, or paperback.

Connect with Karen: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Bookbub


My Review

An Accidental Romance
by Karen Tuft
Book 3 in the Jennings Family series
Rating: 4/5

As someone who has never read anything from Karen Tuft before, I was delighted by this sweet romance that has many similarities to Jane Austen and her commentary on society at the time. I found the story refreshing and beautifully written. I now need to go back and read the first two books in the series. However, I was able to read this book as a standalone. The author provides some family trees in the beginning to help keep track of characters but I honestly found it unnecessary to refer back to it.

Rebecca Jennings is a sweet young lady whose dreams of her first season “out” in London society are crushed when she fractures her ankle due to an accidental encounter with her new neighbor, Mr. Ben Fortescue, the Earl of Winton. Ben is a widower with a young baby girl who is trying to hide away from society. The characters have some great interactions and some electric chemistry together. The author creates a story where her characters can grow and maybe even fall in love.

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, sweet romance with some Jane Austen flair.

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 in this Series


Follow Along on the Blog Tour

December 6
Timeless Novels
LDS and Lovin’ It

December 7
Heidi Reads
Lisa is a Bookworm

December 8
Holly’s Book Corner
Book Confessions

December 9
Reading with Emily
@rachel.fox.14224
Getting Your Read On

December 10
Books Are Sanity
My Book A Day
Life Is What It’s Called
Empower Moms

December 11
Why Not? Because I Said So
Inside the Wong Mind

December 15
Julie Coulter – LDS Writer & Mom


Tour Giveaway

WIN a PAPERBACK copy of An Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft

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