MY REVIEW:

What could be better than a new adventure with Kit and Jackson? The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, the final installment of the latest series by Michelle Griep fully met my expectations and more.

Kit and Jackson have settled into married life and now have a much loved daughter. Kit’s dreams of her own detective agency have been realized with a partnership with her father. Jackson has become the new chief inspector of his station. But sometimes there is a price to pay when achieving dreams. Kit finds there does not seem to be enough hours in the day for everything she needs to do as detective, wife, mother, and homemaker and she feels that she is missing important moments of her child’s life. Jackson is overwhelmed with the disaster his predecessor left behind and the paperwork keeps piling up while he attempts to act as administrator and continue his work solving crimes. A new case taken on by Kit against her father’s advice puts them all to the test.

The historic streets of London came alive as I followed the exploits of the multi-dimensional characters. Plenty of drama, action, danger, and suspense fill the pages. A secondary romance developed that added an extra bonus and I hope I will have a chance to find out how it resolved. Interaction between characters was natural and made me want to get to know them better. I was quite happy with the way Jackson and Kit eventually resolved their issues, especially the paperwork problem!

I am sorry to see this series end. The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is a must read book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane Author: Michelle Griep Genre: Historical Christian Fiction Release Date: April, 2024 Click here to get your copy!

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

MORE FROM MICHELLE:

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

BLOG STOPS:

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Wishful Endings, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Daysong Reflections, May 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 5 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 6

The Lofty Pages, May 6

Cover Lover Book Review, May 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 7

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Back Porch Reads, May 8

Lily’s Corner, May 9

Life of Literature, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 9

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/2b146/the-sleuth-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY REVIEW:

Susan May Warren has been one of my very favorite authors for many years and it seems as if her books just keep getting better. I am constantly amazed that she is able to come up with so many new ideas and quickly crank them out. I might be able to keep up if I never read anything but her books. Flashpoint is her latest novel and the first in a new series Warren has written with Lisa Phillips, another fine suspense author. If Flashpoint is any indication, this series will be excellent.

When rookie firefighter Emily Micah is assigned to a movie set in the area, she encounters her longtime TV series crush Spenser Storm. Her job is to help protect the cast and crew as well as the surrounding area from any fire that could result from special effects used in the filming of The Drifters. She is determined to prove herself capable of her assignment and that means not going all fan girl over Spenser. Spenser’s experience with an overzealous stalker has left him nervous about all fans. Not knowing Emily’s love of his former show, he feels comfortable with her and they quickly become friends. A series of “accidents” on the set become more and more dangerous and suspicious. Although both Emily and Spenser have been able to prevent serious repercussions by their quick actions, will they be able to stop the escalation before someone dies?

As expected, I loved the characters and also enjoyed seeing a familiar face or two pop up as the story progressed. The plot was well thought out with plenty of action, mystery, adventure, misunderstandings, romance and suspense. A wealth of spiritual content blended naturally into the narrative and added the perfect touch.

I thoroughly enjoyed Flashpoint and look forward to the remaining books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Sunrise Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Rookie firefighter Emily Micah is determined to prove herself as a new recruit to the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. Assigned to the film set of The Drifters, Emily’s mission is to protect the cast and crew from the special effects that could ignite the tinder-dry Montana forest and start a wildfire.

If only her favorite actor—TV star Spenser Storm—wasn’t getting in her way.

What could go wrong?

Haunted by the memory of a rabid stalker, former child TV star Spenser Storm is hoping to revive his career, but he’s torn between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the life of a cowboy on his family’s ranch in Montana. It doesn’t help when he sees the movie that’s supposed to launch his future is going up in flames.

And then there’s beautiful and brave Emily Micah, who not only saves his life, but seems to understand him, maybe better than she should.

As an arsonist threatens the film production, seemingly with the goal of destroying the movie entirely, Spenser realizes he’ll stop at nothing to protect his future and the woman now stealing his heart.

But Emily harbors a secret…one that could destroy the flame between them. And when it comes out, it could cost them everything, and ignite an inferno that could destroy all of the northern Montana forest.

Chasing Fire: Montana Series, Book One—Flashpoint—delivers a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eager to dive into the next chapter of the thrilling series.

Chasing Fire: Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has penned contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, rom-coms, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, she’s a USA Today, ECPA and CBA bestseller, and has received numerous starred Publisher Weekly reviews. Library Journal says, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance.”

Susan is a nationally acclaimed writing coach, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. She is the founder of Novel.Academy, author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation, and a founding partner of Sunrise Media Group.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Vanished by Cara Putman hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Regular viewers of the popular PBS Antiques Roadshow series should be familiar with the importance of provenance. In The Vanished, the latest legal suspense novel by Cara Putman, provenance plays a vital role.

Attorney Janae Simmons, haunted by a costly mistake in a previous case, finds herself back in her hometown, at a crossroads in her career. When the newly appointed director of the local art museum desperately seeks Janae’s expertise in resolving a dispute over two invaluable paintings, she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand. It quickly becomes evident that there is more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye and Carter and Janae find themselves in the midst of what could be a dangerous situation to both them and their families. Additional discoveries at Janae’s grandmother’s home reveals more secrets that make her begin to question everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandfather.

The author has skillfully woven her own masterpiece filled with authentic characters, mystery, danger, and a touch of romance. The unwavering faith that directed the actions and decisions made by Carter and Janae as they wrestled with legalities versus the right thing to do was truly inspiring. Although I am deliberately keeping my details brief in order to avoid spoilers, I encourage readers to pick up a copy for themselves.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: The Vanished Series: Secrets to Keep #1 Author: Cara Putman Publisher: Kregel Publications Release Date: April 16, 2024 Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back–until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother’s historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather’s sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn’t live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.

Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get–director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter’s sister. But Carter’s calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum’s collection were stolen from her family during World War II.

Carter enlists Janae’s help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed?

“Putman’s legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!”

—Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author

“Cara Putman has once again created an exciting cast of characters. I was immediately drawn in by Janae and Carter’s unique chemistry. This is one story you don’t want to miss.”

—Rebecca Hemlock, award-winning author of Fury in the Shadows

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in Series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, art-themed notebooks, and stickers that inspired the art stolen in the book!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 2024. 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

MY REVIEW:

An installment of the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer, If the Boot Fits is a western version of the classic Cinderella story. However, readers will find more than one role reversal in the tale and what fun it is! I can always count on this author for a romantic drama laced with humor and often a bit of mystery and suspense. This one has it all.

Samantha Dearing is the daughter of a wealthy rancher. Their relationship has been filled with misunderstanding since the death of her mother and Sam feels unloved and unwanted. When her father plans a ball in her honor and invites all the eligible bachelors in the area, she is convinced he wants to be rid of her.

Asher Ellis is convinced that Eli Dearing has wrongfully evicted his mother and is determined to find evidence while the household is preoccupied with the ball. As luck would have it he is discovered and manages to make a quick getaway. Unfortunately Samantha’s younger brother chases him and falls into the pond. During the rescue, Asher loses one of his distinctive boots and of course Samantha finds it. So thus begins the retelling of Cinderella.

Be ready to put all your preconceived notions of the Cinderella story to rest because Witemeyer has managed to upend them all. Few of the characters are what you expect and their interactions are both heartwarming and fun. Faith plays a strong role also with prayers and scripture featured often. Danger and mystery, forgiveness and reconciliation are all deftly woven together in a delightful tale that will brighten the reader’s day.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. (I also purchased my own copy) A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.