Congratulations to
Vicki and Susan
winners of A Dog’s Courage
Books provided by Forge Books
Giveaway winners
Forge Books
A Dog’s Courage: Review/US Giveaway
Description:
Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. Then a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history. The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and she is lost once more.
Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals. More than anything, she wants to find her way home to Lucas and Olivia, but not if it means abandoning her new family to danger. And danger abounds, from predators hunting them to the flames threatening at every turn.
Can Bella ever get back to where she truly belongs? (publisher)
My take:
I was hooked from the first page of A Dog’s Courage. Author W. Bruce Cameron has a knack for telling a story. Cinematic in scope (you’ll understand as you read) this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read. Bella, the star and narrator of the book, along with her boy and his wife, were enjoying a weekend camping trip in the mountains when they were suddenly faced with a disaster that had continual consequences. I really don’t want to say more except if you’re a dog person and like adventure stories you need to read this book!
About the author:
W. Bruce Cameron is the New York Times bestselling author of 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, The Dog Master, and the A Dog’s Purpose series. In 2011 he was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. He lives in California.
Praise for the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Bestselling Author W. Bruce Cameron
“Amazing…Wise… and sure to open the hearts of all who read it.”—Alice Walker
“I loved the book and I could not put it down.” —Temple Grandin
“A heartwarming and exciting story.”—Huffington Post
“Marley & Me combined with Tuesdays with Morrie.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Funny, heartwarming, and touching.” —Library Journal STARRED Review
“Full of humor, heartbreak and insights that sneak up on you…a whopping good yarn.”—The Denver Post
“Readers will devour this wonderful story…Sweet and heartfelt.”—Publishers Weekly starred review
“Transfixing and heartwarming… will have you hooked until the last page is turned.”—Modern Dog
“This book gives you a glimpse into the heart and mind of a dog—and will change your view of our furry friends forever.”—Guideposts
“W. Bruce Cameron has a heart bursting with care for dogs, and it shows in each of his books.”—Bookreporter.com
“Your heart will have grown three sizes by the end of the book.”—Barnes & Noble Review
“Touching and amusing in equal measure… a beautiful celebration of our four-footed friends’ big hearts.”—Bookpage
US Giveaway
Giveaway has ended
Gathering Dark
Description:
Gathering Dark is a new standalone thriller set in Los Angeles from #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author Candice Fox.
A convicted killer. A gifted thief. A vicious ganglord. A disillusioned cop. Together they’re a missing girl’s only hope.
Dr. Blair Harbour, once a wealthy, respected pediatric surgeon, is now an ex-con down on her luck. She’s determined to keep her nose clean and win back custody of her son. But when her former cellmate begs for help to find her missing daughter, Blair is compelled to put her new-found freedom on the line.
Detective Jessica Sanchez has always had a difficult relationship with the LAPD. And her inheritance of a multi-million dollar mansion as a reward for catching a killer has just made her police enemy number one.
It’s been ten years since Jessica arrested Blair for cold-blooded murder. So when Jessica opens the door to the disgraced doctor late one night she expects abuse, maybe even violence. What comes next is a plea for help… (publisher)
My take:
Gathering Dark is a crazy ride of a crime thriller. This is a gritty story of revenge, making amends and second chances. It’s filled with interesting characters, insane situations, and strong, gutsy women – most I couldn’t help but cheer for as they met their challenges. That said, be warned there are vividly violent scenes. Seriously, I was holding my breath and feeling anxious during much of the book – which is why I am surprised by how much I look forward to seeing where Candice Fox takes Jessica and company in the next installment.
About the author:
CANDICE FOX is the award-winning author of Crimson Lake, Redemption Point, and Gone By Midnight. She is also co-writer with James Patterson of New York Times bestsellers Never Never, Fifty Fifty, Liar Liar, and The Inn. She lives in Sydney.
Spotlight: Gathering Dark
Today’s Spotlight title is GATHERING DARK by Candice Fox. I plan to read it soon but wanted to tell readers about it now. Tomorrow, March 16, is publication day – so congratulations to author Candice Fox!
Gathering Dark by Candice Fox
Expected publication: March 16, 2021 – Forge Books
Description:
A convicted killer. A gifted thief. A vicious ganglord. A disillusioned cop. Together they’re a missing girl’s only hope.
Dr. Blair Harbour, once a wealthy, respected pediatric surgeon, is now an ex-con down on her luck. She’s determined to keep her nose clean and win back custody of her son. But when her former cellmate begs for help to find her missing daughter, Blair is compelled to put her new-found freedom on the line.
Detective Jessica Sanchez has always had a difficult relationship with the LAPD. And her inheritance of a multi-million dollar mansion as a reward for catching a killer has just made her police enemy number one.
It’s been ten years since Jessica arrested Blair for cold-blooded murder. So when Jessica opens the door to the disgraced doctor late one night she expects abuse, maybe even violence. What comes next is a plea for help…
About the author:
CANDICE FOX is the award-winning author of Crimson Lake, Redemption Point, and Gone By Midnight. She is also co-writer with James Patterson of New York Times bestsellers Never Never, Fifty Fifty, Liar Liar, and The Inn. She lives in Sydney.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
Published: July 2019 – Forge Books
from my shelves
Description:
THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER Heather Webber’s Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.
Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly. (publisher)
My take: What a lovely way to close out one year and begin a new one. I’m so happy I chose Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe to be my first book of 2021. This is a story of finding where you belong and having the courage to embrace it. There’s a touch of magical realism, a little romance, and a lot of heart. Its set in the small Alabama mountain town of Wicklow and filled with quirky characters – people looking for peace of mind and hoping for the courage to accept it. I loved it all and would love to read more by Heather Webber.
Lucky Bastard by Deborah Coonts
- Title: Lucky Bastard
- Author: Deborah Coonts
- Genre: Mystery series
- Published: May 2013 – Forge Books
- Source: Review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Synopsis (publisher): Lucky O’Toole may have been promoted to Vice President of Customer Relations for the Babylon, Las Vegas’ primo Strip property, but nothing has changed. When Paxton Dane, a former member of the Babylon’s Security detail turned Private Investigator, discovers a young woman dead, sprawled across the hood of a new, bright red Ferrari California in the Babylon’s dealership, a Jimmy Choo stiletto stuck in her carotid, he calls Lucky to handle the problem.
Lucky’s life is already in precarious balance. Her mother, Mona, is pregnant, hormonal, bored, and looking for ways to fill her days. Teddie, Lucky’s former lover, has hit the road on his quest to find international stardom. But, realizing he’s made a mistake, he writes a song for Lucky, then hits the talk shows, pleading his case. Lucky is less than amused with the national spotlight on her personal life. She’s having enough trouble as it is fending off the amorous attentions of Chef Jean-Charles Bouclet, the Babylon’s tasty new dish. Lucky feels mixing business and pleasure with the chef is a sure-fire recipe for disaster.
And the timing could not be worse. The Smack-Down Poker tournament with all the media attention the second-largest poker tournament in the world attracts is holding it’s final table at the Babylon. Hookers, thieves, players, cheaters, media, and hangers-on all descend looking to win or to score.
When one of the major players turns up dead, Lucky starts putting the pieces together with the help of Cole Weston, a hearing-impaired professional poker player. They chase clues and suspects through Vegas to the storm drains underneath the city—where the runoff from a summer monsoonal shower turns deadly.
After a revelation by someone close to her sends her world reeling even further, Lucky struggles to keep her life in balance, and a murderer from killing again as bodies pile up.
Then, just when she’s losing control… life deals another major complication to her personal life….and it’s not going to be pretty.
My take: Lucky O’Toole is the new VP of Customer Relations at The Babylon resort in Las Vegas. She’s a trouble shooter who seems to be constantly stalked by trouble. This time it finds her in the form of a dead body sprawled on top of a Ferrari in the dealership housed within the resort. You’d think one dead body would be enough but a few more are discovered within hours of each other. To make matters worse it seems someone close to Lucky is a prime suspect.
While trying to figure out why a friend is under suspicion of murder she also has to balance her love life. Things are heating up with the resort’s French chef and her ex continues to beg for forgiveness. When does this girl sleep?
I’ve never been to Las Vegas but I love my visits via the Lucky O’Toole series. On the surface its fun and glamorous but we also glimpse the seedy underside of the city. Lucky is a lovable character who has a knack for attracting trouble and then finds a way to help the LVPD solve the crime.
I find this series thoroughly entertaining and can’t wait to see what happens to Lucky next – in life and love.
For More Information, Please Visit DeborahCoonts.com
Bookfan 