To Love A Cowboy-Character Interview feat Poppy-The Root Of Murder by Lauren Carr

Welcome to day 3 of the To Love A Cowboy Tour!

Today we are featuring Poppy and J.J's love story . . .

Sherry:  Hello, Poppy. We first met you in the Lovers in Crime Mystery, KILLER IN THE BAND, when you were driving through Chester in your camper/horse trailer and encountered a horse who had escaped from Russell Ridge Farm and Orchard. Did you have any idea then that you would be staying?
Poppy:  I believe that life is what happens while we’re making other plans. I knew when I turned the corner in that road and there was Comanche running straight toward me that I was needed. I didn’t know the circumstances at the time, Comanche told me that she needed my help and I couldn’t just get back in my camper and leave.
Sherry:  Comanche told you. We should tell our readers that Comanche is a horse—
Poppy: A beautiful palomino mare.
Sherry: And that you are a horse whisperer.
Poppy:  Not really. Anyone can communicate with any animal—great or small. All you have to do is learn how to listen.
 Sherry:  Gulliver is your horse. A beautiful leopard Appaloosa.
 Poppy:  He prefers to be called drop-dead handsome. He’s another reason I stayed on. Gulliver and I have been together, traveling the country—going wherever God sends us. Then, Gulliver fell in love with Comanche.
 Sherry:  And you fell in love with J.J., the owner of Russell Ridge Farm and Orchard. I’ve noticed the beautiful diamond ring you’re wearing.
 Poppy:  Yes, that happened rather unexpectantly. One day, I was J.J.’s horse trainer, helping him take care of the farm, which Suellen, his first love had left for him after she tragically died in KILLER IN THE BAND. Then, J.J. went to Washington (Murder by Perfection) to help his father look for Murphy, that’s J.J.’s identical twin. Suddenly, out of the blue, he calls me and asks me to marry him and have a house full of kids.  We hadn’t even been out on a date.
Sherry:  Didn’t you two eat dinner together every night and go out on the weekends? Go out on the weekends and go to church together on Sunday?
Poppy:  Well … yes.
Sherry:  Some people would call that dating. And now you are planning your wedding in THE ROOT OF MURDER. How are the wedding plans coming?
Poppy:  Not so good right now. J.J. got his first real official murder case as a defense attorney.
 Sherry:  Isn’t that good.
Poppy:  Yes, but it’s a very difficult case. At first, J.J. thought he was guilty because the defendant, a young man who J.J. has known since high school, had threatened the victim and the murder weapon was found right there in his house. What makes it worse is that the murder victim’s daughter was Heather Davis, a girl who J.J. used to date. Now she’s a suspect along with Madison Whitaker, another girl who J.J. had dated at the same time as Heather. 
Sherry:  Wow. Aren’t you worried about J.J. investigating a case, questioning these two ex-girlfriends?
Poppy: No, I trust J.J. (giggles) But I have to admit, it is fun to see them make him sweat.
Sherry: I hope this murder investigation doesn’t interfere with your wedding plans. Do you have your gown yet?
Poppy: No. but I know exactly what it is going to look like. It’s a mermaid gown with a gold net overlay. (sighs) unfortunately, I can’t find it anywhere. But that’s the gown that I’m meant to wear. So it’ll show up. 
Sherry: What if your gown doesn’t show up?
Poppy: Then I’ll have to walk down the aisle in my birthday suit. If that happens, then I guarantee it will be a wedding that folks in Chester will be talking about forever.

 Poppy an J.J.'s love story begins in . . .

Amazon

And blossoms in . . .

Happily ever after . . .

. . .until there is another crime to solve

To Love A Cowby Book Tour Feat. Lost Billionaire Heir by Sophia Summers

About the book 

A man who doesn't know he's about to be a billionaire. A woman who is forced to marry well.

The tall Texan ranch hand leaned back against the corral fencing as he waited for the ranch guests to gather by the stable. His cowboy hat was pulled down shading his eyes as he chewed on the end of a tall piece of grass. This was his time to get a good look at the guests before he saddled their horses and helped them into the saddle. Working at the exclusive Rio Lago Ranch gAmazave him a birds-eye view of a class of people much different from those in his home town in Minnesota. Jacob could size up most of the guests just by watching them a few minutes. Some guests were more trouble than others. He had learned how to avoid the advances of the women who found him very similar in appearance to the cover models on the western romance novels they loved. He wasn't interested; the only woman he had ever loved he met on the run hiding floating down the Mississippi River years ago. What will happen when she shows up as a guest at the Rio Lago Ranch? 

Will his late grandfather's lawyers find him before she marries someone else?

And I thought

I really enjoyed this book.  So much that I invited the author to be a part of this tour.  Click here to read my review.

Buy the book 

Amazon

Book Review-Total Christmas Makeover- 31 Devotions To Celebrate With Purpose

About the book 

"Are you tired of just letting Christmas happen at your home-and praying merely to survive? No more! Now you and I can be absolutely intentional about embracing

all the fun, faith, family, and friendships of this amazing holy season. Melissa Spoelstra's Total Christmas Makeover gently guides us through everything seasonal around

music, food, scripture reading, extended family gatherings, serving, and especially how to rest in the midst of it all."

---Lucinda Secrest McDowell, author of Ordinary Graces andDwelling Places

"Jesus picked a busy time of year to have a birthday! Although I am saying this in

jest, there is nothing funny about how the frantic nature of this season can rob one

of joy that Christmas represents. In her latest project, Melissa Spoelstra gives candid

and practical tools to help the overcommitted and overwhelmed put the merry back

into 'Merry Christmas.' "

---Amberly Neese, speaker, author, humorist

Do you find that you too have been caught up in the Chistmas have to's instead of the God-centered love to's? Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides ways for you and your family to turn your attention toward God's grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering the meaning behind traditions we often lose sight of in the chaos. Melissa divides the book into 3 sections, focusing on the following three common elements of biblical celebrations:

• Ritual: Special activities out of the ordinary routine were planned to help remember what God has done.
• Relationships: People spent time together preparing special foods, eating, gathering in holy assembly, and explaining their traditions to children.
• Rest: Regular work was to be set aside for planned times of celebration and rest from activity in order to reflect on God.

Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

And I thought

Just in time for the holidays.  A great devotional for the busy mom who wants to have a more meaning Christmas for her family. 

Melissa Spoelstra begins the book sharing her families Christmas experiences.  From her own experiences as a child and her husbands.  They took their own experiences and tried to blend a 

special time for their children.  

With frank honesty Melissa shares how the early Christmas' were a bit of a failure with a 6 year old, 1 year old twins and a 3 month old.  

As the attempted to bring meaning into the holiday season they read Bible stories and tried to make the season center around Christ.  

I loved the frankness as she shared how her 6 year old was 

thoroughly enchanted with the event.  While the 3 month old fell asleep.  And then there were the 2 year old twins happily exclaimed when asked "Who created the world."  One twins response was "I did!"

Many of us have been there.  Trying to bring significance to the holidays and remind and remember the reason for the season.  

With this small devotional a mere 203 pages Melissa shares thoughts ideas and suggestions to make this season one that is special and centered around Christ. 

The book is a fast and easy read.  With some humor to make the reading light and enjoyable.   

The book is made up of  3 separate sections:

Ritual with 10 days of devotionals

Relationships with 10 days of devotionals 

Rest with 11 days of devotional

Each short devotional begins with a scripture and ends with a prayer, followed by questions for reflection and a practical approach filled with suggestions and ideas. 

I would suggest this great book to everyone.   

This would be a great gift to give to an adult child at Thanksgiving. 

I think it would be a great book to read with a group of friends as a Bible study for the holidays.  

Whether the application group study or individual study you'll 

come away feeling a little more relaxed and ready for the wonderful season of Christmas!

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.

This review will appear on Good Reads and on the Litfuse tour page. 

Available

Amazon CBC Lifeway

Visit the tour

Read more reviews at the Litfuse tour.  Click here.

Visit the author

Click here to visit Melissa website

Book Review-A Woman Overwhelmed by Hayley DiMarco- A Litfuse Tour

About the book (provided by Lifuse)

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life (Abingdon Press, August 2017)

“A Woman Overwhelmed” is a phrase with which many women can relate.

But what would happen if we could see the insanity in our pace and embrace our overwhelming God?

There is a reason they say that a woman’s work is never done— because it isn’t! As women, we often are overwhelmed by the demands and circumstances of life, resulting in stress, fear, worry, impatience, fatigue, frustration, and even depression. The truth is that we were created to be overwhelmed . . . not by life but by God! When we learn to be overwhelmed by God, the fruit in our lives goes from rotten to fragrant—filling our days with peace, hope, love, and joy.

In A Woman Overwhelmed, best-selling author Hayley DiMarco shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God’s love and power.

Be empowered to find freedom in becoming overwhelmed with who God is—by learning to focus on what we know about God so that we can hold onto faith even when it seems that all is lost. For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of me and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing.

Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

And I thought

I wouldn't be truthful if I said I am not a Woman Overwhelmed. 

I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said that I didn't find help in filling my days with peace, hope, love and joy after reading this book.

Who doesn't want to bask in the abundance of the Father.  

Hayley DiMarco shares herself and shares what God has taught her.  

This is a great book for all women.  Mature or young.  I think there are times that we are all in a place where we need to be reminded of God's sovereignty and his grace. 

Let's face it.  It's hard being a wife and a mom.  I for one am grateful to find some help.  

I recommend Woman Overwhelmed to all women. 

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse. 

This review will appear on retail sites where available and on 

Good Reads. 

Available 

   

Book Review- Courage to Change by Elizabeth Maddrey

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled onto a Giveaway.  Although 

I didn't win the book(s) I was introduced to a few new authors. 

I signed up for their newsletters and received a free book from each one!  

About the book (provided from authors website)

When Phil Reid became a Christian and stopped drinking, his hard-partying wife Brandi divorced him. Reeling and betrayed, he becomes convinced Christians should never remarry, and resolves to guard his heart.

Allison Vasak has everything in her life under control, except for one thing. Her heart is irresistibly drawn to fellow attorney and coworker, Phil. Though she knows his history and believes that women should not initiate relationships, she longs to make her feelings known.

As Phil and Allison work closely together to help a pregnant teen, Allison melts his defenses. But when Brandi discovers Phil’s new relationship, she decides that though she doesn’t want him, no one else can have him. Can Phil and Allison’s love weather the chaos Brandi brings into their lives?

Courage to Change is classified as a 

Contemporary Inspirational Romance.  

I was pleasantly surprised . . . it is much more than the average sweet love story.  

There are multiple plots running  through the story making it much more than a romance. 

Elizabeth Maddrey weaves together the topics of teen pregnancy,adoption, divorce and remarriage  all while giving us a book with some drama, suspense and good clean romance. 

Phil and Allison are coworkers and friends.  They've worked together a few years.  

Allison secretly has an interest in Phil.

Phil although he is interested in Allison struggles with his personal relationship with God because of his divorce a few years prior.

Phil and Allison are thrown together by Lindsey a pregnant teenager whose father has consulted Phil about pressing charges on the girls adult boyfriend.  

Allison's relationship with Lindsey grows as she helps Lindsey through the challenges of making decisions about whether to keep her baby.

All along Phil is struggling with his feelings about being a divorced Christian and his ex wife's reappearance in his life when

she begins stalking Phil and then Allison when she finds out about their growing relationship. 

Courage to Change is a great book!  I am glad that I got the opportunity to read it.  It is a good romance with some drama, twists and turns and a good 'ole happy ending.  

While Courage to Change is book 2 in the series it is written as a stand alone.  There are some characters from book 1 who return as part of the cast.  

I recommend this book for anyone that loves a good clean story with a message.  I am looking forward to the chance to read more from the series.  

Visit the authors website  for more information about the series, other books and to purchase.  

Or click here to purchase on Amazon.

Rarely do I give books 5 stars Courage to Change deserves 

5 stars.  

I received a complimentary copy from the author. 

This review will appear on all retail sites where available.

This review will appear on My Reading Journeys and on 

Good Reads. 

Book Review His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

About the book (provided by Litfuse)

His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County(Avon Inspire, July 2017)

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…

Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim? 

And I thought

A cross between a sweet Amish romance.  

And a suspenseful thriller.

These books are a fast read for me.  I am swept in to the story.

The romance and the conflict kept me riding the wave until the very end.  

His Guilt is the 2nd in a the series.  The topic of the story isn't what I typically expect in a story about the Amish.  I expect 

sweet romance with good kind hearted folk.  

This is not what Shelley gives the reader.  For the most part the characters are good kind hearted and God fearing.  But she writes 'real life' and 'real life drama'.  

His Guilt is a story about abuse.  Women are being attacked and abused.  

For me I couldn't help but think it was sad.  I think I  try to tell myself that there are places  that are wholesome and free of pain, hurt and crime.  But I realize that place only exists in the here after.  

The stories in this series are about pain and hurt and crime.  

But they are about love and hope and redemption. 

I enjoyed all the characters.  The main characters are able to get beyond their pasts and fall in love and live happily ever after.

I liked Marks brother and hope to see him maybe in a different series.  After leaving home at 14 he got into trouble.  Years later when he returns his trouble follows.  An causes some to speculate that he's possible the villain. In the end he's grown into a strong 
man with a little help from Mark and Lori. (they knew each other in high school).  And with some help from the local police he leaves town and goes under cover.  Sounds like a great new series may be in the works.  We can hope!

I liked many of the sub characters and am glad to see that Lori and Deputy Beck get together too and make an appearance in book 3.

Shelley provides some feedback and questions at the end and an excerpt from book 3. 

His Guilt is a good and clean romance.  It is a bit of a thriller 

and the crime(s) make this a book one that I would suggest parents read before allowing an older teen to read.  A parental discussion 

might be warranted.  (No language.  Nothing overly graphic.) 

Very tastefully written. 

Readers of romance would really like this book and book 1 in the series.  

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.

This review will appear on Amazon, CBC and B&N.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

Available

Amazon,CBC,B&N

To read more reviews visit the Litfuse tour.  Click here.

Book Review-Kiss Carl by Adriana Trigiani

About the book (provided by TLC tours)

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Harper (June 20, 2017)

From Adriana Trigiani, the beloved New York Times-bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife, comes an exhilarating epic novel of love, loyalty, and creativity—the story of an Italian-American family on the cusp of change.

It’s 1949 and South Philadelphia bursts with opportunity during the post-war boom. The Palazzini Cab Company & Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic Palazzini and his three sons, is flourishing: business is good, they’re surrounded by sympathetic wives and daughters-in-law, with grandchildren on the way. But a decades-long feud that split Dominic and his brother Mike and their once-close families sets the stage for a re-match.

Amidst the hoopla, the arrival of an urgent telegram from Italy upends the life of Nicky Castone (Dominic and his wife’s orphaned nephew) who lives and works with his Uncle Dom and his family. Nicky decides, at 30, that he wants more—more than just a job driving Car #4 and more than his longtime fiancée Peachy DePino, a bookkeeper, can offer. When he admits to his fiancée that he’s been secretly moonlighting at the local Shakespeare theater company, Nicky finds himself drawn to the stage, its colorful players and to the determined Calla Borelli, who inherited the enterprise from her father, Nicky must choose between the conventional life his family expects of him or chart a new course and risk losing everything he cherishes.

From the dreamy mountaintop village of Roseto Valfortore in Italy, to the vibrant streets of South Philly, to the close-knit enclave of Roseto, Pennsylvania, to New York City during the birth of the golden age of television, Kiss Carlo is a powerful, inter-generational story that celebrates the ties that bind, while staying true to oneself when all hope seems lost.

Told against the backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, this novel brims with romance as long buried secrets are revealed, mistaken identities are unmasked, scores are settled, broken hearts are mended and true love reigns. Trigiani’s consummate storytelling skill and her trademark wit, along with a dazzling cast of characters will enthrall readers. Once again, the author has returned to her own family garden to create an unforgettable feast. Kiss Carlo is a jubilee, resplendent with hope, love, and the abiding power of la famiglia.

And I thought

They had me at the cover.  When I was offered to read

Kiss Carlo from Trish at TLC Tours I jumped at the 

chance.  It just looked dreamy to me.  The gorgeous 

cover drew me in.  Opening the first few pages had 

me and kept me drawn in to the end. 

Kiss Carlo wasn't a fast read at 544 pages.  But many 

times you just don't want a book to end.   This was one.

Honestly I wasn't sure how I felt about the time period.

I have never read a book from this time period and 

wasn't really sure how I would like it.  

Honestly I have wondered where I've been that I haven't 

stumbled onto Adrianae Trigiani before.  I've welcomed 

the introduction.  

I look forward to reading more!  

I received a complimentary copy from TLC tours. 

This review will appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Goodreads

Available

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

To read a sample visit Harper Collins.  Click here.

Visit the authors site. Click here.

 Like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Visit the TLC tour to read more reviews.  Click here

Dead On Ice by Lauren Carr Now on Audio Interview with Narrator

About the book (provided by I Read Book Tours)

Spunky Cameron Gates is tasked with solving the murder of Cherry Pickens, a legendary star of pornographic films, whose body turns up in an abandoned freezer. The case has a personal connection to her lover, Joshua Thornton, because the freezer was located in his cousin's basement. It doesn't take long for their investigation to reveal that the risqué star's roots were buried in their rural Ohio Valley community, something that Cherry had kept off her show business bio. She should have kept her hometown off her road map, too - because when this starlet came running home from the mob, it proved to be a fatal homecoming.

Title: Dead on Ice: A Lovers in Crime Mystery
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: Mike Alger
Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins 
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-23-16
Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Content Rating: PG-13 (for murder scenes, some sexual content, not explicit, some profanity but no f-words)

And I thought

What can I say about Lauren Carr and her works.  I was first introduced by I Read Tours when I was offered to read

the Mac Faraday Series Candidate for Murder.  I was hooked!

Dead On Ice is from the Lovers In Crime Series.  Lauren is a busy girl writing a lot of different series.  They are all great and all cross over.  

Each book is written so that a new reader can jump in without having read any of the previous books in the series.

But

Reader Beware.  You will become addicted.

I have.

Dead On Ice is a re-release in that it being released in audio.

Which I think is way cool.  Imagine going on a road trip and listening to a great book!  

Dead On Ice is book 1 in the Lovers in Crime series.  I was introduced to Cameron and Joshua when I read Killer in the Band and fell in love with them and the rest of the cast!  

I was glad to get the opportunity to go back to their beginning and the start of their romance.

With each book I read from Lauren Carr whether it is a Lovers in Crime,  Mac Faraday or a Thorny Rose (featuring Mac's daughter and Joshua's son) title I am lured in wanting more!   

Lauren keep up the good work and thank you for many hours of reading pleasure and suspense.

Dead On Ice deserves a 5 star rating.

I received a complimentary copy from I Read Tours

This review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.

This review will appear on my book blog My Reading Journeys

For the tour I had the opportunity to interview the narrator.

The interview is below. 

Available

Audible  ~  Amazon

A sneak peek at my  Interview with the narrator

Mike Alger's

Hello. Welcome to the blog. I am so excited to chat with you about Lauren Carr’s audio book

Dead On Ice. I have to admit I am a huge fan of Lauren and have loved every one of her

books! This is my first time to interview a narrator. I have a huge load of questions but I’ll

keep it brief!

Thanks for having me on. I’m a big fan of Lauren’s as well!

First I am very curious about how a meteorologist becomes a book narrator? Is this a 2nd

career or side job?

Well, I guess it’s both. I am still the full time Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV in Reno, NV,

who has found a 2

nd

career narrating talking books. I guess I don’t deal with boredom well, so I

need to find things to do to keep me out of trouble!

I noticed you’ve narrated a few Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. Wh

Hello. Welcome to the blog. I am so excited to chat with you about Lauren Carr’s audio book

Dead On Ice. I have to admit I am a huge fan of Lauren and have loved every one of her

books! This is my first time to interview a narrator. I have a huge load of questions but I’ll

keep it brief!

Thanks for having me on. I’m a big fan of Lauren’s as well!

First I am very curious about how a meteorologist becomes a book narrator? Is this a 2nd

career or side job?

Well, I guess it’s both. I am still the full time Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV in Reno, NV,

who has found a 2

nd

career narrating talking books. I guess I don’t deal with boredom well, so I

need to find things to do to keep me out of trouble!

I noticed you’ve narrated a few Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. Wh

Hello. Welcome to the blog. I am so excited to chat with you

about Lauren Carr’s audio book Dead On Ice.  I have admit

I am a huge fan of Lauren and have loved every one of her books! 

 Thank's for having me I am a huge fan of Lauren's.

This is my first time to interview a narrator.  I have a huge load of questions but I’ll keep it brief! 

First I am very curious how a meteorologist becomes a book narrator? 

Is this a 2^nd career or side job? 

 Well I guess it's both.  I am still a full-time meteorologist for KTVN-tv in Reno, Nevada who has a 2nd career narrating books. 

I guess I don't deal with boredom well so I need to find things to keep me out of trouble.

I noticed you’ve narrated a few Science Fiction and Fantasy novels.

What was it like to switch gears and narrate a Cozy Mystery? 

I love to read all kinds of genre so it is fun to dabble in various ones as

Join me at My Reading Journeys for the entire interview with 

narrator Mike Algers.  

Hello. Welcome to the blog. I am so excited to chat with you about Lauren Carr’s audio book

Dead On Ice. I have to admit I am a huge fan of Lauren and have loved every one of her

books! This is my first time to interview a narrator. I have a huge load of questions but I’ll

keep it brief!

Thanks for having me on. I’m a big fan of Lauren’s as well!

First I am very curious about how a meteorologist becomes a book narrator? Is this a 2nd

career or side job?

Well, I guess it’s both. I am still the full time Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV in Reno, NV,

who has found a 2

nd

career narrating talking books. I guess I don’t deal with boredom well, so I

need to find things to do to keep me out of trouble!

I noticed you’ve narrated a few Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. Wh

The tour

To read more reviews and interviews visit the I Read Tour

click here