Blog Tour/Review: Entangled by Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, Gregg Luke, and Stephanie Black

Entangled, by Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, Gregg Luke, and Stephanie Black
2019, 384p, Contemporary Suspense
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Mystery and desperation collide in Entangled, a compilation of novellas that twist, turn, and terrify, penned by four popular suspense authors: Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, Gregg Luke, and Stephanie Black.

A woman on the run from a man who is always one step ahead.

A mother who will stop at nothing to find her missing daughter.

A wife determined to discover the source of the illness attacking her husband.

A newlywed caught in a web of murder, unsure of whom to trust.

Featuring a chilling cast of villains, these stories tell the tale of strong heroines forced to make perilous snap decisions in their quest to outwit evil. With an abundance of intrigue and danger, each masterful mystery is sure to leave you breathless.

I love suspense and was excited to hear that four of my favorite authors were collaborating on this book! I am glad that it didn't disappoint. I love full-length novels since I get a better feel for the characters, but I also love novellas because the stories move along quickly so they really hold my attention. I also love that I can read a story in one sitting, and have another one to look forward to the next time I sit down. I wanted to keep reading these, but also wanted the book to last.

I enjoyed how different each of these stories were. Even though they were novellas, I was invested in the characters and enjoyed getting to know them. There were twists and turns and surprises as well. This is a book I will definitely read again. Whether or not you are familiar with these authors, if you enjoy suspense, this is a book you will definitely want to read!

Amazon * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

Author Info:

Traci Hunter Abramson

Clair M. Poulson

Gregg Luke

Stephanie Black

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Blog Tour/Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, by Nancy Campbell Allen
2019, 355p, Clean Steampunk Romance
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.

Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.

Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.

Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.

Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.

This is an enjoyable steampunk, fairy-tale retelling of Rapunzel. Sam and Hazel work together to solve a mystery which centers around her family that she has just learned about--a twin sister and Count Petrescu, her uncle. I loved Sam and Hazel, and it was fun to watch their friendship grow and develop into more. The middle of the book slowed down some, but once it picked up again, I couldn't put it down until I found out how it ended.

I read the first book in this series, and loved it, but that was a few years ago, and unfortunately, I don't remember everything I read, so I would say this works well as a standalone. It has twists and turns, odd characters, mystery, suspense and romance. I love this it's dark enough to be creepy, yet light enough for some sweet romance. If you've never read steampunk before, this is a great author to start with!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of fifteen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

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Blog Tour/Review: A Lady's Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson

A Lady's Maid, by Jen Geigle Johnson
2019, 350p, Clean Historical Romance
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them.

Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves.

Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.

I love historical fiction because I get a better feel for what people might have felt and how they might have behaved during certain times in history. This book deals with suffrage and the roadblocks that had to be overcome to secure the right to vote, not just for women, but for "common" men as well. 

I enjoyed the two different storylines that merged together. Molly and Thomas both work for Lord and Lady Halloway. Molly loved Charlie, who was killed ten years ago in the Peterloo Massacre, and is determined to continue to fight for universal suffrage. Thomas is always there for her, saving her from herself and others. I loved their relationship and the rock he was for her. There is one particular shady character that Molly interacts with and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen with him. 

The second storyline involved Lord Annesley and Chloe Wetherton. Chloe starts out not knowing anything about the suffrage movement. The more she learns, the more interested she becomes in helping the cause. She already knows Lord Annesley and he is interested in furthering a relationship with her, but has secrets that can come between them. 

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I enjoyed the storylines and the characters, whether they were good or bad. It was interesting to read about that time period and get a better feel for what might have been going on and how different people reacted to the suffrage movement, as well as the horrors of child labor. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction.

Amazon * Deseret Book

Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager.

Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

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Blog Tour/Review: The Redgrave Murders by A.L. Sowards

The Redgrave Murders, by A.L. Sowards
2019, 272p, Clean Historical Mystery/Suspense
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to cancer and her older brother to a war, she knows she’s one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War—and despite her father’s opposition to their relationship.

When a freak accident sends Evie’s car careening off the road, she chalks it up to poor maintenance, or sheer bad luck making another appearance in her life. Little does she know a host of hardships is just beginning—the car was her father’s, and the brake lines were deliberately cut. Someone wants them dead—but why? All fingers point to Gary, a man with a troubled past and no solid alibi, but Evie is unwilling to believe he’s involved. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins to piece together a startling picture of deception and vice. But as she closes in on the truth, it is clear that someone is determined to silence her—and the next attempt on her life may be a deadly success.

I have loved every book I've read by A.L. Sowards and this one did not disappoint! It's different than her other books but every bit as good. It's set in 1948. Evie lives with her father, after having lost her mother to cancer and her brother, Clive, to the war. Evie and Clive had a strained relationship growing up, and each chapter starts with snippets of their letters to each other as they were healing their relationship. I loved how those letters tied into the story.

Evie's father doesn't approve of her relationship with Gary Redhawk, a Seneca Indian that she's been dating for the past eighteen months. Gary deals with trauma from his past. She is aware of some of it and learns about more as the story progresses. When there's more tragedy, Gary becomes an easy suspect but Evie believes in his innocence. Gary is likable and easy to fall in love with, so it wasn't difficult to see why their relationship works.

After I had read about fifty pages, I was telling my daughter about this book, and so much had already happened. I still had a lot of book left to read so I was excited to finish it! I loved everything about it. It's got mystery, suspense, romance, loss, secrets, interesting characters, and of course, I love that it's clean. This is a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys clean, historical mystery/suspense!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Book Bub

About the Author

While growing up, A.L. Sowards devoured her parents' collection of murder mysteries. Most of them weren't historical...but some of them were old enough that they felt like it to a teenager. Perhaps it was inevitable that she would eventually write a historical mystery of her own.

A.L. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, then came to Utah to attend BYU and ended up staying. Now she's a busy mom, with three young children and a head full of story ideas. She enjoys reading, writing, learning about history, and eating chocolate, sometimes all at once. As an author, she is known for heart-pounding action, memorable characters, careful historical research, and clean love stories. Her novels include a Whitney Award-winner and several Whitney Award finalists.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

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Grand Finale Blitz: The Thirteenth Guardian by K.M. Lewis

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Thirteenth Guardian

By K.M. Lewis

***For a limited time, grab this on sale for $0.99

(will go up to full price three weeks after release)!***

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

The book is a fictional work. So my primary hope is that readers just enjoy reading it and connect with the story and the characters that start to develop in Book 1. Book 2 and 3 really get into the characters more, so readers can understand why they are who they are and how that literally changes the world. I wrote the book really fast, it just poured out non-stop. Sometimes, I would stand up and stare back at the page that I just wrote and wonder where all this stuff was coming from. Its a bit of a daring book, so I think people will either hate it or really like it. For those who really like it, I hope it strikes a cord inside them, like it did for me when I finished writing the book.

An Indie Adventure - Excerpt

Remi had always dreamed that he would do meaningful work in his life. His parents repeatedly told him that he had a great destiny ahead of him and that one day he would do amazing things. Remi believed that perhaps one day he would become a senator or congressman and would change the lives of millions of people. The fact that at twenty-one, he was now in a room with the President of the United States, and his chief of staff, working on a plan to keep the United States government functional, left him with mixed feelings. It was awe inspiring on the one hand, but on the other, the circumstances around which it was happening were terrifying.

Splashes of Joy - Excerpt

Eli stared at the floor then looked back up to his new friends, who sat in a semi-circle, facing him. “I have a lot I need to tell you.”

Eli described his trip to get to Innsbruck and how close he was to never finding Florianne. He told them about the Vespa ride up the mountainside and his companion, Urich. He told them about finally finding Florianne’s estate and spending the last two days, getting the full history of Florianne, her family, the Guardians, and their secret organization.

The Magic Of Wor(l)ds - Excerpt

Eli watched as the group of three men very meticulously opened the crate and pulled out a smaller box made of a strange, reddish brown wood. The box looked to be hundreds of years old. They opened it and unrolled a parchment that had peculiar writing on it. Eli craned his neck in an effort to read what was on it, but it was in a dialect he was not familiar with.

Mel's Shelves - Review

"This book is intense! There are lots of characters to meet and I was hoping I would be able to keep them all straight. It starts fast as the world is undergoing drastic changes and it never let up. There is a small group of people that are important and one woman has the task of bringing them all together. It takes a while to find out why and what they are expected to do. . . . I look forward to reading more of this series and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a dystopian, apocalyptic thriller!"

Bookworm Lisa - Excerpt

Something about standing in the shadow of the Archangel Michael this evening caused Eli to stop and stare at the statue. He noticed, for the first time, that Archangel Michael appeared to have just unsheathed his sword—as if the time for that final battle, prophesied in the Bible, had finally arrived. Eli observed that Michael had a calmness etched on his face that evoked both sadness and resolve.

I'm All About Books - Excerpt

“Remi, where have you been?” The voice on the other end of the line was frantic. “We’ve been trying to reach you for the last half an hour.” It was one of his colleagues that was working on the Emergency Bill with him.

“Sorry, Brooke. I planned to take a shower and lay down to rest for thirty minutes before I came right back in. I must have been completely exhausted. I’m getting up. I’ll be in the office in an hour or so.”

“No. You’ll be here sooner. . . "

Meagan Davenport - Spotlight

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

A couple of seconds later, the computer screen blinked and cleanly displayed a data extract. Neatly arranged on the monitor was a list of eight names, along with contact information which was generally not publicly available—home address, mobile phone number, mobile phone password, email address, and last known GPS location—with longitude, latitude, and elevation.

“Please print that out and bring it to me in the study. I have to get in touch with these people right away.” Florianne turned around and hurried off with deliberate purpose to the adjoining room.

Life as Leels - Review

"I have to admit right off the bat that this was an anxiety inducing, scary read for me personally. Apocalyptic, end of the world, death type things have a way of throwing me into an anxiety attack and make me incredibly fearful and that is exactly what this book did.

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

Her husband couldn’t help but notice the expression of pain and despair in her eyes. A year ago, she had told him about a construction project that she had commissioned in the Rocky Mountains. They were building a bunker that they could use in the event of an emergency. He felt blessed that they had the means to ensure their family's safety but gave it little thought beyond that conversation. Kathy had been very careful not to give her husband the impression that there was a looming concern.

By The Book - Excerpt

Mariko walked down the dimly lit passageway that opened up into a well-appointed bunker. The lights automatically came on when she and her three daughters walked in. The space was designed like an apartment with couches, beds, a kitchen—everything that one would need over a period of several months. In the middle of the kitchen was a black phone.

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I believe many readers would enjoy this book, especially those like to read apocalyptic tales. I recommend it. I would love to see what the author comes up with in their next release."

Reading On The Edge - Excerpt

“What is going on, Soki?” Mariko cried hysterically as soon as her husband picked up. “We are locked in some bunker in the middle of nowhere. I think we are in China.”

“Mariko, please listen to me…” General Soki tried to project as much calm as he could muster. “I have spent the last year building the bunker you are in. The world is about to change, my love, and I fear that Japan might not make it.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

The Thirteenth Guardian

(The Thirteenth Guardian #1)

By K.M. Lewis

Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Thriller

Paperback & ebook, 307 Pages

June 11th 2019

DA VINCI'S SECRET PALES. Michelangelo concealed an explosive truth in his famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Eve did not cause the fall of man. She carried a far more devastating secret for millennia—one that will change the world forever.

As the modern-day world suffers the cataclysmic effects of the “Plagues of Egypt,” Avery Fitzgerald, a statuesque Astrophysics major at Stanford, discovers that she is mysteriously bound to five strangers by an extremely rare condition that foremost medical experts cannot explain. Thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they race against time to stay alive as they are pursued by an age-old adversary and the world around them collapses into annihilation. Under sacred oath, The Guardians—a far more archaic and enigmatic secret society than the Freemasons, Templars, and the Priory—protect Avery as she embarks on a daring quest that only legends of old have been on before. Avery must come to terms with the shocking realization that the blood of an ancient queen flows through her veins and that the fate of the world now rests on her shoulders.

The Thirteenth Guardian is Book One of a daring new Trilogy that will shake you to your core.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

K.M. Lewis has lived in multiple countries around the world and speaks several languages. Lewis holds a graduate degree from one of the Universities featured in his book. When he is not writing, Lewis doubles as a management consultant, with clients in just about every continent. He does much of his writing while on long flights and at farflung airports around the globe. He currently resides on the East Coast of the United States with his family.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Tour Giveaway

Two winners will receive an ebook of THE THIRTEENTH GUARDIAN

Ends June 26, 2019

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Blog Tour/Review: Summer by the Tides by Denise Hunter

Summer by the Tides, by Denise Hunter
2019, 302p, Clean Contemporary Romance
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way



From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance.

Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe's love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke apart is a struggle, and undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the sisters under. In the midst of the storm, sparks begin to fly between Maddy and Gram's maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy.

As the sisters pack up the family belongings, memories of idyllic, slow-paced summers are resurrected. But long-buried secrets also come to light as Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven--nor today in the seemingly perfect lives of her sisters.

As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy's heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they've become before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

I loved this book! The Monroe sisters are brought together during a family emergency. There's lots of tension between the two older sisters, Nora and Emma. Maddy is their buffer and is ready for them to get along. Connor Murphy is their grandmother's good-looking, single, next door neighbor. 

I loved getting to know each of these characters. Each of the sisters had a secret they were keeping in order to keep up the pretense of leading a great life. We slowly learned what tore Nora and Emma apart and then even more secrets were exposed up until the end. Connor and Maddy got off to a rough start, but I loved the way their relationship developed.

This book is filled with lots of emotion. There's guilt, secrets, and misjudgment, as well as forgiveness, faith, and romance. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys family relationships, as well as clean romance. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books-A-Million

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Instagram tour:

Monday, June 3rd: @read.write.coffee

Tuesday, June 4th: @beritaudiokilledthebookmark

Wednesday, June 5th: @_ebl_inc_

Thursday, June 6th: @my_book_journey

Friday, June 7th: @nsiabblog

Friday, June 7th: @sarahs_reads

Saturday, June 8th: @thecaffeinated_bibliophile

Sunday, June 9th: @sarahandherbookshelves

Review tour:

Monday, June 10th: @angelareadsbooks

Tuesday, June 11th: Lori’s Reading Corner – spotlight or guest post

Tuesday, June 11th: Amy’s Book-et List

Wednesday, June 12th: Jathan and Heather

Thursday, June 13th: A Chick Who Reads

Friday, June 14th: View from the Birdhouse

Monday, June 17th: @simplykelina

Tuesday, June 18th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, June 19th: Empowermoms

Thursday, June 20th: I Wish I Lived in a Library

Friday, June 21st: Blooming with Books

Monday, June 24th: Mel’s Shelves

Tuesday, June 25th: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Wednesday, June 26th: Midwest Ladies Who Lit and @mwladieswholit

Thursday, June 27th: Running Through the Storms

Friday, June 28th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, July 1st: Back Porchervations

Tuesday, July 2nd: Moonlight Rendezvous and @moonlight_rendezvous

Wednesday, July 3rd: Books and Spoons

Friday, July 5th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Monday, July 8th: Run Wright

Tuesday, July 9th: Girl Who Reads

Wednesday, July 10th: What is That Book About

Blog Tour/Review: The Thirteenth Guardian by K.M. Lewis

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Thirteenth Guardian

(The Thirteenth Guardian #1)

By K.M. Lewis

Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Thriller

Paperback & ebook, 307 Pages

June 11th 2019

DA VINCI'S SECRET PALES. Michelangelo concealed an explosive truth in his famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Eve did not cause the fall of man. She carried a far more devastating secret for millennia—one that will change the world forever.

As the modern-day world suffers the cataclysmic effects of the “Plagues of Egypt,” Avery Fitzgerald, a statuesque Astrophysics major at Stanford, discovers that she is mysteriously bound to five strangers by an extremely rare condition that foremost medical experts cannot explain. Thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they race against time to stay alive as they are pursued by an age-old adversary and the world around them collapses into annihilation. Under sacred oath, The Guardians—a far more archaic and enigmatic secret society than the Freemasons, Templars, and the Priory—protect Avery as she embarks on a daring quest that only legends of old have been on before. Avery must come to terms with the shocking realization that the blood of an ancient queen flows through her veins and that the fate of the world now rests on her shoulders.

The Thirteenth Guardian is Book One of a daring new Trilogy that will shake you to your core.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way

This book is intense! There are lots of characters to meet and I was hoping I would be able to keep them all straight. It starts fast as the world is undergoing drastic changes and it never let up. There is a small group of people that are important and one woman has the task of bringing them all together. It takes a while to find out why and what they are expected to do. 

There are so many characters that I didn't feel like I got to know any of them that well, but there will be more to learn about them in future books. I loved how quickly the story moved so it kept my attention the entire time, especially since I was so curious about these characters and what made them so important. Their task at the end seems overwhelming so it will be interesting to see how the rest of this story plays out. There isn't any romance, but there are some connections made which give me hope that there will be a little more of that in the future as well. I look forward to reading more of this series and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a dystopian, apocalyptic thriller!

***For a limited time, grab this on sale for $0.99

(will go up to full price three weeks after release)!***

About the Author

K.M. Lewis has lived in multiple countries around the world and speaks several languages. Lewis holds a graduate degree from one of the Universities featured in his book. When he is not writing, Lewis doubles as a management consultant, with clients in just about every continent. He does much of his writing while on long flights and at farflung airports around the globe. He currently resides on the East Coast of the United States with his family.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Two winners will receive an ebook of THE THIRTEENTH GUARDIAN

Ends June 26, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Deep Conviction by Steven T. Collis

Deep Conviction, by Steven T. Collis
2019, 384p, Nonfiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Deep Conviction features four ordinary Americans who put their reputations and livelihoods at risk as they fought to protect their first amendment right to live their personal beliefs. Though these individuals couldn’t be more different, they share a similar conviction and determination, and the principles of religious freedom apply equally to all of them.

In 1813, a Catholic priest in New York City faced prison after a grand jury subpoenaed him for refusing to divulge the identity of a jewelry thief who admitted to the crime during the sacrament of confession.

In 1959, an atheist in Maryland was forced to stand up for his beliefs when the state required him to sign an oath that said he believed in God before he could work as a notary public. The United States Supreme Court would decide his fate.

In 1989, a Klamath Indian man walked into the highest court of our nation to fight for the right to practice the central sacrament of the Native American Church after the state of Oregon had declared it illegal.

And, finally, in 2017, a Christian baker and a gay couple took their cases to the United States Supreme Court after the baker declined to create a custom wedding cake to celebrate the couple’s same-sex marriage, fearing it would violate his duty to God.

Chosen for their universality and for the broad principles they represent, these true stories reflect the diversity of beliefs in the United States, the conflicts between religious freedom and other interests, the perils individuals face when their right to live their beliefs is threatened, and the genius of America’s promise of religious liberty for all.

This book shares four stories of ordinary US citizens who fought for their personal beliefs. I enjoy books about the law and thought this book sounded interesting. I'm glad to say that it is! I love the way it's written! It reads more like a story rather than case law, even though the author does share lots of quotes from each proceeding. I also liked the back stories that were given for different people involved in each case which I thought was helpful in more fully understanding each story. 

I was impressed with each of them what they were willing to endure because of their personal convictions. It made me think about what I would do. I thought the author did a good job bringing home the point that religious freedom is important for everyone, and that the shift in the balance of power can often make the oppressed become the oppressors. It's also a reminder that attorneys and judges are human, and there were decisions made and opportunities missed that could have resulted in different outcomes in other cases. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the history of religious freedom in our country.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Steven T. Collis is the author of the nonfiction book Deep Conviction and the novel At Any Cost. He is an equity partner at Holland & Hart LLP and chairs the firm’s nationwide religious institutions and First Amendment practice group. An adjunct professor of religious liberty law at the University of Denver College of Law, he is a sought-after speaker to audiences across the United States, including foreign diplomats from countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America on behalf of the United States State Department. He has been interviewed by and quoted in various news outlets, including The Deseret News, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, The Salt Lake Tribune, The Denver Business Journal, Law Week Colorado, CBN News, and others.

​Before embarking on his legal and writing career, Steven graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as an editor on the Michigan Law Review. Steven also holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he served as the associate editor of the literary journal Blackbird. He completed his undergraduate studies, with university honors, at Brigham Young University.

Originally from New Mexico, Steven lives in Colorado with his wife and four children.

Website * Twitter

Grand Finale Blitz: Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Claiming the Drakos Heir

By Jennifer Faye

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hi. :-) Thank you for joining me with the launch for the second book in the Greek Island Brides trilogy ~ CLAIMING THE DRAKOS HEIR.

When a freak accident kills Popi’s adopted sister and brother-in-law, she is left carrying her sister’s baby. Agreeing to be a surrogate had been a big decision for Popi and one she hadn’t taken lightly. And now that her sister is gone, it is up to Popi to step up and raise the child of her heart. . .

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

Her life was about to change in so many ways, as the baby was due in a couple of weeks. Not long at all—

Knock-knock. Knock-knock.

So much for ignoring them.

“Anyone home?” A male voice called out through the open window.

Who could that be?

Popi wasn’t expecting anyone. Everyone she knew was getting ready for the wedding. And then the thought of something going wrong with the wedding had her rushing out of the bathroom in her fluffy, short pink robe that barely fit over her baby bump and with a large portion of her hair pulled up in a big orange clip.

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I give Claiming the Drakos Heir a well deserved five plus stars and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy sweet and romantic books with beautiful settings. I can not wait to find out what happens next in the third addition to the Greek Island Brides series."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Excerpt

What just happened?

Apollo Drakos stood slack-jawed as the woman sashayed down the hallway, but to be honest her sashay was more like a waddle. A cute waddle, but still a waddle all the same.

How could she still be pregnant?

His attorney had assured him the baby was born, though no one had been able to tell him if it was a boy or girl. Not that it mattered to him. Either way, he was still claiming his niece or nephew.

Two Points of Interest - Review

". . . the novel does have a few emotional rollercoasters, especially when dealing with a custody battle of a young child. I enjoyed reading and finding out the backstory of each character especially the mysterious Apollo. A definite must-read for anyone who loves romance novels."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Popi was the maid of honor, or koumbara, and it was her responsibility to see that the bride was ready on time. The rest of the bridal party soon showed up, including Lea’s assistant and her soon to be sister-in-law, Stasia. Because an odd number of attendants was good luck. And three attendants were the best.

Together they worked until Lea was all done up with her long hair pulled up with just a few strategically placed curly wisps of hair softening her face. A wreath of fresh flowers was clipped into place.

Popi stepped back and took in Lea’s dress. It was truly breathtaking. White tiers of Chantilly lace, tulle and ribbons adorned her. There was a V-shaped neckline with delicate straps over her shoulders and satin ribbon wrapped around her waist. She truly looked like a Greek goddess.

Cover To Cover Cafe - Review

"I absolutely adored this novel! This is my first book by Jennifer Faye, and it most definitely will not be my last! I was hooked from page one, and taken on a whirl wind ride following these amazingly chiseled characters to the end."

An Indie Adventure - Excerpt

He didn’t want to be here.

But on this small island, places to wait for Popi were limited. And the wedding appeared to be taking place in a common area of the village.

Apollo found himself standing off to the side. No one seemed to make a big deal of him being there. They acted as though he was just another wedding guest. Some even shook his hand and greeted him.

Up until now, Apollo had done nothing but make one mistake after the next since the day he was born. He thought he’d have time to fix things—to change his ways. After all, he was young. There was plenty of time to make up for the past, but then suddenly out of nowhere he’d been blindsided when time had run out for Nile and his wife, Andrina. And now he owed it to his brother not to mess things up where the baby was concerned.

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

It was then that Popi approached him. And by her stiff posture, he was certain she was not happy about him crashing this wedding. Maybe this hadn’t been such a great idea after all, but he was there now so he might as well stay and get this over with.

He was propped against a tall white column. He didn’t move, as Popi was headed straight for him. “What are you doing here?” Her gaze narrowed. “You aren’t part of the moving crew, are you?”

“Never said I was.”

“But you let me believe you were.”

“As I recall, you were in too much of a hurry to get the details.”

Baroness' Book Trove - Review

"Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye is so much more than what I thought it was going to be and I’m so honored to be a part of this book blog tour. Ms. Faye has taken us on a journey in this book. I have always wanted to go to Greece, and now I feel like I have just by visiting Infinity Island and a little bit of Athens that we have seen in the book. Apollo, Popi, and their bundle of joy seem like they will be good together, and I hope that they do. I love a happy ending.

I am giving it a five-star rating and recommending it to all romance readers out there."

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

“Can I cut in?” The stranger wore a serious expression.

Roberto, looking caught off guard, stopped dancing. “Um…” His gaze moved to her and she nodded. “Thank you for the dance.” Roberto turned back to the other man. “She’s all yours.”

The man took Popi in his quite capable arms, but there was no escaping their closeness with her protruding abdomen. No one had long enough arms to allow for much room between them—not even this man.

“What are you doing?” Her voice came out in a heated whisper.

“Dancing. With you.” He led her around the dance floor.

"What sets this book apart from the pack is the emotional connection that I felt for both Popi and Apollo from the start. . . . While this is on the sweet side, the romantic build up is well done. The chemistry is palpable and emotional. . . . this is a great addition to the Greek Island Brides trilogy."

Peaceful Pastime - Review

"I loved the setting of the Greek Island and the excitement of the upcoming wedding that was about to take place. . . . I absolutely loved this sweet story and look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out who will be the next bride on the Greek Island."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

It’d been a long time since he’d danced.

And he was surprised to find he enjoyed holding Popi close.

Realizing he was enjoying it too much, Apollo guided them off to a quiet corner of the dance floor. His intent was to have a serious conversation with her, but this close contact was detrimental to his thought process.

He drew in a deep breath, but it did nothing to cool his heated blood. There was something about this woman that got past his practiced defenses. And right now, talking was the last thing on his mind.

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"Despite those choices where the story continues to play out between two people who are in the height of a fierce custody battle there is also a slow burning romance playing out in the background. . . . Theirs was an interesting romance and I had a feeling Faye was going to continue the legacy of how this Greek island brings unsuspecting people together at a point in their lives where they aren't entirely ready to commit to a relationship much less consider a marriage! Sometimes life is like that though - you find yourself caught up in the tides of fate and despite your best intentions, things really do work out the way they were always meant to even if the timing of it all is not your own choosing."

Hallie Reads - Review

"A story of grief, trust, letting go, and some good, fun romance, Claiming the Drakos Heir is definitely an enjoyable read. I loved seeing the drama between Popi and Apollo in these unique circumstances, proving perfect for any reader in need of a quick contemporary romance."

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

Kissing her had been a mistake. Apollo didn’t know if he was going to be able to talk to her—to look at her—without recalling that earth-moving kiss. And he couldn’t afford to be distracted. There was too much at stake.

He stepped away. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

Popi’s gaze darkened. “The song has ended. Now I want answers. Who are you?”

“Do you really not recognize me?”

“No.” She studied his face. “Why should I know you? Are you famous?”

janicesbookreviews - Review

"I did enjoy the story of Popi and Apollo. Both were determined to care for the baby. I loved how Apollo took to Fatherhood."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Claiming the Drakos Heir

(Greek Island Brides #2)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

June 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance

The rebel bachelor is back…

To claim her baby!

In this Greek Island Brides story, pregnant surrogate Popi Costas is faced with raising her late sister’s child alone, until the baby’s wealthy uncle arrives to take charge! Apollo Drakos is distractingly handsome, but Popi won’t let that stop her from fighting to keep the baby. Yet as she gets to know the man behind the wild card reputation, Popi’s reconsidering welcoming Apollo into her new little family…

Goodreads│Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA

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Freebie

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

The Greek Island Brides Series

Finding love that lasts to infinity!

All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!

And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!

Follow Lea’s journey from surprise pregnancy to dream proposal in...

Book #1 - Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby

From one night…

To nine months!

In this Greek Island Brides story, for jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes… When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!

Order Now: Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA

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And coming September 2019…

Book #3 - Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

A convenient engagement…

An inconvenient attraction!

In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?

Pre-order Now: Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA

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About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a copy of Carrying the Greek Tycoon's Baby (print if US, ebook if INT) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card 

Open internationally

Ends June 12, 2019

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