Luck of the Irish—Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Luck of the Irish Cozy Mystery Anthology

Authors:Kate Darroch, Jessica Thompson, Kathleen Kalb, C A Phipps, Amy Grundy, J R Lancaster, Jaclyn Weist, Jessica Brimer, K Rose, and W Jenkins

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: March 17, 2024

A fabulous collection of Cozy Mysteries from your Favorite Cozy Authors –  published on St Pat’s Day, so they ALL feature The Luck of the Irish. ALL PROCEEDS go to help children living in ghastly conditions in internment camps.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. Most of the stories, I liked and they were cute. However, there were a couple that kind of spoiled it for me, and to be honest I didn’t even finish the last story because I couldn’t get into it….it was just too weird for me. I did not appreciate the mention of infidelity in one story, and if it had just been a mention of it and then the story moved on, or had not been so crude or mentioned the fact that it was a homosexual relationship, I probably could have moved on, but it really bothered me as a Christian. Overall, I only give this a 3 star review because it was just so-so. I thought it would be a cute read for Saint Patrick’s Day, but all in all, this one was a bust for me. I wouldn’t recommend it personally.

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Living on the picturesque Devon coastline, Kate combines her passion for cozy sleuths and her experiences living in many countries to create compelling Travel Cozies.
Màiri Maguire, a Scots Irish schoolteacher from 1970s Glasgow, the heroine of Kate’s debut novel, Death in Paris, has earned Kate many international book awards, including Incipere’s Best Christian Fiction 2022, consolidating her reputation as a notable author.

Kate hopes her readers will enjoy Màiri’s adventures as much as she enjoys Father Brown, Sherlock Holmes, and that old movie, the Perils of Pauline.
Next, Kate created Huntingdon Hart Investigates. Hunt is a dryly witty, prescient, tongue-in-cheek combo of James Bond and Sherlock Holmes, who’s in endless pursuit of a much older woman.
Kate’s most recent opus is the Christian Second Chance for Lasting Love series, Sweets By the Sea, a depth saga of Recovery and Redemption which her readers insist is even more adorable than her Cozy Mysteries. The first book in the series is Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay, which has been rapturously received by Readers Favorite’s critics.

Jessica Thompsonis the award-winning author of the Amazon best-selling mystery novels “A Caterer’s Guide to Holidays and Homicide” and “A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder”. Her latest novel, “Shoot Shovel and Shut Up,” is a classic mystery that won second place in the Firebird Awards. Jessica’s “Beyond the Woods: A Supernatural Anthology” is a family-friendly collection of her own campfire stories. Jessica is also Assistant Finance Chair for the Storymakers Guild.

More from Kate

Recipe for Irish Stew and an introduction to the book and why my fellow authors and I created it.

The Luck of the Irish: a Cozy Mystery Anthology from 10 Cozy Authors

Editors:  Kate Darroch and Jessica Thompson

You will love this Cozy Mystery anthology crammed with Cozy Mysteries from 10 Cozy authors

Renowned, like Kathleen Marple Karb, and New, like J R Lancaster

Let’s start our St Pat’s Day Celebrations the right way, with delicious things to eat and drink! Food for the body.

Irish Stew

A Royal Chef cooked this yummy Irish Stew Recipe at Sandringham House

Learn his delicious, although not strictly traditional, Irish stew recipe – and surprise your loved ones with a dish fit for a King!

Darren McGrady    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9HWZe9cSrM

Continuing our St Pat’s Day Celebrations, the right way, with Fascinating Mysteries full of Luck! Food for the mind.

The title says it all! Ten Cozy Mysteries from beloved Cozy Authors to give you food for the mind throughout the celebrations!

And winding up our St Pat’s Day Celebrations the right way, with a thought for those less fortunate… Food for the soul.

Why did 10 Authors get together to give you this super collection of Cozy Mysteries? Because we were aghast at the plight of children in border internment camps. We funded all costs of publication. 100% of all book sales proceeds goes to RAICES

Help these kids in dire need. And have fun reading Cozy Mysteries at the same time.

Blog Stops

Blogging With Carol, March 14

By the Book, March 15

Texas Book-aholic, March 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, March 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23

A Reader’s Brain, March 24 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Lights in a Dark World, March 27

Giveaway

Book Looks by Lisa, March 24

To celebrate their tour, the Cozy Authors are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and paperback 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/2a7aa/luck-of-the-irish-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt–Book Review

Back Cover Copy

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My Review

This book does not shy away from the hard topics. It dives right into the realities of what the people of Warsaw went through, both the Jews and the Polish people. I loved how you saw two different aspects of help in the war effort through Helena and Antonina’s stories. They both were willing to jump in to help in whatever way they could. They were extremely brave, and while this is a fictional story, there were actual people who fought in the resistance, who rescued Jews from the enemy. This book will keep you on your toes, because you do not know what is going to happen next. Two warnings about the book. First, if you have a hard time with details about the war, be aware, there is no sugar coating. This book does take on those hard subjects and faces them head on. Second, at one point one of the characters commits fornication. Now, I do not like when this is thrown into Christian books, but this particular instance was pivotal to the story, and it was not glorified or talked about in detail at all. Basically, it says it happened, and that she feels extremely guilty for what she had done, and then continues with the rest of the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one!

**I requested this book to read. This is my honest review of it

Wellspring of Life by Allen Brokken (Book 5)–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Wellspring of Life

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy

Release date: November 4, 2022

Lauren (12), Aiden(9), and Ethan(5) have been reunited with their mortally wounded Father. But, they must take him to the Wellspring of Life before it’s too late.

The Dark One suffered a massive loss when twelve-year-old Lauren and her younger brothers Aiden and Ethan rescued their father from his clutches. However, the battle left Father horribly burned and barely hanging on to life. However, they found a clue to his salvation, the fabled Wellspring of Life.

As the children trek across the wildlife of the prairie, take sides against them to drive them off their path. Meanwhile, the giant known as Skull Crusher hunts them mercilessly while seeking to master the Darkness so he can destroy the family once and for all.

New friends join them in their quest to save Father, but they could also choose the Darkness and lead them further astray. The children’s mission to save their father will fail if they can’t find the Wellspring of Life in time. Will they have the faith to stay on the narrow path to redemption?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This series is going to be a hit with my kids! This particular book picks up where Ethan and his family are trying to get their father to the Wellspring of Light to heal him of his wounds left by the power of the darkness. In their mission to get there, they are constantly being overwhelmed by obstacles that threaten to keep them from their destination. I love the spiritual truths taught in these books. I’ve always been a fan of allegory in books. The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim’s Progress were favorites, and I loved how they taught spiritual truths in their own way. This series shows the battle between the light and darkness, and how we are Light Bearers that need to shine our light to the world. I also love how the Armor of God is weaved into the story. It’s very well written, and I love the different characters and their personalities. I love the action-packed adventure in each book, and this book is no different. It’s sure to keep your child’s interests. If you’re kids love adventure, and fantasy, I think they’ll love these books. Be warned, you definitely want to read these in order. While there is a brief synopsis of each of the previous books in the beginning, you can still feel a little lost jumping in. I highly recommend this series, and I think it would be a great read aloud for any age, but probably best for 6th grade or above for independent readers.

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way.

He’s dedicated 18 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development.  Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his website allenbrokkenauthor.com.

More from Allen

Wellspring of Life was a blast to write! As a writer, one of the things I’ve had to contend with is that my characters rarely take me on an easy linear path from the start of a book to the end. As I work on a story, things tend to develop organically, and suddenly, the story’s conclusion is very different than when I put the first word on a page.

That’s where I found myself at the end of book 4 in the series, Armor of God. Unfortunately, the devastating way Father was wounded wasn’t in the original outline of the story or the series as a whole. So I had to write a whole book to determine if he survived. I also wanted to collaborate with a good friend, K. A. Cummins, author of the Snowglobe Travellers series, on a possible crossover. These combined to let me try out some new things as a writer.

For example, Wellspring of Life has a glitter bomb, a murder of wicked crows, and no good egg stealin’ prairie dogs, to name a few of the twists and turns you’ll find in this book. The kids also meet some new friends along the way. I enjoyed this the most because the new kids reflect the personality of my kids’ best friends from our homeschool co-op. Despite these kids now being off to college, we all had fun brainstorming their roles in the story.

Speaking of homeschool co-op, the book is dedicated to the Wellspring Homeschool Co-Op that my kids grew up in. Their verse is Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart because it’s the wellspring of life.” I couldn’t find a more appropriate theme for this book that deals with the consequences of an unguarded heart.

So I hope you take the time to pick it up, because it’s a wild ride across the prairie with a message of redemption I’m sure your family will enjoy.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Inklings and notions, November 11

Blossoms and Blessings, November 12 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, November 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 15 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

For Him and My family, November 18

A Reader’s Brain, November 19 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, November 20

Lights in a Dark World, November 21

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, November 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://www.celebratelit.com/wellspring-of-life-celebration-tour/

Methuselah Project S.O.S by Rick Barry–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book:  Methuselah Project S.O.S.

Author: Rick Barry

Genre: Christian suspense

Release date: October 20, 2020

Born in the final days of Nazi Germany, an underground organization is alive, growing, and manipulating events in our world today …

The survivor of a secret German experiment in 1943, Roger Greene possesses a unique physiology. To this day, his body remains youthful and heals quickly. In exchange for information about the mysterious Heritage Organization that Roger once escaped, the CIA has given him a new identity and pulled strings to get him into the modern U.S. Air Force.

Now, Roger’s main thrills are serving his country in an F-35 and spending time with Katherine, the love of his life. Suddenly, the CIA shows up and drops a bombshell—evidence that Sophie, the woman who Roger believed had died helping him escape, is alive. The Heritage Organization is holding her and others prisoner in an unknown location.

Honor-bound to rescue the woman who risked her life for him, Roger accepts temporary duties with the CIA. But just when the mission is already straining his relationship with Katherine, Roger becomes a murder suspect. A fugitive, he continues alone the mission to find Sophie. What he discovers lands this pilot deep inside a shadowy network intent on world domination.

Will Roger’s faith carry him through this quest—or will those tracking him succeed in snuffing out his long life once and for all?

A sensational standalone story, Rick Barry’s sequel to The Methuselah Project launches you into an unforgettable journey through danger, suspense, hope, and love—an experience that will keep you turning pages well into the night! 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Edge of your seat suspense! This suspense if full of “what’s going to happen next?” moments. I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read the prequel Methuselah Project, but this book could stand alone, since I didn’t feel like I was lost having not read the first book. I do however now want to go back and read the first one. I loved the characters, and Roger’s story kind of reminds me of Captain America from the Avengers in that he’s supposed to be this WWII vet who looks like he’s way younger due to the testing done on him in the previous book. There were a lot of plot twists and turns, and it kept me guessing what was going to happen next. There were some parts where Roger is in a dire situation and he’s got to think outside the box to get out of his predicament, I just loved the whole thing. I don’t want to give away the story by telling you all my favorite parts, so just trust me, and go grab yourself a copy and read it!! You won’t be disappointed! Great storyline, great suspense, overall a great book! I highly recommend this one!!

**I received a copy of this book for review as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Program. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Rick Barry has authored 4 novels: The Methuselah Project, Methuselah Project S.O.S., Gunner’s Run, and a young adult fantasy called Kiriath’s Quest. In addition, he has hundreds of published articles and short stories to his credit. He speaks Russian and has visited Eastern Europe over 50 times. Experiences that have provided fuel for his fiction include skydiving, mountain climbing, rappelling, serving in Christian camping ministries in Russia, kayaking, wilderness hiking, white-water rafting, visiting World War II battlegrounds, and prowling deserted buildings in the evacuated Chernobyl zone in Ukraine.

More from Rick

More than once, I’ve told friends that if I could write only one novel in my life, The Methuselah Project is the one I’d choose. After all, that inspirational suspense story has equal appeal for men and women readers. Plus, its hero—Captain Roger Greene—is such a fun character. He’s patriotic, handsome, humble, conscientious, and he possesses a sense of humor that carries him through tough times. Sure, it’s a suspense story, but it also includes a satisfying touch of romance.

However, with the publication of its standalone follow-up, Methuselah Project S.O.S., I might have to revise my statement. In this second book I worked hard to raise the stakes, to increase the danger, and to ramp up the tension. Also, in this book we get much better acquainted with the main characters, and the romance deepens. (Sorry, no spoilers!) Even though Roger Greene and his girlfriend Katherine are my own inventions, I’ve really grown to love these two. Judging by reviews, readers have, too!

I confess that S.O.S. was harder to write than the first book. My brain insists on details and believability. For me to write it, the plot of S.O.S. compelled me to research a variety of subjects—the CIA, the Air Force, escape and evasion techniques, functional booby traps, and more. The resulting story is a roller coaster ride of action and emotions.

So, what gives me as author the most joy from these books? Probably the reviews where readers begin, “I don’t usually read this kind of book”—but then tell why they absolutely loved it. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next one to say so!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 6

Becka Jiménez, March 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Inklings and notions, March 8

Betti Mace, March 9

Blogging With Carol, March 9

For Him and My Family, March 10

deb’s Book Review, March 11

Lights in a Darkness World, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13

Pause for Tales, March 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 14

CarpeDiem, March 15

Mary Hake, March 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Bizwings Blog, March 16

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rick is giving away  the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paper copy of Methuselah Project S.O.S.!!

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/108cd/methuselah-project-s-o-s-celebration-tour-giveaway

Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren–Book Review

Back Cover Copy

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure–and his injuries–has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones’s elite rescue team, but he also can’t shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Get your copy today

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun’s yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she’ll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes–the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what’s needed to prevent another tragedy–but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They’ll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.

My Review

Action-packed and full of suspense, this book will leave you wanting to jump right into the next book! I absolutely loved each of the characters, and felt like I was climbing Denali with them. Each character had their own unique back story, and they were all just as easy to love as the rest of them. I found myself gasping and wondering if they were ever going to get off that mountain. Would they be able to rescue their friends in time? Would they ever trust each other again? Would their pasts hinder them from the feelings Orion and Jenny both clearly had for each other, but were denying? As a first book in a series, I’m so glad I can follow the story into the next book when it comes out!! I loved this book, and definitely recommend it! The only thing I think I should warn about is there are a couple points where I thought the romance was getting a bit…shall we say steamier than I would like in a book….nothing ever happens, but it definitely is implied that had something not interrupted it would have happened.

**I received this book from Revell Reads for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason–Book Review

Back Cover Copy

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others–but her days of helping military personnel are over. She’s got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she’s not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way–terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Grab your copy here!

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn’t there–but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can’t take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he’s not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack–and that her secrets go even deeper than his own–Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

My Review

Another great book by Lynette Eason. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. I absolutely loved the characters. They were very relatable. Whenever I read Eason’s books I frequently have a hard time putting them down after a few chapters, and this was no different. I am so happy that this is just the first book in this series, because I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!

**I received this book for review from Revell Reads a division of Baker Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers–Book Review

 

Grab your copy today!

To an outsider, Roman Velasco appears to have it all. He has a nice house, fame, fortune, and any woman would kill to be on his arm. When Grace Moore walks into his life as his new assistant, he immediately notices how different she is from other women. She works hard, and doesn’t appreciate his foul mouth. Roman quickly finds himself wanting to know more about this elusive woman. Grace is a God-honoring woman who is trying hard to make a life for her and her son, and trying to get over the pain and regrets of her past. Will they open up to each other enough to see that they have more in common than they realize? Will Roman see his need of Jesus before it’s too late?

 

This story was fantastic. I was drawn in from the beginning, and I loved the different spiritual lessons seen throughout the book. One specific lesson I loved, God is working a masterpiece in each one of us, and yes we may have flaws or things in our past that we regret, but God in His grace will forgive us and save us and use us for His glory despite our past. The story was beautifully written, and I loved each of the characters! There were a few twists and turns along the way, which kept you wondering how it was going to end. I highly recommend this book!

**I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason–Book Review

 

Grab your copy here!

When Isabelle St. John’s partner is murdered right in front of her at what was supposed to be a simple stakeout, she is set on getting to the bottom of what was going on in that warehouse, and who killed Kevin. She has no idea what will unfold, but when information gets to her that there may be cops working for the bad guys, she’s not sure who she can trust. As she and her partner’s brother work on the case it brings them closer together, and they start falling for each other. Will they find out what’s going on before another disaster happens? Will Izzy be able to get past the past and let Ryan into her heart?

 

Edge-of-your-seat suspense is the best way to describe this fast-paced mystery. It will literally keep you guessing until the end! So amazing. I have read a few of Eason’s books, and this book does not disappoint. If you love suspense and mystery, you will love this book. I quickly fell in love with the characters, and felt like I was with Izzy through the whole investigation, and the many bumps along the road. This is definitely one you need to read!

**I received this book free from the publisher for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson–Book Review

Militine meets Thane while helping her friend Abrianna feed the poor of Seattle. Both have secrets from their past that cause them to guard themselves from others. Neither wants to expose their secret, but when faced with love, will they be able to overcome their fears so they can move on from their past? Abrianna is a headstrong, unconventional woman, but she is willing to do anything to serve the Lord. She is Militine’s best friend and is always getting them into trouble with her schemes. These two good friends have a lot in common, but Abrianna has a strong faith in the Lord, while Militine questions her faith.

This was book two of the Brides of Seattle Series, but it is a totally separate story, so even though I haven’t yet read book one, I wasn’t lost or missing any pieces. The storyline of this book was awesome. It was very well written and the story was very well developed. Just when you think you have figured out what’s going to happen, Peterson throws in a little twist to keep you guessing. I have always been a big fan of Tracie Peterson’s work, but I had a hard time putting this book down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you love a good romance novel I highly recommend this book as well as any other book by Tracie Peterson.

 

**I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Get your own copy of Refining Fire here.