Light at the End of the Tunnel by Linda Weaver Clarke

Amidst Trials, is there a Light at the end of the Tunnel?

All of us have challenges in our lives and we feel so alone. We sometimes wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we try to solve our own problems and don’t bother talking to anyone or asking for help.

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that the trials in life will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does Jesus Christ know how we feel? I believe He does.

Set in 1844, The Light at the End of the Tunnel is a historical romance. Book Reviewer and Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “This romance wrapped around my heart as it took me into the struggles of Hannah, such a brave woman. The characters come to life on the page as Thomas falls for Hannah. However, Hannah is caught up in her day-to-day trials, and with her independent streak, she only thinks of making a life for her and her daughter. Can Thomas get her attention and change her mind?” 

After coming to America and enduring several challenges and trials, Hannah realizes she can make something of her life by opening a hot chocolate shop. She soon finds that starting her own business isn’t as easy as she thought.

When Thomas finds out that Hannah's shop is struggling, he comes to the rescue with a clever plan. Will she agree to such an unconventional idea? Can he convince her to find room in her heart for one more person?

“I enjoyed this sweet historical romance very much.  This story shows the western spirit of adventure in a young widow who has faced many hardships to come to this point.  This is a Christian book and a very engaging and enjoyable read. You will enjoy this heartwarming story of a strong woman forging a new life.” Sunnie Reviews

To buy this book or eBook on Amazon, visit

https://www.amazon.com/Light-end-Tunnel-Women-Courage/dp/B09JJ97612

Linda Weaver Clarke’s Author Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com 

Linda’s Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com 

Linda’s Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com 

Linda’s Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com 

Aloha Alibi (Charlotte Gibson Mysteries Book 1) by Jasmine Webb

 

Most people flee to Hawaii for gorgeous weather, white-sand beaches, and cocktails at sunset. Charlotte Gibson, however, is fleeing for her life after a vengeful mobster leaves a severed finger on her doorstep as a warning. Message very much received.

That’s how Charlotte—Charlie to everyone except her mom— finds herself on Maui with six dollars to her name, living with a mother who can’t stop giving her advice on how to land herself a husband. But when a businessman is murdered and his company offers a reward to whoever finds the killer, Charlie sees an opportunity: with that kind of cash, she could afford her own place and start a new life here away from the people who want her dead. After all, how hard can hunting down a murderer be?

Teaming up with a couple of old ladies with more spunk than Betty White, Charlie is sure she’s on the right track to snag the reward money. However, the infuriating-but-smoldering-hot cop trying to keep her away from his case has other ideas. Throw in a day job at an ice cream shop, corrupt local politicians, and a best friend trying to act as the voice of reason, and Charlie has her work cut out for her.

Will she be able to find the killer, or is Charlie’s time in paradise going to go straight to hell in a handbasket?

                            

This had me laughing out loud. Just the right blend of humour, danger and badassery fun from the girls. There seemed to be something happening at every turn of the page. I loved that the women were not afraid to use any means necessary to defend themselves. The side characters were all great fun. The old ladies who helped investigate added to the humour and Charlie's mother was a total hoot.

I'm looking forward to following this series. Book 3 will be out at the end of November. This first in the series is currently FREE to download from Amazon for Kindle.

Get it Here

 

Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant (2021)

Description

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived for this cowboy in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant's newest novel, Home for a Cowboy Christmas.

Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.

“A captivating romance novel with a sexy cowboy making this perfect for anyone who loves a steamy romantic read.” - Fresh Fiction on My Favorite Cowboy

Despite the cutesy title, this is a seriously good romantic suspense and I found it difficult to put down. The romance is somewhat of a slow burn but I loved that as it made the story more realistic. The tension and suspense were concentrated more towards the end of the book where the inevitable showdown happens between Emmy and the people out to kill her. Emmy made a great heroine. She was scared throughout but incredibly brave and strong at the same time.

Dwight's dog was very cute and intelligent. I loved that he acted as a therapy dog for Emmy. 

This was a fast-paced story with a charming romance and a suspense-filled conclusion. 

A greatly entertaining read. 

Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Suzanne Enoch; Amelia Grey; Anna Bennett (2021)

 

Description

From the Scottish highlands, to the bustle and tussle of London, to a hotel on the outskirts of town, three unforgettable authors bring the joy of Christmas romance in Kissing Under the Mistletoe.

Great Scot! by Suzanne Enoch
Miss Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale moment. Well past the marriageable age, she’s taken a position as a companion and is now stuck in Scotland for Christmas, alone even in the middle of the boisterous MacTaggert family. But when Brennan Andrews, an architect and cousin to the MacTaggerts, arrives to draw up plans for a new family home, Jane must decide if she will take a chance at a happily-ever-after, or settle into her small, safe life for good.

Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
Miss Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love. She has a perfectly acceptable life with her mother at the Dewberry Hollow Inn, thank you very much. But when Gate, the Duke of Notsgrave’s grandson, appears at Dewberry Hollow searching for a carving on a tree, Isabelle cannot help but get involved. But Gate’s charm and their instant attraction makes Isabelle question if she’s willing to take her chance at love once again.

My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish Earl of Frostbough who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch. But when the earl, Jack Hardwick, catches her in the act, they strike a deal: she’ll pose as his fiancée in exchange for the watch. Falling in love is not part of the plan—but with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible…

Three charming short romances. Although I enjoyed all three stories my favourite is Anna Bennett's My Mistletoe Beau.

The fake fianceé is always a fun trope and it was executed remarkably well here. 

I liked that the stories were not overly Christmasy and they can be easily enjoyed at any time of the year.

For three delightful, short romantic stories with a Christmas feel Kissing Under the Mistletoe is the one to download this season.

#KissingUndertheMistletoe #NetGalley. 

False Truth: A Joe Wilde Investigation #1 by C.D. Steele (2021)

 

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...

Private Investigator and former MI6 agent Joe Wilde is hired by Sally Devlin to investigate her son’s disappearance. Liam Devlin was a rising football star. His car was found abandoned at Lea Bridge in Hackney, a known suicide spot, six weeks prior.

With help from friend and retired MI6 Data Technician Mark Thompson, Joe uncovers a huge secret in Liam’s life. Putting the pieces together, he starts to suspect that this case is far more complex than he originally envisioned. Falling ever-deeper into his own investigations, Joe meets with the detective in charge of the case, D. I. Carl Whatmore, who does not take kindly to Joe getting involved.

As Joe and D. I. Whatmore go head-to-head in their own investigations, more lives are put in danger. But who will crack the case? Only time will tell...

C. D. Steele works as an Executive Officer in the Civil Service. He has a degree in Recreation Management and lives in Bangor, County Down. This is his first novel.

I had high hopes for False Truth, the first in a brand new series by a new talent from Northern Ireland. It certainly had an intriguing storyline with a PI who was willing to go to any lengths to discover the truth about the missing footballer. 

My favourite part of the book was the section where it took place in South America. The chase and fight scenes were so well described without slowing down the pace. These dramatic scenes were quite exciting with lots of suspense and tension. 

A couple of things that dimmed my enjoyment of the story was the very formal, robotic dialogue. 

Also, I didn't feel like I got to know Joe at all. There wasn't much back story or inner dialogue to show what he was thinking or feeling. 

I'd like to see more action and less of the confession dumping at the end just to bring it to a close. It's quite anticlimactic to have everything conveniently explained at the end. But, these are things that can be ironed out for Joe's next investigation. It will be interesting to see how this series progresses.