Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Capturing You by Robin Patchen (Wright Heroes of Maine#6)

About the Book

Book: Capturing You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

Brooklynn Wright must win a photography contest to save her gallery, and the perfect sunrise shot at a remote inlet north of town is her best hope. But when she witnesses a smuggling operation at a hidden dock and is chased by armed men, her dreams of artistic glory become a nightmare flight for survival. Rescued by a mysterious stranger, Brooklynn is forced to take refuge with him in an abandoned mansion the townspeople claim is cursed—afraid to trust her grumpy protector but with no other choice.

Billionaire Forbes Ballentine returned to Shadow Cove for answers, not distractions. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his family twenty years ago, he’s spent his life in the shadows, hunting for the truth. He believes the network Brooklynn stumbled upon is tied to his family’s deaths, but protecting the cheerful photographer means jeopardizing the investigation he’s been chasing for decades. Especially when her presence stirs feelings he’s not prepared to face.

As Brooklynn and Forbes grow closer, so do the network’s ruthless enforcers. With everyone in town hiding something, they must navigate lies, betrayal, and deadly truths. When the network closes in, they’ll have to trust each other completely—or lose everything.

Dive into this gripping romantic suspense full of mystery, secrets, and danger, where two broken souls must uncover the truth while battling the enemies outside—and the wounds within.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

This author is one of my favorites, and I loved this book so much! I’m a photographer, so I'm excited anytime there’s a good story with a photography aspect. This story didn’t disappoint. It's part of a series but holds up well on its own. It has a few twists and turns, and I like that a lot. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Faith isn't left out, and the story is quite gripping. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

More from Robin

A Mansion on the Maine Coast: The Perfect Setting for Capturing You

There’s something about old mansions that gets my imagination racing. Maybe it’s the grandeur, or the hint that secrets hide behind their towering windows. Or maybe it’s knowing that, once upon a time, entire lives were lived there.

When I first envisioned Capturing You, I knew the story needed a setting as breathtaking—and as mysterious—as the characters themselves. So I plucked inspiration from my visits to the coast of New Hampshire. I can’t help but admire the stunning mansions overlooking the Atlantic between Hampton Beach—a touristy strip filled with arcades and restaurants—and Rye, a quiet coastal community. I love to imagine the lives lived inside those walls and the histories written into their very foundations.

Naturally, when it came time to write Brooklynn and Forbes’s story, I borrowed from those daydreams.

In Capturing You, the eighteenth-century cliffside mansion functions as more than just a setting. It’s a character in its own right. Crumbling a bit with age, it stands guard over a small, secluded cove on the coast of Maine. The old home is a place of secret hiding places, bittersweet memories, and…because, you know, it’s a Robin Patchen novel…more than its share of danger. The Ballentine Mansion is the perfect backdrop for a story about a photographer who accidentally stumbles onto something she shouldn’t have seen—and a brooding recluse determined to keep her safe.

In the story, I hope you hear the waves pounding against the rocky shore, smell the salt in the air, and feel the ancient wood floors creaking beneath your feet. I hope you’ll find wonder in the whimsical spaces created by the original architect. And I hope you’ll experience nostalgia in a home that hasn’t had a family fill its halls with laughter in a generation.

Step right into that world with me—a world of danger and romance, courage and redemption, all wrapped up in a mansion that’s seen more than its share of joy and heartache. And maybe a little healing too.

I can’t wait for you to explore all its secrets with Brooklynn and Forbes.

Capturing You is available now. Immerse yourself in a fascinating mansion—and a suspenseful romance that’ll keep you reading all night long.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 1

For Him and My Family, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4

Texas Book-aholic, July 5

Stories By Gina, July 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 6

Book Looks by Lisa, July 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 8

Blogging with Carol, July 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 11

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, July 12

Holly’s Book Corner, July 13

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 13

Pause for Tales, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of Protecting You!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54253


Thursday, July 3, 2025

Following the Clues by Dana Mentink (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

About the Book

Book: Following the Clues (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 27, 2024

A search-and-rescue mission
reveals a lethal secret.

After K-9 handler Kara Wolfe witnesses her childhood friend Beau O’Connor survive a targeted hit-and-run, she’s shocked to learn his mother’s missing. And Beau, who can no longer recognize familiar faces after an earlier attack, can’t shake the feeling these terrifying incidents are somehow connected. With the tracking skills of her blind bloodhound, Kara will help Beau locate his mother—but someone will do anything to sabotage their search. With the culprit on their trail, can they uncover a sinister plot…before their rescue mission turns into a fight for survival?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

This is a suspense story, but somehow, it's soft and sweet too. I love the dogs, of course! Millie and Phil are out being walked by Kara when a van goes wild. Eeeek! Then this van is tied to hitting an old pal of hers, but he doesn't remember her? Wait what? Did he lose his memory? What will face blindness do to Beau? I really liked this story. It's a perfect fit for the series. I find it to also be a good standalone story. I really enjoyed the clues, mystery, and soft faith flowing through the book. I look forward to this author's books. This one is a top favorite among her books. I'd recommend this lovely tale and this series. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

More from Dana

The only thing more fun that writing about bloodhounds, is adding in some colorful new canine characters who aren’t quite your standard tracking champions. In this book, you’ll get to know Phil who was introduced at the end of book #3. He’s a livestock protector who steps in as a guide for Millie the bloodhound when her vision becomes impaired. Phil takes his job VERY seriously. He flat out refuses to wear a vest, or play with toys, and he doesn’t particularly like people, but he will lay his life down to protect Millie and Kara Wolfe. It was so much fun having this unlikely hero rise to the challenge as Kara and her ex-boyfriend must root out a saboteur on the local fish hatchery property. The secret they unearth will shock you, I hope! Please enjoy the adventure with Millie, Phil, and the rest of the Wolfe pack!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 24

Bizwings Book Blog, June 25

Carla’s Book Crush, June 25

Bigreadersite, June 26

The Avid Reader, June 26

Vicky Sluiter, June 27

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Devoted To Hope, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Betti Mace, June 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

Labor Not in Vain, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Stories By Gina, July 2 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Because I said So – adventures in parenting, July 3

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, July 4

Lily’s Corner, July 5

Blossoms and Blessings, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Lights in a Dark World, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54246


Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries by Allen Brokken (Logan’s Search for the Fruits of the Spirit Book One)

About the Book

Book: Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries : A Towers of Light Early Reader (Logan’s Search for the Fruits of the Spirit Book One)

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Logan was important…once! He helped slay a Dragon. Now all his days are chores, chores and more chores.  Will nothing relieve the drudgery?

But when he happens upon a hidden grove of strawberries with mysterious powers, his whole perspective changes and he wonders if he’s found the mysterious fruit of self-control?  Will Logan and his new pet raccoon Rascal solve the mystery before Logan’s Pa turns the rodent into a new hat?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Logan has had a hard time. He's fought dragons and overcome so much, and now he's stuck on endless, repetitive chores. Poor Logan just isn't doing what would make his task easier. He's minus a hat, minus bug repellent, minus a handkerchief, and frankly, he's all out of joint on this day. 

He's really weary of this, and when Ma sets him free of chores to go get his best friend and play. They are supposed to be careful, though, because Darkness is still scattered here and there. Then they find a rather magical strawberry patch. Ah, but are they actually what they seem to be? What is that doing way off in the woods, too close to Darkness? How much like the Darkness Rasberries could they be? They are so ripe and plump, and you absolutely have to read what happens. I love Rascal too; he's a marvelous raccoon companion. 

I greatly enjoyed Logan's POV and the good Southern-like dialogue. I love how multi-layered with morals and spiritual principles this story is. I've missed books like this, even if it is a "kids" book, it just works for me. It's bound to be a hit with children up to close to their teens as well, because it's interesting and adventurous while teaching morals and being a cautionary tale. 

5 Stars 

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 15 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 and through his blog.

 More from Allen

As a writer, I tend to lean toward what I know for inspiration.  Actual life events or people I know shape what I write about.  As a ministry volunteer in church for over 15 years, I regularly saw the challenges children with ADHD or other spectrum disorders had with the church.  Volunteers are ill-equipped to understand their unique needs, and many of the young boys I worked with ended up having terrible experiences at church because they just couldn’t fit in.

So when I set out to write an early chapter book for boys I wanted to find a way to shine the light of God’s truth right where they lived.  Having been diagnosed with A.D.D., I understand these challenges and the general mentality.  On the one hand, this can have detrimental effects when being forced to sit in a chair with nothing to do but listen; on the other hand, it can supercharge tasks that require intense focus.

I also had inspiration from the existing Towers of Light series I wrote for a middle grade audience and pre-existing characters that children love.  So I worked with the real-life Logan to craft this story that exemplifies the spiritual gift of love as the antidote to the poison of the hateful strawberries.  Plus, the antics of Rascal the Raccoon add just the right touch of comedy and action to keep young children turning the pages.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 26

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 28

Fiction Book Lover, June 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Vicky Sluiter, July 2 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, July 2

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Guild Master, July 4

For the Love of Literature, July 5 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, July 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 7 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, July 8 (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 extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54247


To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer (One Upon a Time in Texas Book #1)

About the Book

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

Since childhood, I have loved the story of Beauty and the Beast. I have never gotten tired of it, even in other iterations. I share that in common with the author, and I like what she did with this story. To save her family's business, Callista must face the beast. Everett and his library. She's beautifully into books; she rebinds them, saves them, heals them. So what about Everett and his wounds? Humor, faith, and love, along with danger and loss, are all worked into this story. I really like how the author crafted this tale. I have a smile on my face at the end of the story, and I can easily recommend it. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54249