Christmas Conspiracy by Susan Sleeman

• Series: First Responders (Book 6)
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Large Print (December 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373447841
• ISBN-13: 978-0373447848

About the Book:

WITNESS IN JEOPARDY 

It's a typical day at Rachael Long's day-care center—until a masked gunman tries to abduct one of the children in her charge. First response commander Jake Marsh manages to defuse the situation before anyone is harmed…but not before Rachael unmasks the would-be kidnapper. Now Jake must lead a manhunt and protect Rachael from the criminal who's turned his focus on her. But the case is reawakening painful memories for Jake, and Rachael's treating emotional wounds of her own. And with danger mounting as Christmas nears, they must learn to let go of the past in order to outwit a killer…and find the peace that's always eluded them both.

My Thoughts:

As a mom, nothing terrifies me more than the thought of someone taking my child.  Susan Sleeman taps into that fear in her newest novel, "Christmas Conspiracy", and she does it very, very well (you have been warned!).

Rachael takes her responsibility as a day-care provider very seriously, treating the children under her care as she would one of her own.  When someone attempts an abduction, she fights back and ends up ripping off the kidnapper's mask, thus jeopardizing both the child and herself.

Jake Marsh is a true hero, with secrets of his own.  As he works to keep Rachael safe, sparks of romance begin to fly.  Honestly, it's the mystery that drew me in.  Susan writes with rich detail and authentic dialogue, and she gets me hooked every time.

The lovey-dovey part is just a bonus!

I enjoyed "Christmas Conspiracy", and I think you will as well.  I'm giving it my 'One To Watch' award, and here's the list of Susan's 'First Responders' series in order (I'm one of the weird ones that MUST read books in order!):

FIRST RESPONDERS SERIES
Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love.

A six member, elite First Response Squad- including two negotiators, a bomb tech, a sniper, an EMT, and a team leader.
Book 1 - Silent Night Standoff - Nov/2014
Book 2 - Explosive Alliance - May/2015
Book 3 - High-Caliber Holiday - Nov/2015
Book 4 - Emergency Response - May/2016
Book 5 - Silent Sabotage - August/2016
Book 6 - Christmas Conspiracy - Dec/2016

Until I have one more book to share...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

One Enchanted Eve by Melissa Tagg

• File Size: 1873 KB
• Print Length: 134 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Larkspur Press (November 22, 2016)
• Publication Date: November 22, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

About the Book:

A delightful Christmas romance about finding the perfect recipe for love.

After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.

Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it. 

But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.

My Thoughts:

So, yesterday I promised to bring you "One Enchanted Eve", Melissa Tagg's second Christmas novella. I'm a little late, but I'm keeping my promise!  Remember Colin from yesterday's story?  The brother that messes up and stays away too long?

Yeah, well he's the star of this novella, and he brings a load of emotional baggage with him into the kitchen.  That's right...I said kitchen.  Colin has made a career u-turn, and he's committed to making something of himself so he can hold his head up and return home to face his family--especially big brother Drew.

Problem is, Colin gets on Rylan's last nerve, and she's about the boot his jean clad booty out the door. When a dream opportunity falls in Rylan's lap, Colin persuades her to accompany him home and to allow him to spark her creativity by collaborating.

That's when the real fun ensues!  Imagine if "Cake Boss" and your favorite Hallmark movie got together and created a new story, and you've got the heart of "One Enchanted Eve"!  But be warned: tissues are required whenever you read a Tagg novel...yeah, she goes there like Barbara Walters on a broadcast special.

I thoroughly enjoyed "One Enchanted Eve" and I know you will as well!  This novella get my 'Oh, The Feels!' award, and I can hardly wait to see what Melissa creates for NEXT Christmas!  Until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

• File Size: 423 KB
• Print Length: 113 pages
• Publisher: Larkspur Press (December 8, 2015)
• Publication Date: December 8, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

About the Book:

Last December, mystery author Maren Grant had the most perfect night of her life. On a glimmering winter evening, she got to watch the photo shoot for her very first book and ended up on a magical date with the cover model himself—Colin Renwycke.

Fast forward one year. This December, with a looming deadline, restless spirit and her creative spark long since gone, Maren is desperate to get unstuck. And she can’t get Colin out of her head…or his year-old open invitation to spend a couple weeks writing at his family’s farm. 

Drew Renwycke never planned to come home and take over the Renwycke family farm. But he’s spent too many years watching his siblings unravel, including his brother, Colin, after one terrible family mistake. If moving to Maple Valley, Iowa, renovating an old farmhouse and switching careers is what it takes to put the Renwycke family back together, he’ll do it.

But his simple plan upends when a scrappy author lands on his doorstep. And she just might be the key to coaxing his brother home. But what if he wants her all to himself? Drew will have to choose between his Christmas wish and the enchantment of a holiday romance that just might be the happy ending they all long for. 

My Thoughts:

And I quote: Oh, what fun you'll have tonight with a Tagg novella in sight!!  Or something like that...my point is this--

Everything Melissa writes is FUN to read!  Even the parts that make you cry.  And "One Enchanted Christmas" is no exception.  Come and meet the Renwycke family, but be careful...

...you just might want to stay.

Drew is the textbook definition of a first born: responsible, dedicated, and protective.  Unfortunately, Maren isn't looking for someone like Drew.  It's Colin that leads her to the family farm, hoping she can break through her writer's block and maybe fall in love.

But Colin is MIA for the majority of this novella, which is fitting since he's been pretty much MIA from the Renwycke family for the last several years.  Spending time with the rest of his family draws Maren in, and you'll absolutely LOVE the ending!

I'm giving "One Enchanted Christmas" my 'Oh, The Feels!' rating.  Pretty much all of Melissa's novels get that from me...because oh, the feelings you'll feel when you read a Tagg tale!  Until next time...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

P.S.  This is LAST year's novella...tomorrow I'll introduce you to the next holiday story from Melissa!

Christmas Gift Guide #5: NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible

Here's my Christmas Gift Guide #5 suggestion for you!!

The NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible!

• Age Range: 6 - 10 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 5
• Hardcover: 1632 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised ed. edition (April 19, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310744857
• ISBN-13: 978-0310744856

About the Book:

How come people lived so long back then? Why did God allow the flood? Is Jesus real?

Kids have LOTS of questions about the Bible and God. The NIrV Kids’ Quest Study Bible is a great resource for kids eager to learn more.

Features include:

• Over 500 questions and answers for kids
• Book introductions help explain what each book of the Bible is about
• A dictionary and subject guide help kids find what they’re looking for
• Fresh, colorful design makes the Bible fun to look at and use
• The complete NIrV translation, the steppingstone to the NIV!

Isn’t it exciting to discover the world, ask how things work, and learn about God and the Bible? With a bright, colorful design, reading and using the Bible is fun.

My Thoughts:

It's great that our little ones have so many questions.  Know what's even greater?  Teaching them how to find the answers for themselves!  Every child needs to have a Bible...and every child needs to have a study Bible.

Kids' Quest Study Bible is ideal for a child's first study Bible.  It's written in an easy to read translation, the NIrV, which is just a little bit easier than the standard NIV.  The cover is fun and whimsical, but it's what is inside that counts.

Lots of questions, with rock solid answers, a reading guide, bold and colorful print, and this Bible is loaded with easy to use helps.  I'm 53 years old, and I think it's pretty cool!  Just to be safe, I showed it to my grandson, age 7.  He's hoping it will be his under the Christmas tree this year (shhhh...don't tell him!).

Place your order for the NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible today and have it in time for Christmas!  No better gift at this time of year than God's Word!  Until next time...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Christmas Gift Guide #4: The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Here comes another ideal gift idea for the littles in the family!!

The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury

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• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310753589
• ISBN-13: 978-0310753582

About the Book:

Time after time the Living Lights, Berenstain Bears series has attracted young readers through creative and engaging stories that not only entertain but teach values and life lessons. Now, five of the series’ most loved books are available in a comprehensive bind-up. This Living Lights collection Back to School is sure to be a popular choice for Berenstain Bears readers who have enjoyed the series in the past.

This collection includes:

-        Jobs Around Town

-        Get Involved

-        Love Their Neighbors

-        The Biggest Brag

-        Gossip Gang

My Thoughts:

Did you catch the titles of the stories included?  Talk about a timely children's book!  And you simply cannot go wrong with a Berenstain Bears' book!  The cover is sturdy and has a solid binding.  The stories are fully illustrated, and the individual covers can be found on the back of the book.

Very reasonably priced, lots of reading, and a rock solid message to the little ones in your family...this gift is ideal.  Makes great bedtime reading, after school reading, reading out loud...even family devotional reading!

So don't miss out on this great book.  Get your copy now...hey, buy multiple copies and keep one for yourself!  Until next time...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Christmas Gift Guide #3: NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible

I'm still bringing you great gifts for friends and family!  We'll have at least 25 days of Gifts, just in time for your Christmas celebration!

Here is today's gift selection: NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible w/illustrations to color

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Hardcover: 1152 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Clr Csm edition (November 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310758912
• ISBN-13: 978-0310758914

About the Book:

The NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made, this Bible features over 50 ready-to-color pages alongside the full text of the New International Version (NIV) translation.

Features include:

• Beautiful cover with foil makes for a stunning gift
• Over 50 pages of black-and-white illustrations ready to be colored
• Key verses called out on each coloring page
• The full text of the bestselling New International Version translation
• Presentation page for gift giving
• Ribbon marker

My Thoughts:

Gorgeous Bible!  While the NIV is no longer my translation of choice, it remains one of the top sellers in today's market.  The text is a tad small, but still easy to read.

And the coloring pages?  Good, heavy paper with a design on either side.  The quality of paper guarantees no bleeding through, and makes the coloring pages easy to find. And the designs are my favorite style...thick black lines and plenty of detail to fill in!

With adult coloring books all the rage these days, having God's Word before your eyes while you doodle in your designs makes for some great meditation time.  I'm in love with the NIV Wonders of Creation Bible, and I think you'll have a winner with your purchase!

Until next time...mark your place,

Deena

Double Header by Clarice G. James

• File Size: 912 KB
• Print Length: 314 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1941291244
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Mountainview Books, LLC (November 20, 2015)
• Publication Date: November 20, 2015

About the Book:

Casey Gallagher has it all together—a lucrative marketing career in Boston, a happy marriage, and a successful sports column she writes with her younger brother Griffin. She’s got a plan to save for a dream home in the suburbs and then have kids, even though her cop husband Sam doesn’t see the need to wait. 

The memory of her father still looms large four years after his passing. He was the cop who let her shine his boots, and she’s idolized him since she was a little girl. Even Sam can’t live up to his legacy. Then Casey receives a letter that bursts her balloon. Could her father not have been all she believed he was, and if so, how can her mother, who recently remarried and found a new faith, so easily forgive her former husband? Even the Red Sox rookies Casey and Griffin have recently befriended seem to have an inner peace that puzzles her. 

As Casey attempts to fit the changes life throws at her into her idealistic plan, she is challenged by the dialogue running in her head. Is it her conscience, her imagination, or the voice of the God she’s not sure she believes in?

My Thoughts:

This novel was a very pleasant surprise!  Clarice G. James has crafted a story that is more than just a tale about baseball.  It's about a family with secrets and faith and how both really cannot coexist if you want a solid relationship with Jesus.  Believe me, that was a huge undertaking, but Miss Clarice hit it out of the park (sorry, but I had to go there!).

Casey was so easy to identify with.  Like Casey, I had a plan for my future and it was a good one.  Also like Casey, I informed God of my plans and asked that He sign off on them.  She kept trying to steal home, but God needed her to round every base in His timing.  As for me, God didn't give me the life I'd planned.  Instead, out of His great love for me (and for Casey, even though I'm real and she isn't--I think!), He winked at my plans and gave me something far greater instead.

I absolutely adored Griffin!  He was the ideal foil to Casey's doubts and concerns, and he was able to speak truth into her life even as he worked out his own relationships.  If only men like Griffin existed in real life (I actually believe they do!).  He's quite the catch (yes, I went there yet again!).

I loved my time with "Double Header" and I'm eager to see what Miss Clarice comes up with next!  I'm giving this one my "Oh, The Feels" award, and encouraging you to get your copy today!  Until next time,

Mark Your Place (I was tempted to say "Batter Up!"),

Deena