Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere

Guarded by the Sheriff

Book Summary

A child in need of protection…

and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée, Sienna Blake, again—especially with a child in tow…and a gunman on her heels. Witnessing a shooting has made Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realizes that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe…no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

My Thoughts

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere is an exciting page-turner packed with action, suspense, danger, and heart. The story is well written and moves at a wonderfully fast pace, keeping me eager to see what would happen next. The main characters are well developed, likeable, and easy to root for, which made the emotional stakes even stronger. I especially enjoyed the blend of romance and danger, and as a fan of second-chance romance, this story checked all the right boxes. Guarded by the Sheriff took me on a thrilling roller coaster ride filled with threats, action, emotion, and swoon-worthy moments. This is the kind of story that grabs your attention, keeps you turning pages, and leaves you smiling long after the final chapter.

Guarded by the Sheriff can be obtained from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers.  Follow Monique DeVere on Amazon to be notified when she has a new book release.  

I will return on Tuesday, July 14 with Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber with Amayah Shaienne. My mother's 81st birthday is next week.  I have one last gift to obtain and I will be set (something the birthday girl mentioned yesterday). I will be making my mother a special dinner since she does not want to go out to eat and there will be a cake as well.  She gets a birthday week instead of a day.  I did it for her 80th and she wants it again this year.  It will make her happy which is all that counts! May your weekend be full of joy and laughter.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan

 Target for Abduction

Book Summary

The search for missing children

reveals a dangerous enemy.

Thwarting a kidnapping attempt places Sheriff Deena Thompson in the crosshairs of a child-abduction ring, and now they want her son—and want her dead. To track down the vanished children, she teams up with FBI agent John Pearson, who’s determined to make up for his rocky past…and unaware that he’s the father of her child. When their investigation uncovers a sinister cult bent on brainwashing their young victims, Deena and John know they need to close in fast. With danger coming from all sides and threats against their son escalating, they race to dismantle this menacing scheme…before more innocent lives are taken.

My Thoughts

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan is a suspenseful story. The action began early and persisted. I enjoyed getting to know Sheriff Deena Thompson, FBI Agent John Pearson, and little Charlie.  The author effectively conveyed Deena and John's emotions.  I could imagine the shock Deena felt when she saw John.  I understood her hesitancy to tell John about their son.  The pair had obvious chemistry.  I liked the suspense, mystery, action, and underlying faith in the book. The ending wrapped up the story well.  Though Target for Abduction is the fourth Lone Star Defenders book, it works well as a standalone.   Target for Abduction is a tense tale with snatched children, a blast from the past, a startling revelation, blasting bullets, a crunched car, and time for the truth. 

Target for Abduction is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in the Lone Star Defenders series here.  Check out Virginia Vaughan's other novels.  If you follow Virginia Vaughan on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I really appreciate it.  I will return tomorrow, January 29 with A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Dardi Hannah.  It is the second book in A Food and Spirits Mysteries. In case you were wondering about my mother and the appointment, we did not make it.  She said she was too sick to leave the house (she reminds me of my daughter when she went through the terrible two's that lasted until she was four).  I have rescheduled the appointment and I am hoping the weather will be warmer (it will give her one less excuse).  I hope that you are having merry day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander

 

Missing at Christmas

 

Missing at Christmas (Love Inspired Suspense) by Deena Alexander

About Missing at Christmas

 

Missing at Christmas (Love Inspired Suspense) 

Inspirational Romantic Suspense Christian Mystery & Suspense 

Setting - Montana 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages 

 

A dangerous family legacy. A race to save a baby in jeopardy.

When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

 

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full time as a writer and a freelance editor. 

Author Links

Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html   

Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander 

Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/92188784823633445/share



Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ

My Thoughts

Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is a gripping holiday novel that features a high level of action. The narrative demonstrates effective writing and maintains a consistent pace throughout.  Lexi and Noah are engaging main characters who face danger immediately after meeting.  The plot is tightly crafted with unexpected twists and secrets. The theme of faith is consistently integrated throughout the narrative.  The author's descriptions made the settings feel vivid and real.  I especially enjoyed the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the story.  Missing at Christmas is a suspenseful story with a slain sister, a taken twin, a dangerous dad, a protective private detective, a worrisome will, battling a blizzard, and finding a way forward.

Missing at Christmas is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Google Play, and Bookshop.org.  You can find Deena Alexander's other novels here.  Are you ready for the giveaways (there are two!)?  1.  To enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card, you can click here to enter or enter via the King Sumo form below. Good Luck!  2. You can win a  $10 Amazon gift card by leaving a comment telling me what is your favorite Halloween candy. My current favorites are Mounds and Peanut M & M's. Don't forget to leave your email address (I need a way to contact you if you win). If you prefer (you wish to keep your email private), you can email me at Doodlesink@hotmail.com. The contest ends on November 8 at 8 p.m. EST.  Good Luck!  

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed.  There are a number of good books that came out today.  A few of the new titles are Murder by the Millions by Daryl Wood Gerber, Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford, Lost Alaskan Memories by Heidi McCahan, Die Another Dane by Laurien Berenson, The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams, C is for Courting by Shelley Shepard Gray, Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay, and I Heard the Bells by Darlene Turner, Helen Smrcek, Melanie Stevenson, and Sara Davison. Don't forget to enter the giveaways!  The Amazon gift cards can help you purchase a few of the newly release titles.  I hope that you have joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

October 28 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 28 – The Avid Reader -REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 29 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 29 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 30 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 30 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

October 31 – Carla Loves to Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 1 - Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

November 2 - FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW

November 3 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW

November 5 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 5 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 6 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 6 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

November 7 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

November 9 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Snowbound Threat by Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley

 Snowbound Threat

Book Summary

Home - Lisa Phillips

Left for dead by a treacherous DEA team, Caleb Rourke returns to his quiet hometown in Montana, seeking to escape his troubled past. When his neighbor, Tessa Langley, discovers encrypted documents hidden in her father's secret safe, Caleb’s return takes a perilous turn. He soon realizes that both his enemies and an enigmatic ally know exactly where to find him. Tessa's family becomes a target for those intent on keeping the truth buried. Determined to protect her, Caleb confronts the secrets his own parents concealed for years. Together, they must rely on their faith, each other, and a God who sees what remains hidden. This Christmas isn’t just about the holiday—it’s about the future they could build together.

Silent Snowfall Secrets - Mary Alford

In the snowbound town of Pine Haven, Colorado, Charlie Wells returns home to settle her uncle’s estate—and stumbles into a chilling mystery. Fifteen years earlier, her best friend Abby vanished during a midnight meeting. Now, someone is determined to keep the past buried at any cost. As a deadly blizzard isolates the town, Charlie and deputy Ryan McCabe race to uncover the truth behind Abby’s disappearance and a string of deadly secrets tied to Charlie’s tragic past. But the closer they get, the more dangerous their search becomes—and the killer watching from the shadows will stop at nothing.

Critical Velocity - Jessica Ashley

Ten years after her husband’s plane crash, Beckett Wallace receives proof it wasn’t an accident. To find the truth, she must team up with Detective Shawn Sampson—the guarded man she hoped never to see again. He hasn’t forgotten the sharp-tongued lawyer who nearly wrecked his last case. Working together is a terrible idea… but their only shot. As danger closes in and sparks fly, the truth might cost them everything. And for Shawn, protecting Beckett may mean risking more than his badge—it may cost him his heart.

My Thoughts

Snowbound Threat contains three romantic suspense stories by Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley.  I enjoyed the three suspenseful stories.  Home by Lisa Phillips is a fast-paced novella.  I was quickly drawn into the story involving Tessa and Caleb.  I loved all the action, intrigue, and suspense.  There is romance as well.  Silent Snowfall Secrets by Mary Alford captured my attention immediately.  I felt for Charlie who felt responsible for the death of her friend. The case remains unresolved fifteen years later.  Charlie returns home after the death of her uncle, and it appears that the killer has her in his sights.  I liked the sections from the killer’s point of view.  The story has danger, action, mystery, suspense, romance, and faith.  Critical Velocity by Jessica Ashley grabbed my attention right away and held it until the end.  The story moved at a quick clip.  There is danger, secrets, faith, and romance.   I loved the epilogue.  This is the first book that I have read by Jessica Ashley, and it is definitely not going to be the last.  I enjoyed the three thrilling tales in Snowbound Threat.

Snowbound Threat comes out October 24 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  Snowbound Threat is the first book in the Do You Hear What I Hear series.  Noel Secrets, the second book in the Do You Heart What I Hear series, comes out November 14 and it can be pre-ordered on Amazon.  Mary Alford has Shattered Amish Identity coming out October 28 and it is a page turner!  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Thursday, October 23 with My Daughter's Baby by Kate Hewitt.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks

 

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Escaping the Wilderness 
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: September 30, 2025 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

On the run through the mountains—  

with only each other to trust. 

Amanda Cotton’s privileged life takes a harrowing turn when her grandfather’s dying wish places a target firmly on her back and she’s attacked by unknown assailants. Rescue comes in the form of widowed outdoorsman Boone McGregor, but the threat is just beginning. Unable to trust local law enforcement, they flee across the rugged Montana mountains. As they evade deadly enemies and navigate harsh terrain, they must put aside their differences to survive. But when a family secret is exposed, danger is closer than they imagined and more than just their lives is at stake…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Carrie Stuart Parks is an internationally known forensic artist and law enforcement instructor, working on major criminal cases nationwide. She trains law enforcement professionals such as the FBI, Secret Service, NCIS, Federal Marshals, RCMP, Texas Rangers, and local and regional officers. She was nominated for Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year offered by the Federal Law Enforcement Academy at Glynco, Georgia. Her career highlights also include winning Woman of the Year for the Spirit of the American Woman and the first Educator of the Year by the Lewis Clark Alumni.Her bestselling mystery/suspense novels have won numerous awards including two Christys and four Carols. She was mentored by her friend Frank Peretti for eight years before launching her fiction writing career. Before that, she wrote and illustrated best-selling art books for North Light Publishers. As a professional fine artist, her paintings hang in many corporate and private collections.

Connect with Carrie by visiting stuartparks.com/carrie-stuart-parks-home-page to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My Thoughts

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks takes the reader on a wild ride.  I enjoyed this action-packed tale.  There is suspense, danger, action, a charming widower, a bewildered woman, and a dog named Cookie.  Amanda has no idea why these men are after her and Boone is determined to keep her safe while trying to get answers.  The characters are developed with layers that are exposed as the story progresses.  I liked the mountain wilderness setting.  The impending storm increased the tension.  Amanda and Boone must be resourceful and clever in order to survive.  There is just the right amount of faith and romance. My only wish is that there was an epilogue, so we could spend a little time with the characters as a couple. (but that is me being nitpicky). Escaping the Wilderness is a tense and thrilling tale.

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Excerpt

She shook her head, trying to focus on the present. She’d go over the possibilities when she was alone. The huge black, white and tan dog sitting between them didn’t help. The dog was panting as fast as Amanda’s heart raced. Okay, okay. What explanation was there for why someone would steal her socks and be at her house?     

 

Boone put her truck into gear and continued down the county road.

 

“W-where are we going?” I need a phone. But who can I call? Who is this guy? Who would want to hurt me? Her thoughts ping-ponged around in her brain, not letting her grab one long enough to work out an answer. Maybe it was a setup. One man attacked her. Another one waiting to rescue her. “Look, you can have my truck. My purse. I don’t have much money with me, but it’s all yours.” She reached for the door handle. “You can let me out anywhere.”

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a small, original watercolor by author & professional fine artist Carrie Stuart Parks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Escaping the Wilderness is available from Amazon*.  Carrie Stuart Parks has Survival in the Mountains coming out May 26, 2026.  You can find Carrie Stuart Parks other novels here. If you follow Carrie Stuart Parks on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, October 14 with O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany.   Don't forget to enter the giveaway!  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L. Turner

 Danger in the Wilderness

Book Summary

A search for a kidnapped camper

could cost them their lives.

Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan?

My Thoughts

Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L. Turner is a captivating tale.  I was quickly drawn into the story, and I wanted to know who PCK (Park Campfire Killer) was.  I liked the characters with my favorite being Jayla’s Golden Retriever, Hercules.  He is smart, lovable, and cute (and he knows it).  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of Clovercross National Park in the Yukon.  The author really brought the area alive with her pictorial depictions. I loved the suspense, mystery, action, and danger.  I had someone pegged as the guilty party (I love solving whodunits) and I could not wait to see if I had correctly identified the bad guy (my mother says that I have read too many mysteries).  Blair and Dekker made a great team. I enjoyed the ending.  I am looking forward to spending time with the next Hoyt sibling in the second a National Park Protectors novel.  Danger in the Wilderness is a suspenseful story with a camping trip, a kidnapped dad, the taunting PCK killer, strong thunderstorms, Hercules with his sniffer, a ticking clock, a vast wilderness, and a helpful hairpin. 

Danger in the Wilderness is available from Amazon*.  The second National Park Protectors novel is Trail of Mountain Secrets which will be out on November  25.  You can find Darlene L. Turner's other novels here.  Other books out today are Halloween Night Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Liz Ireland plus Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander, Smuggler's Cove by Fern Michaels, Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead by Traci Wilton, The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin, Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino (on Kindle Unlimited), and Detecting Concealed Evidence by Dana Mentink.  

Thank you for dropping by today.  I wanted to share with you an amusing story.  My old dryer decided to go on the fritz this summer (it lived a long life).  I was finally able to get the dryer with all the bells and whistles plus it has a large drum (it can hold a king size quilt).  The day it was moved in, Dickens, my cat, made herself at home on top of it (of course).  It makes different noises depending on the function (I am glad that there are no loud buzzers).  Well, one day the sounds stopped.  I tried everything to fix it (the instruction manual was not helpful).  I then saw Dickens do something on the display, and, presto chango, the noises began again.  I wish I knew what Dickens did to fix it.  I will return on Wednesday, August 27 with The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin. I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.