On My Kindle - Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

Spooked by burglaries in a wealthy Charleston community, Dogwalker Rylee Monroe calls the police on two men in the park. Her mastiff doggie friend charges one of them, and he escapes by climbing onto a monument.

It's all a big misunderstanding. The man, Logan Woods, is a reporter for the local paper. The detective responding becomes suspicious of Rylee and sets out to prove she's the burglar.

This story started off slowly for me, but then took off like a bullet. The authors kept the tension high through the balance of the story. I did guess whodunit, but there was some doubt along the way. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you'll find this a satisfying read.

I'm giving Beguiled five stars.

Disclaimer: Neither authors nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. As always, all opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  Two authors of different genres teamed up to write this book. Have you considered co-writing a book with another author? Please share.

Readers:  Have you read books with two authors? Did you like them or not? Please share.

4th Blogoversary Giveaway - Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

 

I'm so excited about all the surprises I have in store for my readers! Be sure to stop in and check out the special guest posts (Mondays) and giveaways (Wednesdays) during the month of May.

We're kicking off the celebration of Christian Writer/Reader Connection's 4th Blogoversary with a giveaway of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist.

Have you read any of Deeanne's books? Which one is your favorite?

Here are the giveaway details:

 

1) You must be a Follower of Christian Writer/Reader Connection.

2) The giveaway is open to residents of the United States.

3) To enter, comment on this post.

4) You can get an additional entry for each of the following. (Let me know in the comments section what actions you've taken.)

     A) Post the contest details and link on your blog.

     B) Post it to your Facebook page.

     C) Post it on Twitter.

5) Contest deadline: Saturday, May 5, 2012, at midnight. The winner will be notified by email. If you do not leave me an email in the comments and do not respond to the Winner Announcement on the blog by Saturday, May 12, 2012, another winner will be selected from the entries.

Disclaimer: I have not received any payment from either the authors or the publishers for doing this giveaway. These books are from my personal collection.

On My Nightstand - Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Georgie Gail desires to live an independent life. Her job as a telephone operator in rural Brenham, Texas comes with her own cottage. She's free to tend her garden and make a habitat for the songbirds she loves so much. Too bad, the new troubleman comes along and turns her world upside down.

Luke Palmer is a hardboiled Texas Ranger. The only thing he cares about is bringing criminals to justice. He goes undercover, but doesn't reckon with a sassy woman stealing his heart.

I've read one other Deeanne Gist book, "Maid to Match," and knew I'd be in for a treat. I wasn't disappointed. The characters learn the importance of love and getting along with others.

Deeanne threw in a twist that almost knocked me out of my chair. Looking back, I should have seen it, but she wove it in with such skill that I totally missed it.

If you're a historical romance fan, you'll adore this novel. I'm glad I discovered another author that promises and delivers a great tale.

Writers: Do you like the independent woman/macho man type books? Are your heroines more traditional or bucking the status quo?

Readers: What's your take on heroines, who seek greater freedom?

The Winner!

Congratulations to KAREN LANGE! You are the winner of Deeanne Gist's book, "Maid to Match." I've emailed you. As soon as you send me your snail mail address, I'll get your book out.

Thanks to all who participated. Watch for more giveaways in the coming months.

The "Just Because" Giveaway

My late husband liked to bring me little gifts and flowers "just because." I'd clean out his small Igloo cooler and find a Hershey bar tucked inside. If he worked in Amish country, he'd bring home a chocolate shoofly pie or some other treat.

Today, I'm bringing my Followers a special "just because" giveaway. I appreciate your faithfulness. If  you're not already a Follower, a simple click on the button will remedy that situation. :)

Deeanne Gist is a well-known author in Christian circles. I enjoyed her book, "Maid to Match," and want to share it with one of you. Below are the giveaway rules:

1. Comment on this post, telling about a "just because" gift or surprise you've received.

2. Your email address must be in the comment. Sorry, no email equals no entry.

3. The contest is open to Followers of Christian Writer/Reader Connection in the U.S. only due to our laws and is void where prohibited.

4. Neither the author nor the publisher provided this book or paid for a review.

5. Deadline: Saturday, June 11, 2011, at midnight. The winner will be emailed on Sunday, June 12, 2011, and announced on the blog sometime that day.

Let's have some fun with this and count our "just because" blessings.

On My Nightstand - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Tillie Reese's training started from her earliest memory. She worked hard and became the head parlormaid at Biltmore Estate, but Lady's Maid is her dream job. When the current Lady's Maid becomes homesick for France, she and another maid, Lucy, go head-to-head to win the coveted position.

Her plans move along like clockwork until Mack Danver gets a job at the estate. Tillie is given the assignment of instructing him in the finer points of being the perfect servant.

She faces a difficult choice. Will she pursue a career that demands she forego the joys of marriage and motherhood or choose love?

This is the first book I've read by Deeanne Gist. The incorporation of the fabled Biltmore Estate made me want to hop into my car and visit it. Instead of the Vanderbilt's perspective on life, we saw what it took to manage the huge house from the servants' viewpoint.

While the cover is charming, it's not the type of book I'd normally select. However, blog reviews piqued my curiosity. I'm so glad I gave this well-written, delightful love story a chance, and recommend you pick it up at your favorite bookstore.