Category Archives: Reviews

New Release – Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold @Carolyn_Arnold @HibbertStiles

Posted on by

YEAH! TODAY IS RELEASE DAY FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD’S LATEST DETECTIVE AMANDA STEELE NOVEL, BLACK ORCHID GIRLS

I love the vibrant cover. Though the flowers on the cover are not black orchids, the black orchid is pertinent to the story. Does it make you wonder why?

Black Orchid Girls (Detective Amanda Steele #4)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the cover for Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold, but it doesn’t matter what is on the cover when it comes to reading her books. I have read a lot of them and eagerly pick up each new story she has to share.

Amanda Steele and her partner, Trent, work for the Prince William County Police Department, and before she could even sit down at her desk, she and Trent, were called out to Leeslyvania State Park for a murder. A young woman was found, naked and cleaned of all traces of evidence, except a Black Orchid.

The gorgeous Black Orchid can represent positive and negative connotations. Can symbolize bad luck, death and black magic. Also, strength, virility, sexual desires and success.

Could the fact that Chloe Somner is deep into the environment and climate change be involved? She is a student at Geoffrey Michaels University and attends classes at the Potomac Center for Environmental Science and Policy. She is also involved with Planet Rebirth, an environmental group. She is studying the snails in Leesylvania State Park, where her body was found.

I love when a peripheral character takes center stage, and Zoe does just that. We have met her before. She has become an anchor for Amanda, a bundle of love and joy.

Also, does Amanda have romance on the horizon?

Twists and turns abound. Step by step, suspect by suspect, clue by clue…we investigate.

Characters from the Brandon Fisher FBI series make an appearance.

Carolyn Arnold is a master at penning police procedural’s that keep me on my toes, flipping pages, unable to quit reading until the last page is read. Black Orchid Girls was a quick, easy read, filled with heart in my throat suspense and edge of my seat moments that made it unputdownable.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

The first rays of sun filter through the tall trees, casting a faint light on the girl lying at the water’s edge. Her tears have frozen on her pale face, a black orchid rests against her cold white skin.

When hikers find the body of a beautiful young girl on the banks of the Potomac River, Detective Amanda Steele is shaken and confused. What is the significance of the delicate flower resting on the girl’s torso? A sign of affection, or a twisted killer’s calling card?

The girl is Chloe Somner, a local nineteen-year-old ecology student well-known to the park rangers and loved by all her classmates. Searching Chloe’s home, Amanda can’t work out who could have tempted her to the water in the early hours of the morning, but a long night hunting through cold cases gives her a possible lead: twenty years ago another local girl was murdered, a red rose left on her body. But why would this killer strike again now?

Focused on the past, the last thing Amanda expects is the news that Chloe’s roommate has been found dead, another black orchid left. Terrified that more innocent victims will follow, can Amanda uncover the significance of the flowers and stop this cold-hearted killer before he returns for the next orchid girl…?

A totally compulsive crime thriller! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play

ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Carolyn Arnold

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:  Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

MY REVIEWS FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman @iReadBookTours

Posted on by

 


<

I am super excited to be a part of the tour for Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman. I love animals and hate whenever any are mistreated. Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest, from any assortment of 750 animals of all types, from dogs, hedgehogs, chickens….

Cindi's Chocolate Valentine

MY REVIEW

The wonderful cover for Cinidi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman is thick, as are the pages, and can definitely handle those sticky fingers that will want to reach out and touch the animals inside.

I found myself chuckling as the critters, Cindi and Pitty Pat, were decorated in costumes and paraded through the neighborhood. I love that creatures of all kinds and disabilities were shared in such a fun way.

And…we are left with a question…Have you ever changed your mind about things you might not like? Sure to inspire your child to answer and I would love to know what they come up with.

I love that some of the proceeds will be donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 14!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher:  Book Baby 
Release date:  January, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
 

Book Description:

Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!   

Buy the Book:
BookBaby
Amazon ~ B&N

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.


Meet the Author:

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 3 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 4 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
Feb 9 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Lisa Everyday Life – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 10 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 14 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 CINDI’S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverley Reichman Book Tour Giveaway

 


 
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman @iReadBookTours

Posted on by


Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 14!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot 
Release date:  February 1, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
 
*** 2022 Family Choice Award Winner ***
 

MY REVIEW

This is a super cute, humorous hardcover book with pages that can handle sticky fingers exploring them as the book is being read to your youngster. The book was inspired by a Valentine Day at school with Helen Millman, the author, and her son. I remember my excitement when my mom got my bag of valentines and I sat choosing which classmate got which one, handing them out in class and getting one in return. Life’s simple pleasures and wonderful memories.

Seeing love through a child’s eyes in poem form was sweet and endearing. I smiled throughout and wondered…what was I thinking back then? A child’s imagination is amazing.

The illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre are perfectly matched to the story.

In this book, she is hoping to share with her readers the idea that love is in everything we do. I believe, do you?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
   
Book Description:

Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.

Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Mascot 

Meet the Author:

Children’s author Helen Millman is a loving wife and mom. Her three young boys continually inspire her with their wild adventures and vivid imaginations. They even helped inspire her to write her new book, Olive and the Valentine’s Spell!

While living in Vero Beach, FL, she spends her time writing, reading, singing, and growing through her life’s experiences. She knows the importance of “seeing the bright side of life” and encourages her readers to “choose love, even when it seems impossible”. A friendly, optimist Helen has always loved to read to her own children and remembers how much her imaginative voices really helped bring the stories to life. She invites her readers to gather with a beloved book, for it truly is one of the best places to snuggle, giggle, imagine, and make unforgettable memories – together.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram
 
Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 8 – Reading is My Passion – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 11 – Captive Dreams Window  – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 14 – @twilight_reader – book review

Enter the Giveaway:

Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman Book Tour Giveaway


 
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Saving Seals Finale – Saving Charlie by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

Posted on by

.

Saving Charlie by Jane Blythe is the last of her Saving Seals series, but the series is part of something so much bigger. There are many more books and authors putting their own spin on the Operation Alpha World.

About Operation Alpha

Operation Alpha is the fan fiction world for Susan Stoker’s SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds. The books all have at least one of Susan’s characters in them. The authors have created worlds where Wolf, Ghost, Dax and all the other characters interact. Check it out at Aces Press.

Saving Charlie (Special Forces: Operation Alpha; Saving SEALs #6)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Saving Charlie is Jane Blythe’s final book in the Saving Seals series, so let’s get right to it. Saving Charlie picks up where Saving Grayson left off. You might think that it ended with a cliffhanger, but really, it ended with a tease to this book, and what a tease it was.

Charlies “King” Voss and his team were captured and tortured by terrorists in Iraq. They were held for five loooooong weeks. Everyone, but him, had family to come home to. He felt the loss, though he knew in his heart that someone would come for them, he was willing to trade his life for theirs. King had enjoyed his single life, but after his capture, something had changed. He wanted his own special someone.

Faith is going through her own crisis. She is waiting…looking…focusing on surviving. She had worked at a non profit, helping women and children of domestic violence. She is stubborn, determined, strong. She had survived being held by an international serial killer, known as the Prince of Blood…and I’ll leave it to you to figure out why. Go ahead. Let your imagination run wild.

When the ladies enter the hospital room, one by one, I challenge you not to tear up.

King and Faith had both lost their bearings.. Now, they had to figure out how to move on. Was it Fate, Kismet, Karma, that they found each other in their time of need?

“…maybe I need a…a friend.”

“I…I think I need a friend too.”

It is so easy to get lost in Jane Blythe’s characters. They are strong, loyal, deetermined, loving, and will put their lives on the line for each other. I don’t have all the details, but this is romantic suspense, so they can’t have a happy ever after until she puts them through hell. LOL

Jane Blythe’s writing continues to amaze me. She is a master storyteller. I know the format, hunkalicious man meets damsel in distress…love, danger, fireworks!, doubt, denial. We are having some fun, some sweet romantic moments, while I am waiting for evil to rear its ugly head. She is great at creating suspense with pacing, creating tension that has me on the edge of my seat, cringing, white knuckled. She puts her characters through hell, but once is not enough. It keeps on coming, again and again.

If you are a Disney lover, a fan of magical dreams coming true and your prince coming to your rescue, you will love Saving Charlie.

Though Saving Charlie is the final story of Jane Blythe’s Saving Seals series, she has a new series coming in March of 2022. Prey Security is sure to become another favorite series of mine. Also, there are many more books and authors putting their spin on the Operation Alpha World.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Saving Charlie by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Suffering recognizes suffering.

Faith Johnson is the only surviving victim of an international serial killer. She survived weeks in his torture room and when she escapes she thought the hard part of her ordeal was over. She was wrong. The hard part was only just beginning. When she meets a man who makes her feel normal for the first time in months she convinces herself she’ll be happy with whatever he’s willing to give her, but she’s a romantic at heart and she’s falling hard and fast for the sexy SEAL.

Charlie “King” Voss’ world changed forever when he and his team were captured. While his teammates went home to their families he went home to an empty house. When he meets Faith he can’t deny the instantaneous attraction he feels for her, or the protectiveness she invokes, but he doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t want to break her heart. All he can offer her is his friendship but he knows it won’t be enough for her and he’ll lose the only good thing he has going in his life.

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

Jane has loved reading and writing since she can remember. She writes dark and disturbing crime/mystery/suspense with some romance thrown in because, well, who doesn’t love romance? She has one completed series, Detective Parker Bell, and one new series, Count to Ten.

When she’s not writing Jane loves to read, bake, go to the beach, ski, horse ride, and watch Disney movies. She has a black belt in Taekwondo, and a 200+ collection of teddy bears. She has the world’s two most sweet and pretty Dalmatians, Ivory and Pearl. Oh, and she also enjoys spending time with family and friends!

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

All I Can Say Is: Baby Please (LOL) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff @MimiJeanRomance

Posted on by

.

I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance with a sports star as the main character, but I will read anything Mimi Jean Pamfiloff writes! Can you resist that sweet cover?

Baby, Please (OHellNo #7)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have read numerous books by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff and I will happily read anything she writes. This is my first book in the OhHellNo series. Even though it is the seventh in the series, it had no affect on my enjoyment of the story. Mimi writes with humor and wit, with dialogue that has me laughing out loud. Look at that cover…then add a sexy damsel in distress and you tell me…can you resist it?

Dean had worked hard to get where he was. A chance at the NFL. A baby he is raising by himself. And brother who’s an addict and needs constant help. The NFL is his answer to all his problems. But…life is never that simple.

In one of his lowest moments, she walked into the bar. Older, classy, and just what the doctored ordered…at the time. Or, so he thought, because the wrong head was thinking. The result, two year old Patrick and trouble he couldn’t have seen coming.

No one has given him anything…well, except Minnie, his landlady. She is selective about who she rents to. Daisy comes to town and the OhHellNo begins. When Dean and Daisy meet for the first time, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff had me cracking up.

I was wondering about the book. Mimi Jean Pamfiloff usually has more going on than Three Men and A Baby, and about halfway through it bites. My heart dropped right along with his.

This tough guy football jock has changed and I am loving it. I am curious to see how it will all play out, because I want warm fuzzies when the story is done.

I found the plot predictable, but that’s okay. I still enjoyed Baby Please by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff and would recommend it. I have enjoyed some of her other series more, but I have other books of the OhHell No series on my Kindle and I will be reading them.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Baby Please by MImi Jean Pamfiloff.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a Surprise Baby Romantic Comedy, BABY, PLEASE.

SURPRISE! IT’S A GIRL!

DEAN

Ever since I was recruited by my college football team, I’ve pushed myself hard. Going pro and earning some real money is a must. Mostly because my brother, Flip, is in a bad place, and I’m all he’s got.

No problem. I’m tough. I’m a hard worker. I’ve got a plan.

Then right before the season starts, a woman shows up at my apartment with a baby, claiming I’m the father. And then she leaves her with me. For a week? Forever?

I have no idea, but college, football, and the single-dad gig don’t go together. And forget about my experience with babies. Does this thing come with an off switch? Volume control? Is that a poopie diaper? Help!

Things go from bad to worse when the public catches wind of my surprise-baby situation, and it turns into a PR nightmare. I’m suddenly the poster boy for young single dads.

This isn’t happening.

Suddenly, all eyes are on me, both on and off the field, and the only person who can keep me from losing my mind confesses her love.

And I mess it all up. Her, football, baby, everything.

Now I’m going to have to choose: fix my career or fix my personal life, including coming to grips with loving a baby girl who might not be mine.

ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.

Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.

She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

MY MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF REVIEWS

MY M O MACK REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Ocean World – Pelagia by Steve Holloway #steveholloway @GoddessFish

Posted on by

.

The cover for Pelagia by Steve Holloway intrigued me sooooo much, I had to read the book…and it was worth all the hours it took for me to read it.

Pelagia – Between the Stars and the Abyss by Steve Holloway

GENRE: Science Fiction

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The cover for Pelagia by Steve Holloway is soooo awesome, that I HAD TO HAVE a copy and diving into Steve’s world of oceanic wonder was a delight, when we weren’t dodging bullets and being rescued.

He’d been kidnapped and awakes, trapped in the bow of a yacht, being thrown around during a storm. When the warmth of the water closes over him, he feels at home. What a great start to fantastic adventure that crosses the globe.

Pelagics have a saying, ‘we make our lives at the edge of creation, we walk in wonder’.

The Pelagic Territory is a water community in international waters. Because there are no laws governing them, it creates tremendous problems and dangers for the residents.

Ben’s losses overwhelm him and he struggles to find solid ground to stand on. In his darkest moment, Paul Whitestone found him. The friends he accumulates as he puts his life back together are steadfast, loyal, everlasting. His faith will be tested. Though religion is mentioned a lot, it is pertinent to the story. No preaching, just characters questioning….

Though Ben is the star of the show, Paul Whitestone has his back in dangerous situations, knowing when he is in need. Sophia is autistic and one of the standout characters. I love the relationship she develops with Ben and her ‘Rainman’ life.

The Caliphate wants Ben. The need him, to accomplish their evil goals they have set to disrupt the lives of their enemies. It always amazes me how religion can be twisted to suit some people’s needs. How something developed for good can be used for bad. How far some people will go to get what they want.

I found the life of the seasteaders fascinating. I got lost in their beautifully created undersea world. Steve Holloway’s descriptions made Pelagia come to life, and Nemo’s bedtime stories were mesmerizing. His words created images that rolled through my mind like a YouTube video. It makes me wonder how far we have advanced in real life.

“The exploration of science is systemic wonder.”

Pelagia by Steve Holloway is 416 pages filled with wonderful words of wisdom, filled with warnings and wonders of what the future could hold.

I would like to finish this hard to write review with these words of wisdom:

‘All that is necessary for Evil to triumph is for good men – good people, people like you and me – to do nothing.’ Edmund Burke

Where do YOU draw the line? When do YOU make a stand?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Pelagia by Steve Holloway.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

BLURB

Former special forces agent turned particle physicist Ben Holden is on the run.

The New Caliphate will stop at nothing to get their hands on his wife’s scientific research, which is believed to hold the key to unleashing chaos in the West and advancing their cause.

But in reality it’s Ben’s biometrics that have the potential to unlock the information they so desperately need. Within the oceanic world of Pelagia, in the year 2066, Ben finds sanctuary among the sea settlers of the South Pacific Pelagic Territory, but his respite is short-lived.

ABOUT STEVE HOLLOWAY

Steve Holloway grew up on the beach cities of Los Angeles and has always loved the sea. This passion led him to gain a degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of California Santa Barbara; a background which opened many opportunities for him in researching, developing, and engaging with mariculture activities around the world.

Steve and his wife have lived and travelled in many countries over their forty years of marriage, successfully raising three kids in exotic locations in the process. They have always engaged with the people and cultures they live among.

Currently Steve lives in England and consults for a Christian charity in areas of research, leadership development, adapting to new cultures, social enterprises, and mariculture projects. Currently he is consulting for a Indo-Pacific mariculture project – a social enterprise – growing sea cucumbers, a delicacy for the Chinese market.

Steve has always loved books and writing. The story of Pelagia reflects three of his passions: science, the sea and the narratives of faith. The background, in his words:

“I have for many years believed that settling the open sea was within our grasp, and even more accessible than space as our ‘next frontier’. So through the last ten years or so I have been thinking just how this might happen, what would be needed, where people would settle, what kind of livelihoods they might have on the open sea, beyond the EEZs of terrestrial countries. My son Adam told me about what would become a key component of Pelagia, Biorock or seacrete, because of his experiments with it. Many discussions with other scientists, engineers and others helped to begin to fill in the gaps and the concept of the Pelagic Territories, similar to the unincorporated territories of the early US, and what geopolitical contexts they would find themselves in.”

Steve finds any excuse to get into the ocean: sailing, diving, swimming, or just poking around tide pools.

Website / Facebook

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard @iReadBookTours

Posted on by

 



Join us for this tour from January 31 to February 18, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mill City Press, Inc
Release date:   September 28, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.
 

MY REVIEW

I love dogs, so to read Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard, a children’s interactive illustrated book, was fun and I smiled throughout. Bentley thinks everyone forgot his birthday, so he grabs his magic stick and walks through the park. He finds Bella, a new dog in town, that is lost.

For me, the great thing about reading children’s books is the simple wonder of life, the appreciation of everyday things that we, as adults, are sometimes too busy to see.

I can see a youngster reaching out to touch the wonderfully illustrated pages and pet all the different dogs. At the end are some questions to prod your youngster, words to find, things to count, playing your own birthday games with Bentley.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Book Description:

Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever!

Bentley is back, and it’s his birthday! Bentley is excited to share his special day with his new friends, but they are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Bentley meets Bella, a lost dog whose family has recently moved to Bentley’s neighborhood. Tia, Bentley’s Fairy Dogmother, and the Dog Pack have a BIG secret! They are planning a surprise birthday party for Bentley, and when Tia is around there is always some magic. Wait till you see Bentley’s reaction to his surprise party, and especially to the special guest that Tia brings!

This book once again highlights Bentley’s kind nature, and also shows that moving to a new neighborhood can be fun! Beautifully illustrated by Anne York, Bentley fans will not be disappointed as they follow Bentley’s latest adventure. 

Buy the Book:
Claire Eckard
Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub
 
 
Tour Schedule:

Jan 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Jan 31 – Because I said so adventures in parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 4 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 15 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 15 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 17 – @jayme_reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 18 – Pick A Good Book – book review / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

Bentley’s Best Birthday EVER! Book Tour Giveaway


 

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Legion Novellas by Ashley Fontainne #AshleyFontainne

Posted on by

.

The Legion Novellas by Ashley Fontainne are quick reads and can be gobbled up in a day. I must warn you though, locked doors won’t keep the evil away. Lights won’t hide the shadows. I love that the covers create a brand for the series and have an eerie feel about them. The entire series is available in paperback for $11.25.

My name is Legion: for we are many.

Mark 5:9

Many (A Legion Novella Book 1)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

He entered thinking one thing, facing a bloody, gory horror he never could have envisioned and by the time he figured out what really happened, he was face to face with evil and it wanted him. His faith will be tested. The book may be short, but it has the creep factor alive and well and I turned the pages faster to put an end to it. And, of course, the ending is so much worse than I thought. May be short. Isn’t sweet. Made my skin crawl. Packed a lot in this novella. For the most part three stars would work, but because Ashley Fontainne had to take me down such a twisting road, jerking me left and right til the end, she has earned that additional star.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Many be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Madness (Legion Novella Book 2)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

A mother’s anguish and her descent into hell after her husband’s death will be called on to face a demon. A child’s anger over the loss of his family will have him questioning his faith. Will he make the right choice between good and evil? He didn’t remember that night, but evil will do whatever it takes to try and collect another soul. Legion is many and still has Clyde in his sights. Could he survive a second time? FREE WILL. Horror and evil oozes off the pages and Ashley Fontainne leaves me wanting more!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Madness be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Mayhem

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I knew it was coming, but tears formed and my heart broke. The characters have been to hell and back and Ashley Fontainne shows no mercy. Who will be called to face Evil and have their faith put to the test this time? Looking at the cover, I think I know who Legion will be targeting. Mayhem is the third novella in the Legion series, so I am anticipating some heart palpitating horror to come my way. Not all the characters will survive. How strong is their faith? WOW…Just WOW…I knew what would happen, or thought I did, but not how it would happen. I find it amazing how Ashley Fontainne managed to pack so much action in a small package, containing all the emotions a human can feel and ending the series in an uplifting way.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Mayhem be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

ABOUT ASHLEY FONTAINNE

Ashley Fontainne

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne enjoys stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters lurking within each of us. She writes in numerous genres including mystery, suspense, horror, sci-fi and sometimes poetry.

Ashley lives in Arkansas with her husband and is the proud mother of one son and grateful daughter of co-author, Lillian Hansen. To learn more about her books please visit https://ashleyfontainne.net/

Website  / Facebook  /  Pinterest

MY ASHLEY FONTAINNE REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

We’re Married? Finding You by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

Posted on by

.

Finding You by Amanda Siegrist will be released tomorrow, but you can preorder it for $3.99 and have it automatically delivered to your ereader.

Finding You (McCord Family, #5)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Ahhhh. The McCord men. What can I say. I have only met a couple of them, but hubba hubba. Now, it’s time for the shy guy, Gabe McCord to set the story on fire…and he does it very well. 🙂

Gabe is a lawyer and a shy guy (is there such a thing?), who loves triple berry pie. Speaking of pie, he is dropping one off for his brother at the fire station when he, literally, runs into her. His wife…Now that’s a story you will want to hear.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas doesn’t apply. One drunken night…and what a night it was…and they were married. She had run as fast as she could from the bed she woke up in. He had looked for her, finally giving up after nine months. Now, her she is. Right in front of him. And she doesn’t know that they were married. That doesn’t mean she wants it annulled. It would be convenient if they played it out for a while to get her dad off her back. He’s always butting in where she doesn’t want him, but this time it was a good thing.

Olivia had went from firefighting, which her father hated, to being an arson investigator, which is also hates. Safer, maybe, but she is still doing something she loves. I think he would love to have her married, in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. But, that is never going to happen.

Gabe, in his own words: “Good old Gabe the Shy Goose got so drunk in Vegas he doesn’t remember getting married. So crazy it’s hilarious.” Gabe is the baby of the family and is the brunt of their jokes. Little do they know how much it hurts him.

Olivia dates alpha males, but Gabe is no alpha, unless…

The characters steal the show in Finding You by Amanda Siegrist. Sure, we have some mystery and some danger, but I smiled, chuckled, and laughed my way through it.

With lines like: “…You up for an adventure? This could be fun.” And it is.

Amanda Siegrist writes sweet romance with a dash of danger.The characters are a definite two thumbs up and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the family.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Finding You by Amanda Siegrist.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. One wild mishap could be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Being shy makes it hard for Gabe McCord to talk to women, but throw in a fun, wild night of drinking and it’s not so hard. Until he learns he didn’t just wake up next to a gorgeous woman—he married her. Nine months later and he’s still trying to find her…when she accidentally finds him.

Olivia Brenson is the new arson investigator in town trying to find the person responsible for multiple fires, the latest one which almost took a life. When she learns they’re married—because neither remembered their nuptials—Gabe finds himself on another fun adventure. She wants to stay married for a short time to keep her overprotective, demanding father off her back. He doesn’t protest as it gives him a chance to prove he isn’t always the shy guy. But if he’s not careful, he might lose more than just his reserved tendencies. He’ll lose his heart along the way. Because he’s finding Olivia is the woman he never knew he needed in his life.

The entire McCord Family Novel series: Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
Protecting You (Book 1): Zane & Ava
Trust in Love (Book 2): Austin & Sophie
Deserving You (Book 3): Emmett & Deja
Always Kind of Love (Book 4): Ethan & Penelope
Finding You (Book 5): Gabe & Olivia

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

Amanda Siegrist

Love! Gimme some love and heaps of romance. I have a sappy heart that just loves two people meeting, going through the cycles of a relationship, and ultimately, falling in love. Give me a good book like that and I’m a happy camper:)

I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.

Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Countdown To Death – 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan @AuthorABWhelan

Posted on by

.

The title for 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan made me very curious about the book. I have read some of her work and the latest, No One Can Hear You Scream blew me away, so when she offered me a couple of books that I hadn’t read, I jumped all over it.

14 Days to Die

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Sarah Johnson was like the three monkeys – hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.

How long can someone live like that? How long before they say, enough is enough. How far will someone go for their own desires? Does anyone know what really goes on in someone’s mind…even when standing face to face, eye to eye?

Uh oh, he’s a Gemini, a two faced manipulator. I’m a Gemini too, but I feel a kinship with her, not him. She blogs, like us. She doesn’t make a lot of money. It is a labor of love.

Do we all have the capacity to kill buried in our snake brain?

I flip from humor to outrage, from smiles and laughs to spitting fire. My blood was boiling throughout the entire book. It didn’t matter if I had any idea where we were going or how it would end. I’ll find out when I get there.

I can relate to her frustration and see how she got ‘there’. Sooner or later, we make a decision, or it is made for us. I laugh with her, instead of pitying her.

Tension, tension, tension…

I challenge you to figure this you.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

To what extent would you go to avenge your husband’s infidelity?

Stay-at-home mom Sarah Johnson has the perfect family—a handsome, hardworking husband and two healthy and beautiful children. At least, that’s what she’s been telling herself for years. After the tragedies in her youth, Sarah deemed living a lie easier than dwelling on the past and facing her everyday failures. To avoid any kind of confrontation at home she doesn’t read her husband’s emails or spy on him like most jealous wives do. She wouldn’t jeopardize her comfortable but dull life for anything.

But Sarah’s world is about to crumble around her when she receives a phone call from a man with a heavy foreign accent telling her that her perfect husband has put a price on her head. She is offered two weeks to come up with a counteroffer or die. Why would her model husband Mike want her dead? Hasn’t she been the perfect wife? Or has her karma finally caught up with her—making her pay for her former transgressions? The final countdown begins and now Sarah has to race against time to find out what went wrong in her marriage and find a way out of this nightmare.

So the game of life or death begins. Secrets are unveiled. Emotions are unleashed. Actions are taken.

Will there be a winner in this dangerous game when no one can escape the twist of fate?

ABOUT A B WHELAN

New release: No One Can Hear You Scream is a gripping, atmospheric psychological thriller about obsession, survival, and family bonds, releasing on October 20th.

A.B. Whelan

Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.

She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.

Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan

MY A B WHELAN REVIEW

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!