Giveaway – Trace of Doubt by Diann Mills @partnersincr1me @diannmills

Trace of Doubt

by DiAnn Mills

September 1-30, 2021 Tour

Synopsis:

Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills

Bestselling and award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers a heart-stopping story of dark secrets, desperate enemies, and dangerous lies.

Praise for Trace of Doubt:

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published by: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: September 7th 2021
Number of Pages: 432
ISBN: 1496451856 (ISBN13: 9781496451859)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook.com | Tyndale | Books-A-Million | Murder By The Book | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

PROLOGUE

SHELBY

Would I ever learn? I’d spent too many years looking out for someone else, and here I was doing the same thing again. Holly had disappeared after I sent her to the rear pantry for potatoes. She’d been gone long enough to plant and dig them up. I needed to get those potatoes boiling to feed hungry stomachs.

I left the kitchen to find her. The hallway to the pantry needed better lighting or maybe fewer corners. In any event, uneasiness swirled around me like a dust storm.

A plea to stop met my ears. I raced to the rear pantry fearing what I’d find.

Four women circled Holly. One held her arms behind her back, and the other three took turns punching her small body. My stomach tightened. I’d been in her shoes, and I’d do anything to stop the women from beating her.

“Please, stop,” Holly said through a raspy breath. For one who was eighteen years old, she looked fifteen.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I forced my voice to rise above my fear of them.

“Stay out of it, freak.”

I’d run into this woman before, and she had a mean streak. “What’s she done to you?” I eyed the woman.

“None of your business unless you want the same.”

“It’s okay, Shelby. I can handle this.” Holly’s courageous words would only earn her another fist to her battered face.

And it did.

“Enough!” I drew my fists and stepped nose to nose with the leader.

The four turned on me. I’d lived through their beatings before, and I would again. I fell and the kicks to my ribs told me a few would be broken.

A whistle blew, and prison guards stopped the gang from delivering any more blows to Holly or me. They clamped cuffs on the four and left Holly and me on the floor with reassurance help was on its way.

I’d been her age once and forced to grow up fast. No one had counseled me but hard knocks, securing an education, and letting Jesus pave the way. I’d vowed to keep my eyes and ears open for others less fortunate.

Holly’s lip dripped blood and a huge lump formed on the side of her head. I crawled to her. “Are you okay?”

“Not sure. Thank you for standing up for me. I thought they would kill me. Why do they do this? I’ve never done a thing to them.”

“Because they can. They want to exert power, control. Stick by me, and I’ll do my best to keep you safe.”

CHAPTER 1

I tightened my grip on the black trash bag slung over my shoulder containing my personal belongings—parole papers, a denim shoulder bag from high school, a ragged backpack, fifty dollars gate money, my driver’s license at age sixteen, and the clothes I’d worn to prison fifteen years ago.

The bus slowed to pick me up outside the prison gates, its windshield wipers keeping pace with the downpour. The rain splattered the flat ground in a steady cadence like a drum leading a prisoner to execution. I stepped back to avoid the splash of muddy water from the front tires dipping into a pothole. Air brakes breathed in and out, a massive beast taking respite from its life labors.

The door hissed open. At the top of the steps, a balding driver took my ticket, no doubt recognizing the prison’s release of a for- mer inmate. He must have been accustomed to weary souls who’d paid their debts to society. The coldness glaring from his graphite eyes told me he wagered I’d be locked up again within a year. Maybe less. I couldn’t blame him. The reoffend stats for female convicts like me soared high.

For too many years, I imagined the day I left prison would be bathed in sunlight. I’d be enveloped in welcoming arms and hear encouraging words from my family.

Reality hosted neither.

I moved to the rear of the bus, past a handful of people, and found a seat by myself. All around me were those engrossed in their devices. My life had been frozen in time, and now that I had permission to thaw, the world had changed. Was I ready for the fear digging its claws into my heart?

The cloudy view through the water-streaked window added to my doubts about the future. I’d memorized the prison rules, even prayed through them, and now I feared breaking one unknowingly.

The last time I’d breathed free air, riding the bus was a social gathering—in my case, a school bus. Kids chatted and laughter rose above the hum of tires. Now an eerie silence had descended.

I hadn’t been alone then.

My mind drifted back to high school days, when the future rested on maintaining a 4.0 average and planning the next party. Maintaining my grades took a fraction of time, while my mind schemed forbidden fun. I’d dreamed of attending college and exploring the world on my terms.

Rebellion held bold colors, like a kaleidoscope shrouded in black light. The more I shocked others, the more I plotted something darker. My choices often seemed a means of expressing my creativity. While in my youth I viewed life as a cynic. By the time I was able to see a reflection of my brokenness and vowed to change, no one trusted me.

All that happened . . .

Before I took the blame for murdering my brother-in-law. Before I traded my high school diploma and a career in interior design for a locked cell.

Before I spent years searching for answers.

Before I found new meaning and purpose.

How easy it would be to give in to a dismal, gray future when I longed for blue skies. I had to prove the odds against me were wrong.

***

Excerpt from Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2021 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.

 

Check Out This Fab Trailer for Trace of Doubt:

 

Author Bio:

DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed:
DiAnnMills.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @DiAnnMills
Instagram – @DiAnnMillsAuthor
Twitter – @DiAnnMills
Facebook – @DiAnnMills

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

 

 

Join In:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for DiAnn Mills. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card (U.S. ONLY). The giveaway runs September 1 through October 3, 2021. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

  • 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!

Some Questions Have No Answer by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

Woo Hoo. I am heading back to River’s End and I can hardly wait to see what some familiar characters are up to, what new characters I will meet and the danger they will face.

Some Questions Have No Answers (River's End Rescues, #3)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I am so happy that I could jump from Maggie and Theo’s story, straight into Sydney and Levi’s. I have spent some time in River’s End am loving every every minute of it. Hot guys and the women they love, danger and serial killers. Her books are filled with tense, unexpected moments, keeping the suspense at a high level. I don’t know what more I can want. 🙂

Sydney came to River’s End for a fresh start. The police had been there when she needed them, and she wanted to do the same for others. She is a deputy and the only woman amongst a crew of ex military men. Sounds like it could be verrrrrry interesting to me…and her first case is a murder. Who would have thunk it in such a small town, where everyone knows your name.

Levi, literally, bumped into newbie. He had grown up in River’s End and was curious about the newcomer. Is she a tourist or a resident? He is a doctor at Sacred Heart Hospital…funny, because we have a Sacred Heart Hospital here.

Levi’s brother, Abe is the serious one, Theo is the fun loving one, and Levi is the one that follows his heart…and it is falling for Sydney from the first moment they met.

Jane Blythe’s heroes are very patient men and they take a lot of cold showers. LOL Levi is not exception. I love that I can laugh even when I know danger is right around the corner, lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the moment someone lets their guard down to make their move.

There was a moment or two about 50% in that I didn’t like, but it all came together in a good way. I guess I was too quick to judge, but isn’t that what makes a story seem real? After all, we humans do have our faults and do stupid things at times.

WOW..that was a wild ride filled with ups and downs, danger and murder, life and death…and love. Even the serial killer got some empathy from me. I do love a great villain. Jane can create some tense, nail biting scenarios that are not trite and overused. She has her moments when she amazes me with her creative writing and characters that seem so real that once you know them, you don’t forget them. That’s what makes return trips to town such a reading pleasure.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Some Questions Have No Answers by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

How do you give an answer when you don’t understand the question?

Sydney Clark moved to River’s End for a fresh start, desperately wanting to put the past behind her. What she didn’t expect on her first day as a deputy in the Sheriff’s department was to be working a serial killer case, and a disturbing one at that. What she expected even less was to meet a man who will challenge everything her childhood taught her about men.

Levi Black knows what it’s like to watch the woman you love die, he’s been there twice before and it sucks, which is why he took himself out of circulation, flirting is fine—fun even—but anything deeper risks your heart. Then he meets Sydney. He can see in her eyes that she’s battling some pretty rough demons, and getting involved with a cop might be more than he’s prepared to risk, especially with an unpredictable serial killer stalking the town.

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!

Dangerous & Stolen Memories by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

Today I have two of Amanda Siegrist’s novels to share, Dangerous Memories and Stolen Memories. I, especially fell for the Seth and Pepper characters. Pepper spoke to me and I listened. Each book spotlights a romantic couple, while keeping us updated on the rest of the gang.

Dangerous Memories

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

In Book I of the Lucky Town novel series, Escaping Memories by Amanda Siegrist, we met Logan and Aubrey. Now, I am excited to meet Danny and Kat.

I have loved spending time with this tight knit, yet dysfunctional group of friends and family. But, what is normal? I think we all have our own definition. They have been through some traumatic events and struggle to overcome the lingering fears and nightmares.

Danny’s sister, Aubrey, had been kidnapped. Even though they got her back, that doesn’t mean danger doesn’t seek them out. This time, his love interest, Kat, is the target.

Amanda Siegrist puts her characters through some perilous times, but she loves a happy ending. She just makes them take a twisted path to get there.

I love romantic suspense. The danger and love make my heart beat a little faster. I love seeing characters put through hell, but come out the other side, happy and, somewhat, healthy. What is life without someone special?

I immediately began reading Book 3, Stolen Memories, and if you are looking for love, I highly recommend Amanda Siegrist’s work.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dangerous Memories by Amanda Siegrist.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes an intense romantic suspense that will make you swoon and hold you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very end.

Has a new evil arrived, or an old terror returned?

Agent Danny O’Rourke only wants one thing. His sister, Aubrey, to come home. He couldn’t save her from being taken, but the least he can do is help her through her turmoil. Except one thing is standing in his way—the Caldwell family. He wants to hate Kat Caldwell the most, but no matter how hard he tries, he doesn’t hate her. He wants her. So badly. When he starts connecting the dots in his latest murder case, all pointing to Kat as the next victim, he’ll do everything in his power to keep her safe. He won’t fail her like he failed his sister. The closer he gets to the truth, the more he realizes he might be all wrong in his assumptions. He already lost his heart to her, but he won’t lose her to a killer.

The entire Lucky Town Novel series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.)
Escaping Memories (Book 1): Logan & Aubrey
Dangerous Memories (Book 2): Danny & Kat

Stolen Memories

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Stolen Memories is Book 3 of the Lucky Town series by Amanda Siegrist. I really wanted to learn Seth’s story and be along for the ride as he finds his way to love…and it is not an easy journey.

Seth never got over his sister’s kidnapping. He felt he should have been there to save her. He feels betrayed by his best friend, Evan. He feels he is keeping secrets and turns his back on him. Will he find out what he is hiding? Can they repair their friendship? I understand Seth’s position, but I really hope they can work it out. His life is work, sleep, repeat and people need more than that.

Pepper came to town to fill the vacancy at the police station, since Derek left, which causes problems of its own. She comes across as a cold, uncaring person, but that is because she refuses to let anyone into her life. She has a secret and I can hardly wait to find out what it is.

When Seth went to her house the first time, he was so sweet and funny and cute.

Pepper and Seth make for a fantastic story. I fell for her character. I found it easy to relate to her and as the romance heated up, so did the danger.

I kept feeling something was coming, but Amanda made me wait, and wait, and when it came, it was so not what I was expecting. WOW, Amanda. I love that, even though I know romantic suspense is filled with angst and danger, you still managed to surprise me in a fabulous way.

I can definitely recommend this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stolen Memories by Amanda Siegrist.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes an intense romantic suspense that will make you swoon and hold you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very end.

You can run, but you can’t hide…from your problems.

As the baby of the family, Seth’s got the Youngest Child Syndrome down pat. Except, he doesn’t want to act like a spoiled brat and cause problems everywhere he goes. He needs to start by talking out his issues with his best friend, Evan—until he can’t. Evan’s gone missing, his boss murdered. Evan might be a liar—something Seth hasn’t forgiven him for—but he’s not a murderer. Life’s about to get messier when his brother asks him to find Evan with help from the new deputy. Pepper’s got a feisty attitude, a don’t-mess-with-me persona, and the beauty of a goddess. If he’s not careful, he might fall in love. But Seth suspects Pepper’s lying about something, too. And lying is an unforgivable offense.

The entire Lucky Town Novel series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.)
Escaping Memories (Book 1): Logan & Aubrey
Dangerous Memories (Book 2): Danny & Kat
Stolen Memories (Book 3): Seth & Pepper

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!