Christy Barritt & Christine Meunier | New Novel News

Disillusioned
by Christy Barritt

Published: August 9, 2016
From: Waterfall Press
Purchase: Disillusioned

Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal. But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust the man who broke her heart?


Get to know Christy...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters? 
Jessica Alba as Nikki White and Chris Evans as Kade Wheaton.

Who is your favorite secondary character?
One of the characters in this book is named Marti. She was also in Dubiosity. She runs a ministry for migrant workers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is a conspiracy theory nut. I really like writing about her!

What are the names of your pets?
I have three dogs: a standard sized Australian shepherd named Rusty, a mini-Aussie named Sparky, and a Maltese named Molly.

Connect with Christy: http://www.christybarritt.com/ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

B and B
by Christine Meunier

Published: August 17, 2016
From: Self-Published
Purchase: B and B


Things are changing…

Ben likes his life at Happy Trails. As a trail guide on a property in Australia he doesn’t have to work hard to make friends. All he needs to do is make sure his clients are safe on their horses and have an enjoyable ride.

Ben can manage that. He loves that he can work with horses all day, every day. The humans are an added annoyance but he only has to deal with them in short bouts.

The new cook hired for the farm looks like she could be a complication. Ben is averse to change and he is certain her arrival means change.

Brooke knows the trial position as cook at Happy Trails is a blessing. She needs a job to support herself and her daughter – the fact that she can cook for an income is an added bonus.

If she can just avoid the interest of trail guide and jokester Jake, she’ll be fine. After all, she isn’t interested in a new male in her life. She just wants to focus on her daughter and make a future for them.

Get to know Christine...

Favorite season?
I love spring! Plenty of flowers, new growth, baby animals, sunshine and lots of time to be outdoors!

If your main characters were animals, what would they be?
Can I get even more specific than just saying horses? Brooke is a very sensitive character and being a redhead, I would have to say that she is chestnut in colour, but a Quarter Horse as they are a very sensible, dependable breed.

Benaiah is tall, broad and dark haired, so I’d have to say he’d be a brown or black warmblood.

What are you reading right now?
The Bible, A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and The Further Adventures of the $700 Pony by Ellen Broadhurst.

Connect with Christine: 
http://www.horsecountrybook.com/

Dubiosity by Christy Barritt | RE:View

Curiosity is a weakness for Savannah Harris. She may have pushed it down due to events dealing with her past as an investigative reporter, but when her friend points out the disappearance of migrant coastal workers, she can't ignore the pull. She has to find out what's going on.

Clive Miller has his own secrets. He's able to convince Savannah to let him rent a guest house on her property, but he's decidedly vague about the rest of his life.

The question remains: will Savannah discover the reason for the missing immigrants? Is it possible Clive's secrets are part of it all? And will she be able to resist her own feelings in the process?

I enjoyed this stand alone novel by Christy Barritt. It had the feeling of a Love Inspired book, but with an additional perspective that I think added a lot to the book. I did, however, find myself wanting more in the way of character development. I got a sense for Savannah and Clive, but had wished there was a little more tension and a little more emotion involved in them, separately and together. As true to other books I've read by Christy, she has a great mystery that does keep you guessing.

I recommend this, as I do all of her novels, to fans of romantic suspense that isn't too heavy on "scary" suspenseful details, involves a good mystery, and has sweet romance involved.

Also, this cover is amazing! Just had to say that.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Dubiosity

Book Description
(from Christy's website)

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

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 //WINNER//

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Loven on the blog - you can find that interview here. 

She was gracious enough to offer a copy of her book The Parabels of Trevor Turtle as well as an adorable handmade hat as a giveaway.

Our winner is...

Loretta Shumpert

Congratulations Loretta - contact me so we can get you your prizes!

Christy Barritt | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

Announcing last week's winners of JoAnn Durgin's Prelude: 

Carol Smith & Olivia Roach

Congrats ladies, we'll be in contact with you!

*Just a fun little note from me: I'm currently reading this book and it's great so far! Make sure to leave a comment because you'll WANT to win this ;)

Dubiosity 
by Christy Barritt

Published January 13, 2015
Waterfall Press
Purchase: Dubiosity

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes. As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her. Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

Get to know Christy...

What are the names of your pets?
I have three dogs. A standard Australian shepherd named Rusty (he’s a rescue and that was his name when we adopted him), a Maltese/Shihtzu named Molly, and a mini-Australian shepherd named Sparky (he’s actually my son’s dog, and I think he’s named after a Pokemon character.)

Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
Mo. My maiden name was Mohorn. When I was paired with another girl as my roommate in college, her name was Christy also. People began calling her by her last name, and they shortened my last name to Mo. To this day, when I hear someone call me that name, I know it’s an old, good friend.

What's one chore you hate doing?
Dusting. But really just housecleaning in general. I find it tedious, yet I don’t like to live in a messy house. It’s a conundrum. :)

***Christy is offering up a copy of Dubiosity (print -US only- or eBook)! Leave a comment below to enter to win. The winner will be announced next Monday.***

Desperate Mesaures by Christy Barritt | RE:View

What do you do when all of the odds are stacked against you? You run.

Samantha Rogers has been accused in the murder of her estranged husband. Now, she's not only fleeing wrongful charges to protect her son, but also the real killer.

John Wagner is looking for a fresh start. When his path crosses with Samantha's, he can tell she's in need of help. He offers her work and a place to stay on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, hoping it will give her a fresh start as well.

Things are calm for a time, but it's only the eye of the storm when Samantha's past comes knocking on her door.

Christy Barritt always offers a wild ride and Desperate Measures is no different. This book will keep you guessing to the end as you weather the storm with Samantha and John.

Purchase Desperate Measures (Love Inspired Suspense)

Book Description
(from Christy's website)

Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She’s desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler’s Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she’s always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer’s crosshairs.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. 

RE:View | Catching Up

One of the things I look forward to the most on my holiday vacation (aside from seeing my family of course) is the extra time I can spend reading. I get through a lot of books when I'm traveling, but I also have extra time here at home to sit by the fireplace and enjoy a book (or 5 hehe).

Because I've finally made it through several I've been needing to review, this post will be a catchup for those books. Don't worry, more will be coming as well!!!

If you have extra free time like I happen to now, make sure and check out these books. I've included links to amazon and most of them are available in Kindle form too in case you just can't wait! Take some time to read a book :D

High-Stakes Holiday Reunion | Christy Barritt

Christy Barritt does it again with High-Stakes Holiday Reunion! As number three in her Security Experts series (don't worry you can read them out of order), she infuses suspense into Christmas the way only Christy Barrritt can!

When Ashley Wilson shows up on Christopher Jordan's doorstep in need of help for her nephew, he knows that he wont turn her down. His determination deepens when he discovers that, in reality, the boy is actually his son - the son Ashely never told him about.

Tension is high as this estranged couple who were once engaged must now work together in order to bring back their son by Christmas. Will the terrorist group intent on gaining information from Ashley outsmart them, stopping this reunion from happening?

I enjoyed this book as I do all of Chrsity's novels! The suspense is always present and the action never more than a few pages away. Due to the tension between Ashely and Christopher, I felt there was slightly less romance than some of her previous books but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. When the holidays come, there is nothing better than romantic suspense with a Christmas theme. This is a must read and don't forget to check out her other Security Experts books - you can find their reviews here.

Purchase High-Stakes Holiday Reunion (The Security Experts) [here]

Dirty Deeds | Christy Barritt

I jumped in late on this train. Dirty Deeds is book 4 in The Squeaky Clean Mysteries and I enjoyed hopping right in to Gabby St. Claire's crazy life.

For those of you who have been with Gabby from the beginning, you will know much more of her history going into this book. I, on the other hand did not, but that in no way took away from the book. I felt there was sufficient information to get caught up quickly without too much distraction.

In this mystery/adventure, Gabby finds herself headed into a weekend of relaxation where her fiance Riley has asked her one simple request - no investigating. Unfortunately, Gabby's inherent nature is to investigate... anything. The minute she's left alone while Riley attends his law conference with his former college friends, Gabby can't help but investigate the disappearance of one of Riley's friends.

Follow Gabby on the rocky and sometimes hilarious journey at the expensive resort that puts her out of her comfort zone. You'll be entertained by the mystery, unanswered questions, and secrets that make up Dirty Deeds.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries. It's not as suspenseful as some of Christy's other books, but is filled with mystery with a sweet touch of romance.

Purchase Dirty Deeds: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 4 [here]


Friend Me | John Faubion

From the back of the book...

"When a lonely wife and her frustrated husband each secretly pursue companionship online, neither dreams that a real woman is behind the virtual creations, threatening their marriage -- and their lives."

Friend Me is John Faubion's first release coming out on February 4, 2014. This trilling suspense novel will leave you frantically turning pages late into the night as it did for me. 

It's the idea of a virtual friend that draws both Scott and Rachel to VirtualFriendMe.com and the possibility of creating their own online friends. With their marriage struggling, both Scott and Rachel are turning to the one thing that could ultimately destroy their marriage and even their lives.
 
This book took me through various emotions - all of them strong. At first, I was intrigued by Faubion's idea of a virtual friend. The concept is not far fetched at all, frighteningly so. As things progressed, I was pulled completely into the story. I won't go into detail and risk giving anything away, but Faubion deals with difficult issues that many could face in marriage. His characters realize and deal with emotions in a believable way that creates a satisfying ending.

I will say that I felt the last third of the book, though good, seemed far fetched at some times. The pieces fell into place a little to easily. But, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrilling suspense novels, but with a certain caution recognizing the very real nature of some of the issues discussed. There is nothing inappropriate, but I did find some parts difficult to take with regards to the marital issues discussed. The clean writing and the ending make it worth the internal angst as you struggle with the characters.

Pre-Order Friend Me [here]

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I received a free copies of these books for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read them or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in these reviews are honest and entirely my own.  

Spread the Christmas Joy with Christy Barritt and Giveaway | Day 23

Joy from Christy Barritt

One of my favorite parts about Christmas has come in recent years. This wonderful memory is experiencing Christmas through the eyes of my children.

I was singing along with the radio the other day, and my oldest said, “What are you singing?” I said, “A Christmas song.” He said, “This isn’t a Christmas song. There’s no mention of Jesus. Isn’t Jesus what Christmas is all about? Not jingling bells.”

I love seeing my kids get it.

I love seeing my kids understand that Christmas isn’t all about presents and getting things.

I love it when my kids get excited about picking out presents for our Angel Tree child.

I love it when I see my children’s sweet expressions as they sing about Jesus during the church’s Christmas play.

That’s not to say they can’t enjoy other traditions of the season. I love seeing their faces light up in excitement when they see Christmas lights. I love hearing them singing along to their favorite Christmas songs. I love when they get a present they’ve really been wishing for.

Trying to instill a selfless attitude in our children is difficult in a “me centered” society that wants to make Christmas about materialism. Seeing those moments when my kids “get” what Christmas is all about is amazing. This world and all that’s in it will pass away, but God’s word and truth remains forever.

I want my children’s memories of Christmas to not simply revolve around themselves. I want them to think of a little baby born in a manger. I want them to think about people who need some Christmas cheer. I want them to help make the Christmas memories of other people a little warmer.

Those are the best memories of all, and one of the best gifts I can give them.

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Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She's married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she's hilarious--but only when she's not trying to be. Christy's a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who's known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She's only won one contest in her life--and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay... actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.

When she's not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
Purchase High-Stakes Holiday Reunion [here]

**Note from Emilie: I'll be putting my review of this book (High-Stakes Holiday Reunion) up soon but just an FYI - you'll definitely want to read it! It's fantastic ;)

I've got another fun gift bag to giveaway. No peeking on this one either but trust me, you'll love it! 

**Giveaway rules: To enter, comment on each the post (or posts) in the month of December that offer giveaway items you wish to win. One entry per person per giveaway item is permitted. All winners will be drawn in January (after the holiday craziness) and will be notified shortly thereafter.

Playing catchup | RE:View

I've been busy (which directly contradicts the idea that I was 'taking a vacation') but nonetheless I have been reading during all this craziness - flying for three hours definitely helps.  Today I'm going to review two books that I've finished recently.  Both wonderful reads that I will recommend, and both very different from each other.

Hope this spurs you on to a little weekend reading fun!

A Lady's Choice | Sandra Robbins

Sarah Whittaker has given up any hope of having the life that she wanted. By traveling with her mother to Richland Creek, away from her previous life in Memphis,  her duty is now to her mother, who's health is failing.  Richland Creek is anything but welcoming to suffragist opinions, so Sarah not only feels physically confined in the small town, but her beliefs are confined as well.

Alex Taylor, recently graduated from law school, is back in Richland Creek for the summer before stepping into a position at a prestigious law firm in Memphis. The golden boy of baseball, he is introduced to Sarah and sparks fly.  What can happen between them with his impending move to the city?

Alex knows that his future boss is firm on his opposition of suffrage and, with Sarah's beliefs becoming clear, there may be no way to make a relationship work. Sarah won't give up her advocation of suffrage and Alex wont give up a successful position. Could they ever find common ground?

I haven't read much about suffrage, but as I read this novel following the life of Sarah and her deep convictions for a woman's right to vote, it acted as a window into the real heart of the matter. Women who were property owners couldn't vote but their male employees could. Women who were widowed or on their own had no say in the government, though they were part of the working world. It's things like this that you don't often see and take for granted as a woman in the 21st century.

I really enjoyed this historical novel and would definitely recommend it not only for the quality of writing and the story itself, but for the context and informational side as well. A great story of love and tragedy ending in success not measured only in happiness but in justice.

**Read more about Sandra Robbins [here] and purchase A Lady's Choice [here].

The Good Girl | Christy Barritt            

Tara Lancaster (AKA The Good Girl) finds that life isn't always black and white.  Following a massive hit to her "good girl" reputation in Florida, she agrees to dog-sit for her sister in Minnesota.  Little does she know that this wont be the type of vacation she is looking for.  Strange things start to happen in the house and there seems to be no reasonable explanation for them except to blame a ghost! Even her next door neighbor, Ben Cooper, isn't quite what she'd expected.

Will a knife stabbed through a threatening note and a spunky, fame-hungry friend be enough to send Tara back to her home in Florida? Or is what awaits her in Florida just as bad?

I have given this book 5 big and bright stars not only for wonderful writing and intriguing elements, but for sheer creativity! I've read one other book from Christy Barritt so far (Key Witness) and was just as impressed by that book too.  Christy has a way of creating genuine characters who struggle with every-day thoughts and decisions in a real way. They are open, honest, and draw you in with their inner monologue and realistic conclusions about life.

As I read The Good Girl, I connected with Tara and her struggles against doing what was right because it was expected, and doing what is right because it's what God desires.  Tara comes face to face with her own hypocrisy in a very real and tangible way.  Not to mention there is an element in this book that you wont be expecting.

Christy tackles real problems with skill and intuition without forsaking humor and lighthearted romance. This book is a must read!

**Read more about Christy Barritt [here] and purchase The Good Girl [here].

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I received free copies of these books for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read them or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in these reviews are honest and entirely my own.

RE:View | Key Witness by Christy Barritt

It's my pleasure to review Key Witness by award-winning mystery and suspense novelist Christy Barritt.

About the book...

When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle's father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton's desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal desires cloud his judgment—judgment he'll have to rely on when the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.

Key Witness...

When I received this book, I was excited to start it and, once I had, it was extremely difficult to put down!

Following footsteps of Elle Philips, a politicians daughter and campaign manager, we she her first real interaction with Mark Denton in the worst-case scenario possible, a bank robbery.  When Denton is hired to protect Elle, the two are thrown into one dire circumstance after another.  This time together with Denton is exactly what Elle is not looking for - close proximity with a handsome man.

Get ready for an action packed, adrenaline laced ride with Elle and Denton!  No only will you be kept guessing until the end, you will also find yourself drawn to the complex characters Christy has created in Elle and Denton.  They come alive and their story will compel you just as the robbers plot will keep you guessing to the very end.

It's not very often that you can find a book that keeps surprising you, but Key Witness is that book!  You won't be able to put this down and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense laced with sweet romance. 

To purchase this book click {here}
To learn more about Christy Barritt, check out her website.
 

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.