Winner of “Montana Match” Giveaway and a Review of “Stalker in the Shadows” by Camy Tang (Love Inspired Suspense, January 2012)
22 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Book Shelf
Rain, sleet, snow, wind…most of the country looks like a winter wonderland. The weather fits in perfectly with the setting of last week’s giveaway, “Montana Match” by Merrillee Whren. I’ve picked a winner which I’ll announce at the end of the post. Sneaky, I know.
If you’d like to escape to a warmer spot, take a trip to sunny Sonoma, California via Camy Tang‘s newest release “Stalker in the Shadows” (Love Inspired Suspense, January 2012.)
There are some dark clouds on the horizon for nurse Monica Grant, the heroine of “Stalker in the Shadows.” Monica’s on a mission to open a children’s free clinic. She seeks support from investors and the community to make the dream a reality. But not everyone in the neighborhood welcomes the idea. Someone is trying to shut down the project at any cost.
Monica knows someone is stalking her. The person wants her to know and to be afraid. Monica receives anonymous threats that are very real. Threatening letters accompanied by a dead snake, phone calls, and photos tracking every move she makes.
Monica is resilient and persistent. She turns to former lawman Shaun O’Neill for help. Shaun takes the case personally. Five years ago his sister was murdered-and Shaun’s believes it was by the same madman who’s stalking Monica.
Together the pair set up to save Monica’s dream and to catch a killer. Along the way both Monica and Shaun discover things about themselves and about each other. The dialog between the pair is a fun give-and-take, adding levity between the serious scenes.
Tang subtly weaves in a believable spiritual subplot that can be digested by a non-believer or spiritually mature Christian.
“Stalker in the Shadows” is my favorite book by Camy Tang. Okay, so I said that in my review about her last book “Protection for Hire” but it’s true. Tang’s writing continues to improve which each story. If you like romantic suspense, “Stalker in the Shadows” is a must have for your collection. But beyond the label of romantic suspense, “Stalker in the Shadows” is a book that breaks out of the genre mold and earns the label of a great read.
You can purchase “Stalker in the Shadows” in stores, online, or as an ebook.
To learn more about Camy, check out my interview with her. Or visit Camy’s website or look her up on Facebook.
For more book reviews check out my Book Shelf.
I was a provided a free copy of this book for review purposes. Love or leave, my opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, and the winner of a free copy of “Montana Match” by Merrillee Whren is commenter 40 Lisa Howard Colpo. If you want to make sure you don’t miss future giveaways, be sure to subscribe to my blog.
I leave you with these photos that made my heart smile. Born into poverty, each of these precious little ones are children of the KING! Enjoy a little fellowship with some of Susan’s Kids at Faith Hill Church in Leratong, South Africa.
“Montana Match” review, author interview and book giveaway!
17 Jan 2012 120 Comments
in Book Shelf
It wasn’t love at first sight for me when I met Parker Watson, the hero of “Montana Match” by Merrillee Whren (Love Inspired, January 2012.) This cowboy’s heart is colder than a Montana winter. The only thing that can melt this glacier is his young twin daughters.
He has reason to be bitter. Six years ago unfounded accusations and malicious gossip cost Parker his career, his reputation, his friends, and the woman he loved. Taking refuge on his ranch, Parker’s lived the life of a recluse-staunchly avoiding the town of Stockton and the residents that shunned him.
He believes he’s protecting his daughters from Stockton’s scorn by keeping them in the nest. But when the girls’ nanny and teacher moves away, the working dad is desperate to find a replacement.
After an unexpected meeting with recently unemployed Brittany Gorman, Parker makes her a generous offer. But Brittany has reservations, she’s a former financial planner and sometimes substitute teacher, who feels ill-equipped for the challenge of schooling two energetic girls. Despite her misgivings, Brittany feels God is pushing her outside of her comfort zone, so she reluctantly accepts the position.
After a rocky start, Brittany fits in with the family, bringing fun and a fresh perspective to the lives of Parker and his girls. Brittany’s rock-solid faith in the God that Parker hasn’t had any more use for than he does the folks of Stockton has him considering that it might be time to let go of the past. Slowly Parker begins to warm to Brittany’s optimistic spirit and hardworking ways.
But his inability to forgive and forget the past, causes strife between the pair. Brittany’s determination to expose the girls to the simple joys of town life angers Parker. His icy tongue will have you reaching for a parka.
Spring is slow in coming to Parker’s heart. But seeds of hope and change take root in his life. Parker’s journey from silent and sulking to a changed creature in Christ seems as natural as a winter snowfall. By the end, even this Carolina beach girl would be willing to be his Montana Match!
I don’t think it’s too soon to say that “Montana Match” is one of my favorite books of 2012!
Montana Match is on sale now in paperback and ebook formats. Be sure to stop by Merrillee’s website at www.merrilleewhren.com
Interview with Merrillee Whren
OA: What led you to write your first novel?
MW: I always enjoyed reading romances and decided I’d like to write one.
OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?
MW: I like being able to relate God’s principles in my writing.
OA: Which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey?
MW: Probably the spiritual journey because that creates the plot.
OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?
MW: I pick one that fits the spiritual journey of the characters.
OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?
MW: It is a part of the character’s life and can’t be taken out without leaving a void in the story.
OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?
MW: I suppose if I have to choose, I would pick my first published book, THE HEART’S HOMECOMING, since it started me on this journey.
OA: Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you?
MW: Karen Kingsbury and Linda Goodnight
For more books by Merrillee check out
- Hometown Proposal, August 2010
- Hometown Dad, Feb. 2011
- Montana Match, Jan. 2012
Book Giveaway ends Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 EST
To enter to win a copy of “Montana Match”, simply leave a comment for Merrillee. Be sure to make sure I can contact you by email.
Bonus entries. You may leave a separate comment for doing any or all of the following (each action earns a comment entry.)
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Visit Merrillee’s website.
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Sign up for Merrillee’s newsletter (added 1/18)
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Friend Merrillee on Facebook
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Visit the Love Inspired website
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“Like” Our Advocate on Facebook (added 1/18)
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Subscribe to my blog (added 1/18)
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Tell a friend about this contest or my blog! Share on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, by carrier pigeon, word of mouth, etc. (added 1/18)
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I was provided with a free copy of “Montana Match.” I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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