My dad cooked a handful of things when I was growing up, and only that handful.
Pancakes – which he cooked but didn’t mix the batter. He always had fun making them into shapes for us. Looking back, I wonder if this was to cover up the fact he couldn’t make perfect circles. . .
Meat on the grill – no need to expound
Omelets – though his form was more like what is considered a scramble.
Pizza – again, he wasn’t the one to make the crust or the sauce but he was a pro at cooking the sausage, grating the cheese, and chopping the veggies.
I got very spoiled by the pizzas my dad made – they had so many toppings. Oh, yum!
We never needed to set the timer for the pizza. If the enticing aroma didn’t alert us that it was done, the juices dripping onto the heating element would trigger the fire alarm every single time he made pizza!
Act of Valor
by Dana Mentink
Series: True Blue K-9 Unit
Published by Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date May 1, 2019
Genres: Action/Adventure, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: New York Contemporary
Written for: Adults
Pages: 224
Synopsis:
She saw something she shouldn’t have…
A True Blue K-9 Unit story
When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Also in this series: Shield of Protection 
Zach was a very good cop. He was dedicated, in great physical shape, and loved what he did. He was, however, prone to breaking things and was a horrible cook. Enough so that his family nicknamed him The Incinerator.
I loved Zach and Violet’s story! Suspense filled the story from start to finish as Violet attempted to keep from getting killed and Zach tried his best to protect her. With Eddie, the drug detection beagle, added to the mix, it was a great combination of romance, humor, and action.
One of my favorite moments occurred after Eddie chewed Violet’s couch to pieces when left alone as Zach was off saving Violet’s life. (Again!) Having discovered the damage, Zach proceeded to reprimand Eddie as if he was a human officer. So funny!
I really enjoyed seeing the diversity of the various jobs police dogs have. Eddie was specifically trained to sniff out drugs. Seeing the way he and Zach worked together and the way they approached the various situations was very interesting. Who knew that beagles could be so smart? (Yeah, Snoopy, my Aunt Lois’ beagle, surely didn’t display this kind of intelligence!) The ribbing the Zach got from his brothers who had more traditional police dog types about his cuddlier partner added levity.
If you enjoy action-filled stories with bullets flying and best friends falling in love, be sure to grab a copy of Act of Valor!
More from Dana
Cops and killers and beagles, oh my!
It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus!
Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those!
The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star!
It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16
Genesis 5020, May 16
Multifarious, May 17
Through the Fire Blogs, May 17
Lighthouse Academy, May 17
Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18
Blogging With Carol, May 18
Daysong Reflections, May 19
Carla Loves to Read, May 19
Wishful Endings, May 20
EmpowerMoms, May 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20
Remembrancy, May 21
Blossoms and Blessings, May 21
Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Hallie Reads, May 22
Among the Reads, May 23
Moments, May 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24
Just Your Average reviews, May 24
Real World Bible Study, May 25
Pause for Tales, May 25
Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26
Texas Book-aholic, May 26
Bigreadersite, May 27
janicesbookreviews, May 27
Inklings and notions, May 28
Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway
About Dana Mentink
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
I love the K-9 series, they are the best!
I am enjoying these tours and finding all the terrific books my family is enjoying reading. Thanks for bringing them to us and keep up the good work.
We had a little Beagle mixed with Springer Spaniel. Unfortunately he got hit by a car because he had his nose to the ground. Thanks for the information about Beagles. I had no idea they started out so small!
I think the book sounds great and I would love to read it.