Whip up or whoa!
According to Mitch, in Danger on the Ranch, that means it’s time to make a decision. No time to waste. No more vacillating.
As the prophet Elijah put it “How long will you waver between two opinions?” (I Kings 18:21)
The people of Israel had forsaken the Lord and were worshiping Baal and other idols. Then, when they would get into trouble with their enemies, they would call out to God for rescue. After a great deliverance, there they were again, worshiping idols!
In one of my very favorite accounts in the Bible, Elijah calls the people of Israel together on Mount Carmel and challenges them with this question “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, worship Him. If Baal is, then worship him.” He then challenged the prophets of Baal to a showdown.
If you have read this amazing story, you’ll know that God performed a miracle which amazed the people, causing them to acknowledge his deity and worship Him (for a time at least.)
So, how about you?
Are you still wavering between two opinions? Have you decided that Jesus is Lord and surrendered your life to Him? Confessed your sins? Asked for forgiveness? If not, what are you waiting for?
2 Corinthians 6:2 says “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Are you serving the Lord today? Are you fully committed?
Whip up or whoa!
Danger on the Ranch
by Dana Mentink
Series: Roughwater Ranch Cowboys #1
Published by Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date June 1, 2019
Genres: Suspense, Action/Adventure, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: California Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-34, 35-60
Written for: Adults
Pages: 224
Synopsis:
Her child’s life is on the line
A Roughwater Ranch Cowboys story
After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Fasten your seat belts and get ready for a wild ride!
I loved this book, and especially the way that author Dana Mentink knew just how much backstory was needed. And how much to reveal at which part of this excellent book.
Wade’s crimes were heinous and he was clearly deranged. Which did make for a creepy, yet not in a terrifying-keep-you-up-at-night-jumping-in-the-dark-sorta-way story. I was hooked from the first sentence and my interest didn’t flag at all.
The tension between Mitch and Jane was perfect. There was just the right balance of fear and trust. Though some might argue the romance happened too quickly, I didn’t think so. When fear and danger throw people together, they very quickly see each other’s true nature.
Lightening the mood was Ben, Jane’s son. He was simply adorable with his love for “twains”. His innocence contrasting with the evil of his father was stark. With the added suspense of what Wade would do when he discovered Jane’s secret, just … Wow!
The unknown person who helped Wade escape from prison provided plenty of mystery. With ample clues and misdirection, I was kept guessing at their identity until the end.
Mitch had difficulty believing in a God who would allow such evil to exist – Jane had to believe in God to give her hope in the face of it. Both struggled with guilt over crimes they didn’t commit but thought they should have known about and prevented.
I’m so excited about this new series! I’m guessing Liam and Chad will be getting stories next and am really looking forward to seeing what suspenseful situations Dana Mentink comes up with for them!
More from Dana
We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, June 25
Maureen’s Musings, June 26
Among the Reads, June 26
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Blossoms and Blessings, June 27
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 27
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Wishful Endings, June 28
Blogging With Carol, June 28
For Him and My Family, June 28
For the Love of Books, June 29
Retrospective Spines, June 29
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29
Hallie Reads, June 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
The Becca Files, July 1
Real World Bible Study, July 1
Through the Fire Blogs, July 1
Remembrancy, July 2
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 2
janicesbookreviews, July 2
Just Your Average reviews, July 3
Moments, July 3
Genesis 5020, July 4
Lighthouse Academy, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Carpe Diem, July 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
To Everything a Season, July 6
Daysong Reflections, July 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7
Texas Book-aholic, July 7
Inklings and notions, July 7
Simple Harvest Reads, July 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8
EmpowerMoms, July 8
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!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.
I like the cover
Great post and I appreciate getting to find out about another great book. Thanks for all you do and for the hard work you put into this. Greatly appreciated!
Thanks for hosting the tour!
sounds like a fun one
Looks like an interesting book.
Thanks for the contest.