Have you ever played the “would you rather” game? You know, “would you rather this or this?” with each choice being equally appalling.
I have often considered that the one sense I would be most loath to lose is my eyesight. While I’m not afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get around, the idea of not being able to read is slightly terrifying!
Yet I’ve also considered how much I value my hearing. Mine is fairly acute and I appreciate being able to detect who is talking on the other side of the cubicle wall at work or to hear someone walking up behind me. Or the sound of laughter or birds singing.
Each sense God has given us is a blessing and a pleasure. I would hate to lose any of them at all!
I believe it is so important for us not to focus on things like this anyway. After all, which of you by worrying can ensure you won’t lose your sense of taste (to paraphrase Jesus)?
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:31-32

Deadly Christmas Pretense
by Dana Mentink

Series: Roughwater Ranch Cowboys #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date November 1, 2019
Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Western, Clean Romance
Setting: California Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 224
Synopsis:
A cowboy to her rescue…
but she’s not who he thinks she is.
Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Also in this series: Danger on the Ranch, Cold Case Connection, Secrets Resurfaced
Purchase Links
Oh, Liam is such a great wounded hero! His story is pretty amazing and “hero” is such a feeble attempt to describe this valiant man who took on responsibility far beyond his years when he was just a young boy. You may remember him from Danger on the Ranch. He is the former Green Beret who was losing his hearing. His courage and fears warred for victory over him as he began to fall in love with Maggie. I loved seeing him hold on to his faith despite his struggles.
Despite being a fraternal, not identical, twin, Maggie was able to pretend to be her sister Tammy. Though much to her detriment and danger to her life! Maggie was more serious and cautious than her sister. She was fiercely protective and was willing to step way outside her comfort zone to make sure Tammy remained safe.
Deadly Christmas Pretense was packed with action as Maggie and Liam worked together to rescue Tammy and clear her name.
Jingles, the dog Liam’s sister got for him, was so much fun! The candy cane dilemma at the parade was cute, and the solution surprised me. I especially liked the way Liam’s opinion of the four-legged escape artist evolved throughout the story and that Jingles got to play the hero himself.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, don’t miss Deadly Christmas Pretense. As with all the stories I’ve read by Dana Mentink, the characters grow in their faith through deep issues, it is sweetly romantic, and has just the right touch of humor.
More from Dana
I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 1
Among the Reads, November 1
Emily Yager, November 1
KarenSueHadley , November 2
Blogging With Carol, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
Bigreadersite, November 3
My Devotional Thoughts , November 3
She Lives to Read, November 3
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 4
Genesis 5020, November 4
mpbooks, November 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5
Betti Mace, November 5
Quiet Workings, November 5
Blossoms and Blessings, November 6
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , November 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6
Older & Smarter?, November 7
Maureen’s Musings, November 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 7
Splashes of Joy , November 8
For Him and My Family, November 8
Moments, November 8
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 9
Simple Harvest Reads, November 9
EmpowerMoms, November 9
Through the Fire Blogs, November 10
Remembrancy, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 10
For the Love of Books, November 11
Hallie Reads, November 11
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 11
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12
To Everything There Is A Season, November 12
Daysong Reflections, November 12
Texas Book-aholic, November 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13
janicesbookreviews, November 14
Inklings and notions, November 14
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of
- a book necklace
- an Amazon gift card
- a paperback copy of the Dangerous Christmas Pretense!!
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/ed7d/deadly-christmas-pretense-celebration-tour-giveaway
Looking forward to reading this one!
This book sounds like a terrific read.
I love anything Dana writes. This one sounds like a great read. I love the cover.
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