Welcome to my #TeaTime double review of Tina Radcliffe’s His Holiday Prayer and The Deeds of The Deceitful!

I’m delighted you’ve join me for tea and chatting about TWO books by Tina Radcliffe, one of my favorite authors. His Holiday Prayer is a December release by Harlequin’s Love Inspired contemporary romance line. Just look at the festive cover which sparkles with holiday charm! The Deeds of The Deceitful is a cozy mystery, co-authored with Ellery Adams. With our tea, I’m serving Chocolate Spice Balls, one of the recipes included with the mystery book.

MY REVIEWS

His Holiday Prayer
What a sparkling Christmas romance….a “just friends” to a perfect happily-ever-after story!

Widower and father of darling twin daughters, Tucker Rainbolt has been friends with compassionate Jena Harper for a long time. They went to college together, then partnered to establish a veterinary practice in Rebel, Oklahoma. Thinking he needs a change, Tucker decides to relocate to Texas and accept a university faculty position. However, sometimes making different plans allows us to see our current situation more clearly. With Jena and Tucker, it’s fun to watch their friendship evolve through self-awareness and tender feelings, finally realizing where their hearts truly belong.

Beyond the romance, I especially loved the realistic family dynamics. Strong bonds highlight the camaraderie of family relationships….established families, beginning families, and discovered families. The Rainbolt siblings tease and joke, but unconditional love for each other provides strength through difficult times, shared joy during celebrations, and encouragement to meet the challenges of life. I’m already anticipating the next Rainbolt book featuring sister Kate!

Author Tina Radcliffe writes with humor and touches of faith as she gives readers a warm-the-heart story, filled with Christmas delights (Jingle Paws fundraiser!) and festive treats (pumpkin roll, cherry tarts, peppermint bark, anyone?). If you want to read a feel-good holiday romance, I highly recommend His Holiday Prayer!

Favorite quotes:
“We accept His forgiveness and move on. Isn’t God’s grace sufficient? He forgave you. When are you going to forgive yourself?”

“We all need a Mrs. Stewart in our life.” 🙂

*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m pleased to offer my honest opinion.

The Deeds of The Deceitful
An engaging cozy mystery!

Deeds of the Deceitful is such fun to read. Not only is there an intriguing crime to solve, but there is a hint of romance and a virtual trip to the charming Atwood Inn near Richmond, Virginia.

I completely enjoyed the assortment of amateur sleuths who meet as the Sunrise Bible Study group, but also get involved in solving local mysteries. With a suspicious death, a missing painting, and a cast of possible suspects, I was fascinated with trying to figure out this “who done it.” Since I’m a foodie, the details involving a couple of chefs and a baker….plus all the goodies from Magnolia’s Marvels….were a delight. (Recipes included!)

This is the first time I’ve read a selection from the Hope Street Church Mysteries series, so I can definitely say this book is a stand alone…and I want to read the others. With great details and an interesting investigation, I highly recommend Deeds of the Deceitful to all cozy mystery genre enthusiasts!

Favorite quotes:
“This is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle when the dog ate a few pieces.”
“My grandmother always says that the only thing bigger than our problems is the Lord.”

TEA AND TREATS

This time of year, it’s fun to being out my Christmas dinnerware, given to me many years ago by a dear friend. I’m serving Chocolate Spice Balls with your choice of Constant Comment tea or a peppermint herbal blend, both varieties go well with the cookies. The recipe is included at the end of The Deeds of The Deceitful.

ABOUT TINA RADCLIFFE

Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger. 

Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and a four-time Carol Award finalist and three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. A 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner and a 2018 ACFW Mentor of the Year winner, Tina is also on the RWA and ACFW Honor Roll of Best-Selling Authors. In 2019 she won the Holt Medallion for Christmas with the Cowboy. A short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.

You can sign up for Tina’s newsletter and learn more about her books at http://www.tinaradcliffe.com (And she posts recipes on her blog!)