Blog Tour Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway: A Thousand Stolen Moments by Connie Ann Michael

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A Thousand Stolen Moments
by Connie Ann Michael
Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
March 3rd 2015 by Anaiah Press

Summary

Can you choose between fighting for your life and fighting for your heart?

When twenty-two year old Emme Sawyer joins a Marine unit heading into Helmand Providence, she focuses on what she does best: keeping her men safe. But, when the unit is hit by an IED, Emme realizes she can’t save everyone. With her humanity on the line, and her faith in question, she seeks comfort from Raven, her commanding officer. Soon, Emme develops feelings that don’t belong in a combat zone, where each step could be your last.

Raven keeps his emotions locked up tight, never allowing the men to see him sweat. But when Emme joins his unit, all bets are off; and the feelings he thought he left stateside begin to emerge. Knowing that the deserts of Afghanistan are the last place to start a romance, and the United States military’s view on fraternizing; Raven tries to deny his heart. Emme and Raven learn you can’t always choose where love finds you. And that sometimes, you just have to trust in God’s plan.

  

My Review

A Thousand Stolen Moments was full of suspense, heartbreak, romance, faith, and friendship, all set in a war zone. I flipped through the pages rather quickly even though there were some heartrending moments of violence and loss. I wanted to know if these characters were going to make it out alive and together.

I really loved Doogie, as she's nicknamed, her guard and friend, and Raven. There was so much going on with the enemy everywhere and not knowing who they could or couldn't trust. Really pretty scary. It was amazing seeing how they braved it and pushed through. 

The plot moved at a decent pace. It kept me engaged even when there was some downtime in between missions. It was fragmented a little, but it still worked. There were some humorous moments as well as intense and sweet ones. I especially loved the end.

I would recommend  A Thousand Stolen Moments to those who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense with plenty of romance and some heartbreak.

Content: Lots of innuendo and violence due to warfare and a few suggestive/crude comments that fit with the military setting.

Source: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.

Excerpt

The freezing temperatures of the night woke Doogie. The area was quiet, except for a few light snores coming from the men. She got up, stretched her muscles, and then grabbed an MRE and headed to the fire.

Raven’s shadowed outline was visible next to the fire as she approached.

“Quiet tonight,” she said.

“You should be sleeping. Not sure when it will be this quiet again.” Raven’s deep voice sent a chill through her.

“I’m not much of a sleeper.”

“We have guys with NVG’s watching. The Taliban might be using the dark to maneuver around our flanks. But I don’t think so. You should at least rest.”

“Hmm,” she hummed while she squeezed the bag she held.

“What’s for dinner?” Raven’s expression was more relaxed than usual.

“Uh?” Doogie held the label toward the fire. “Applesauce. But it’s debatable as to the amount of apples in it.”

“I have some beef stew in my pack if you want it. You can’t keep up with only applesauce.”

“Why is it always stew? Why can’t they MRE a cheese burger?” Doogie sucked on the bag.

“I think the food has to be juicy to get out of the bag.” Raven shrugged.

“Stew has chunks of mysterious stuff. You’d think a few chunks of normal food would fit in there. Besides, ketchup is juicy.”

“Well when you get out you can go into the business of creating wonderful gourmet MRE’s. The men would love you.”

“And the women.” Doogie smiled at him.

The corner of Raven’s mouth looked like it might have turned up, but she wasn’t sure. “Who can forget the women?”

“I’ll hire you if you need a job after the war,” Doogie offered.

Raven snuck a quick glance at her before returning to stare at the fire. “I’d appreciate that. I could be your tester. I’ll see if the cheeseburger is up to par. I’ve been known to cook a mean burger.”

“Excellent. Maybe you could even cook the burger since I don’t cook.” Doogie rubbed her hands together at the thought of seeing Raven after the war.

“You don’t cook?” Raven seemed surprised.

“I enlisted at nineteen so didn’t have time to hone my domestic skills.”

“Oh,” was all he said.

They stood in awkward silence for a few minutes.

“Today’s Valentine’s Day,” she blurted.

Raven narrowed his eyes, his mouth in its signature scowl, and then started to laugh. “Yeah, I guess it is.”

“It’s just. Well Tahk told me.” She was such a dork.

“Was he planning a party? Handing out Valentines to the locals?”

Doogie’s head jerked to look over at Raven. Had he just tried to be funny? She’s never had an actual conversation with him. Usually he talked at her…or yelled at her. She let out a stiff laugh. “No.”

About the Author

Cnnie Ann Michael

Connie grew up in Seattle but moved to Central Washington to be closer to all things outdoors. Married with two college boys she keeps busy kayaking, mountain biking, skiing ,and hiking through the beautiful hills of the Wenatchee Valley. Growing up with a love of reading the transition into writing seemed natural and she can be found on summer days writing under the tree in her front yard surrounding by her three dogs.

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7 comments

  1. Both of these books sound fantastic! Can't wait to check out this series. Thanks so much for the giveaway and good luck to everyone.

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  2. I have a character named Osma in one of my short stories. I thought that was neat. I'd never heard the name anywhere else before!

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  3. A great tour. The books sound like fun to read.

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  4. Gloria Walshver3/16/15, 3:23 AM

    Sounds like a exciting tour to go on.

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  5. Cathy French3/16/15, 7:41 AM

    Congrats to the author who by entering into the Harlequin contest got her writing career started.

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  6. Edmond Leung3/16/15, 7:35 PM

    OMG, luv to go on that tour. Divine. . Wow, prize Amazon gc is fab. &
    splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you
    for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. Pick me, pick me!
    Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest.
    Starving artist here desperately needs the Amazon gc to shop and eat
    again. A life changing exp.

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  7. Chris Martinez3/28/15, 8:00 PM

    I think I'd really like this series!

    ReplyDelete

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