Tag Archives: C. C. Warrens

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Crossbones

25 May
Crossbones JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Crossbones by C.C. Warrens, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Crossbones

Title: Crossbones
Series: A Holly Novel #6
Author: C.C. Warrens
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 15th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.”

Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him.

Even her life.
But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends?

Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden.

He doesn’t want to be found.
He doesn’t want to be known.
And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies.

Excerpt

Maybe my history was making me overly cautious, but I would rather look paranoid than end up in the trunk of a car.

I backed up a few steps. One of the alleys would take me through to the back side of the agency, and I could come in through the storage room.

As I turned to go back the way I had come, the car rumbled forward.

I quickened my steps to the nearest alley and turned into it. The car engine roared louder as the vehicle sped up before grinding to a stop where I’d been standing a moment before.

My heart jolted, and I broke into a run.

I cut left down the intersecting alley and collided with the first door I saw—a back exit for one of the local businesses. I wrenched at the handle. Locked.

I pounded a hand against the door. “Help!”

A car door closed.

He was coming after me on foot. I stumbled back from the building and searched for a place to hide.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

About The Author

CC Warrens

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

Connect with C.C. by visiting ccwarrens.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a grand prize of a signed Crossbones paperback with bookmark, sticker, character art card, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Up to (5) winners will each receive an ebook of Crossbones, delivered via Bookfunnel!

Up to (4) winners will each receive an audiobook download of Crossbones!

Crossbones blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 25, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for grand prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Top 10 Tuesday — Things Found in A Southern Garden

12 May

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT challenge is May Flowers. Since I’ve read only one book featuring Pilgrims 😉 , I decided to list books with titles that included things you could find in a southern garden, including things that have to be beaten back! I hope you find a book to catch your interest.

For more flowery lists, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with Titles That Include Things You Could Find in A Southern Garden (whew! what a title!)

Already in The Kudzu by Hannah Hood Lucero

Burying Daisy Doe by Ramona Richards

Dragonfly Ashes by C. C. Warrens

Firefly Diaries by C. C. Warrens

He Should Have Told The Bees by Amanda Cox

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

Version 1.0.0

Specters in The Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright

Under The Magnolias by T. I. Lowe

Walking in Tall Weeds by Robin W. Pearson

When The Wildflowers Bloom Again by Donna Jo Stone

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Top 10 Tuesday — Great First Lines!

24 Feb

Happy Tuesday! TTT‘s topic today is bookish quotes. I regularly participate in First Line Friday hosted by Carrie at Reading Is My Superpower. What a great way to introduce new books to readers! So today, I am including some of the best first lines from the past few months. I hope you find a book to pique your interest.

For more bookish quotes, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top First Lines!

I deeply regret to confirm that your son Lance Corporal Mark James Taylor died in Vietnam 1 November 1968.

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee

Viola Chambers had always wondered at what point in the dying process a person understood they weren’t long for this world, and now she’d give anything to unlearn it.

The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox

“The sea never gives back what it claims . . .”

Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard

A shrill sound pierced the night, sweeping through the house like the unearthly wail of a banshee.

Dragonfly Ashes by C. C. Warrens

Lizbeth Bennet clutched the handle of the wicker basket with hope.

The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

No one knew that Carol Langstrom hated Christmas.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Natasha shifted uncomfortably on the rock floor of the icy cave, shoving her gloved hands under her armpits to keep warm.

Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert

Death had always been fashionable.

Specters in The Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright

Pandemonium has broken out in the streets of New York City.

Under The Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee

When I was eight, I watched my mother disappear in fading pixels.

Wicked Is The Hollow by K. E. Ganshert

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Mini-Book Review — Dragonfly Ashes

26 Jan

If you are looking for a spooky-read, then you really need to check out the Cherry Creek Mysteries by C. C. Warrens. I loved book 1, Firefly Diaries, and book 2 Dragonfly Ashes continues the suspense-filled goodness. (I recommend that you don’t skip book 1.) The small town of Cherry Creek is the setting for a legendary serial killer and it seems like that the past has re-emerged. Author Noelle McKenzie is drawn into the mystery as a stalker shadows her and her adopted daughter. Or is it the Dragonfly come back for revenge? This novel is a puzzler as well as an edge-of-the-seat read. It sure kept me guessing while giving me definite chill bumps! Read this one with the lights on!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I borrowed the ebook from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Flames cast an ominous orange glow against the night sky as a barn catches fire, consuming everything within: from the hay bales to the victim bound and left to die.

News of the murder sparks fear in the small community of Cherry Creek, and that fear only grows when the arsonist leaves a calling card belonging to a killer everyone believed was long dead.

The Dragonfly mysteriously disappeared from the local asylum decades ago, stepping out of existence and into legend. The story draws the attention of Noelle McKenzie, a local author, and she digs into details from the past while Captain Derek Dempsey searches for evidence in the present.

But there’s more going on than either of them suspect, and this threat doesn’t just come knocking; it kicks in the door with a wicked plan and a lit match. If they don’t stop the arsonist soon, there may not be anything left of Cherry Creek to save.

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

**Disclaimer from the author**

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery or romantic comedy with an ending wrapped up in a nice little bow, well . . . these books aren’t for you. My books are intended to reflect the real world—a world that is messy, terrifying, wonderful, and sprinkled with humor. My hope is that these books will touch someone who has been through something traumatic and remind them that even in our darkest moments, God is with us.

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First Line Friday — Dragonfly Ashes

28 Nov

The second book in C. C. Warrens‘ Cherry Creek Mystery series, Dragonfly Ashes, was just as good as the first, Firefly Diaries. All your favorite characters are back in this seriously twisty and spooky novel. If you haven’t read either, then you have some great reading ahead!

Here’s the first line:

A shrill sound pierced the night, sweeping through the house like the unearthly wail of a banshee.

Flames cast an ominous orange glow against the night sky as a barn catches fire, consuming everything within: from the hay bales to the victim bound and left to die.

News of the murder sparks fear in the small community of Cherry Creek, and that fear only grows when the arsonist leaves a calling card belonging to a killer everyone believed was long dead.

The Dragonfly mysteriously disappeared from the local asylum decades ago, stepping out of existence and into legend. The story draws the attention of Noelle McKenzie, a local author, and she digs into details from the past while Captain Derek Dempsey searches for evidence in the present.

But there’s more going on than either of them suspect, and this threat doesn’t just come knocking; it kicks in the door with a wicked plan and a lit match. If they don’t stop the arsonist soon, there may not be anything left of Cherry Creek to save.

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

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Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Crossroads

17 Oct

Crossroads JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Crossroads by C.C. Warrens, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Crossroads

Title: Crossroads
Series: A Holly Novel #5
Author: C.C. Warrens
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Genre: Christian suspense/ Christian romantic suspense

Run and don’t look back.
I’ll find you when it’s safe.

Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.

Lovers of books by Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock, and Natalie Walters will enjoy this latest thrilling installment of The Holly Novels, and might even stay up all night reading.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt

Despite the warm May temperature, memories shivered through my bones—bones that had been bruised and broken under the roof of the two-story structure in front of me.

The cream-and-blue house sat vacant now, its once manicured lawn overgrown, flower boxes beneath the windows sprouting weeds, the screen door stained with black spray paint and scrub brush streaks. 

It was strangely silent.

But in the wind that billowed my jacket and teased the loose strands of my red hair, I could hear the echo of my foster siblings’ cries.

Holly, I’m scared.

Make it stop, Holly. It hurts. 

Their sweet little voices, filled with such fear, ripped at my heart as viciously now as they had then, and tears spilled onto my cheeks. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you,” I whispered, my words carried away by a gust of wind that rattled the For Sale sign hanging from the mailbox.



More in This Series

About The Author

C.C. Warrens

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

Connect with C.C. by visiting ccwarrensbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of Crossroads with a bookmark, book-related stickers, a book-related magnet, book-related tea bags, fuzzy socks, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) winner will win an ebook copy of Crossroads with book-related stickers, a book-related magnet, book-related tea bags, fuzzy socks, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Crossroads JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 24, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Top 10 Tuesday — Indie/Self-Published Authors

4 Apr

Happy Tuesday! I am so excited about today’s TTT topic — Indie/Self-Published Authors. The trend is growing! Even authors who have been very successful with large publishing houses have stepped out into this new arena. My list includes some incredible authors. I hope you find one to love.

For more indie/self-published gems, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Indie/Self-Published Authors

Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott’s life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Heidi online at her website (heidichiavaroli.com) or on either of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/HeidiChiavaroliAuthor

Janet W. Ferguson

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist, Maggie Award and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

Heather Day Gilbert

Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather’s realistic characters–no matter what century–feel like best friends. When she’s not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Find all her books and her newsletter signup at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Carla Laureano

Carla Laureano could never decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, so she decided to become a novelist–and she must be kinda okay at it because she’s won two RWA RITA® Awards. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking and trying to read through her TBR shelf, which she estimates will be finished in 2054. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two teen sons, and an opinionated cat named Willow.

Connect with Carla online at her website (http://www.carlalaureano.com) or on any of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/CarlaLaureanoAuthor

Instagram.com/carlalaureanoauthor

Pinterest.com/laureano_carla

Bookbub.com/authors/carla-laureano

Goodreads.com/author/show/7075143.Carla_Laureano

Sarah Monzon

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, In Search of a Prince, won the first ever, Christy Amplify award. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

Becky Wade

Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas with their three children and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She loves writing sweet contemporary romances laced with sizzling chemistry, mystery, faith, banter, and humor. Her eleven novels and five novellas have been recognized with a Carol Award, INSPY awards, and a spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame.

C. C. Warrens

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

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Top 10 Tuesday — New-To-Me Authors in 2022

24 Jan

Happy Tuesday! Today bloggers are sharing new-to-them authors from 2022. I love discovering new authors. Often their books become must-reads. A few of the books may be debuts, but by and large, the authors on my list have other books to their credit. More great books to read! 😉

For more new authors, visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top New-To-Me Authors in 2022

Among The Innocent by Mary Alford

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Green

Driving Force by Kate Angelo

Firefly Diaries by C. C. Warrens

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

In Search of A Prince by Toni Shiloh

A Light on A Hill by Connilyn Cossette

The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar

Operation Joktan by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn

Shadows in The Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp

When The Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

Where The Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner

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