Book Review and Giveaway: Love Inspired Books "Texas K-9 Unit" Series

All to often in the news, we hear about the negative side of law enforcement. I am a proud police daughter and my father will retire this June after 30 years of service. 

That's why I am so happy that Love Inspired Suspense has a new book series called "Texas K-9 Unit" that focuses on a positive and exciting storyline about law enforcement along with their canine companions working together to track down a crime ring. The three books, "Tracking Justice", "Detection Mission" and "Guard Duty" are now available as a box set.  

As we celebrate Women's History Month, one of the things I love about this book series is the fact that each book is written by a female author, and this Oklahoma girl loves the fact that one of them lives in Tulsa. I also love the fact that one of the books in the series features a female police officer as the heroine. 

A little about the three authors in the "Texas K-9 Unit" series: 

Shirlee McCoy knew early in life that she wanted to write inspirational fiction and began writing her first novel when she was a teenager. Still, it wasn't until her third son was born that she truly began pursuing her dream of being published.

Margaret Daley loved teaching and working with students with special needs, and recently retired from teaching to write full-time. She and her husband, Mike, to whom she has been married for over 40 years live in Tulsa.

Sharon Dunn first fell in love with mystery and suspense about the time she read Nancy Drew mysteries in the fifth grade. The second book in that series Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. 

I received each of the books in the box set and have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of them. All three stories take place in the fictional town of Sagebrush, Texas.

"Tracking Justice" by Shirlee McCoy centers around the abduction of a little boy from his bedroom window and this story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. A love story is woven into this mystery that was very touching.

"Detection Mission" by Margaret Daley centers around a police detective and his canine companion finding a woman who has no memory of her life, but indications suggest she might have a criminal past. I loved that this story weaves a web of impending danger throughout.

"Guard Duty" by Sharon Dunn features a female K-9 unit police officer, Valerie and is a thriller revolving around her as a potential murder witness. I thought the romance storyline in this one was so touching.

One of you will win a copy of Shirlee McCoy's newly-released book, "Protection Detail".  To enter, leave a comment below and let me know you would like to win this book. Giveaway closes Friday, March 20 at noon EST.

You can print a coupon for $1.00 off Shirlee McCoy’s “Protection Detail” by going to the link here.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Getting ready for St. Patrick's Day: Mint Chocolate Delight Cupcakes

I always look forward to the calendar rolling around to St. Patrick's Day. It is a special day for me to celebrate my Irish heritage. I have fun coordinating my outfit ensemble and look forward to serving up some fun green treats. Here is a favorite I will be sharing with my friends and neighbors this year. 

"Mint Chocolate Delight Cupcakes" 

1 stick butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1  teaspoon peppermint extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 muffin pans with cupcake liners or spray with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix until well-combined. Set aside. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar with mixer on medium speed. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well in between each addition. Add milk, oil and extract and mix until well-combined. Add flour mixture in thirds, mixing between each addition. Pour batter into cupcake tins. Bake 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before frosting. Makes 24 cupcakes.

"Mint Buttercream Frosting"

1 stick butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp peppermint extract

4 drops green food coloring 

Combine butter and powdered sugar in mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer. Add milk and peppermint extract, mix well. Add 4 drops of food coloring and mix well until frosting has a smooth consistency. If needed, add additional 1/2 teaspoon of milk if mixture is too stiff. Spread over cooled cupcakes. Enjoy!