May Review Books
The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
MY REVIEW:
“The Face of the Earth” is an intensely emotional novel that chronicles nearly a year in a family’s life after their wife and mother disappears off “the face of the earth” after attending a teachers conference in another city. After Jill Brannon’s disappearance her family and best friend not only have the grief of her loss to deal with but also the questions of where she is, what kept her from returning home, and whether she is dead or alive. To add to Mitch’s distress, he finds himself growing increasingly dependent upon Shelley, Jill’s best friend and their next-door neighbor who has been such a help during the difficult months of searching for clues about Jill’s whereabouts. Can he remain faithful to the vows he made with Jill if she never returns home?
Deborah Raney did a remarkable job of depicting natural and believable reactions to an event like Jill’s disappearance. From the initial shock of her family and friends, their grief, their desperation to find her, refusal to believe she might not be alive, and guilt over any pleasure they might find during her absence, every emotion was realistic and moving to me as the reader. There were several directions the author could have taken for a conclusion but I believe she chose the logical solution. I decline to reveal any more in order to prevent spoilers. You will just have to read this excellent novel yourself in order to find out if there is a happily-ever-after.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”
Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.
But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.
Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including “A Nest of Sparrows” and the RITA award winning “Beneath a Southern Sky” and its sequel, “After the Rains.” Deborah’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb’s novella, “Playing by Heart,” was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, “Yesterday’s Embers,” appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women’s retreats and writers’ conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Find out more at DeborahRaney.com
Win a “Date Night” Prize Pack from Deborah Raney and RSVP for her 5/30 Facebook Party!
Deborah is celebrating with a fun “Date Night” Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
- The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the “The Face of the Earth” Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!
When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad
MY REVIEW:
“When Love Calls” is the first installment of Seilstad’s exciting new The Gregory Sisters series and features the oldest of the sisters, Hannah. Determined to take care of her younger sisters after the influenza deaths of their parents, Hannah has dropped out of law school to look for employment only to find that the bank is foreclosing on the family farm. Uncertain whether she can follow all the requirements of the job, Hannah nevertheless applies for and is selected to train for a switchboard operator position. To further complicate matters, Lincoln Cole, the young lawyer who served their eviction notice seems to keep turning up in Hannah’s life and can’t seem to stay out of her business. As any discerning reader can easily suspect, there must be a romance brewing between the two young people but can Hannah ever stop controlling her life long enough to trust the Lord and Lincoln to take care of her and her sisters?
I loved Seilstad’s Lake Manawa series so I was eager to begin reading her latest series. Although the location, settings, and characters are totally different in this series, the historical detail, excellent interaction between the characters, plenty of humor, lots of romance, and a touch of suspense once again were the perfect combination for a fun and interesting escape between the pages. I liked the way Hannah’s supervisor paralleled Lincoln and Hannah’s relationship to the biblical story of Boaz and Ruth. And I got to know Hannah’s sisters Charlotte and Tessa just well enough to look forward to their own stories in the future. I can’t wait to see Charlotte come into her own and Tessa is so precocious that her story is bound to be a winner.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of camaraderie and companionship that blossoms into love. Readers will get lost in this sweet romance and will eagerly look forward to championing the Gregory sisters’ dreams.
Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn’t include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. “Hello Girls” must conduct themselves according to strict, and often bewildering, rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.
Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank’s eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents’ home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.
When one of Hannah’s friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves, A Great Catch, and The Ride of Her Life. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her husband. Find out more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
Praise for When Love Calls:
“Hannah Gregory is my kind of gal: smart, feisty, loyal and resilient. When Love Calls is a delightful story filled with entertaining, endearing characters. Lorna Seilstad’s trademark is to embroider her novels with historical detail while providing a wonderfully satisfying read.”
- Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of the Stoney Ridge Seasons series and host of weekly radio show Amish Wisdom“Lorna Seilstad has a way of dropping her characters into interesting times, and she’s done it again in When Love Calls.”
- Ann H. Gabhart, author of Angel Sister and The Gifted
“Filled with witty prose and engaging characters, When Love Calls is a thoroughly charming love story.”
- Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series and the Blue Willow Brides series
Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
is introducing
Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O’MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s a summer of change for Jennifer O’Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She’s sorting out how to introduce him to her family–she’s the youngest of seven–and thinking about marriage.
She’s falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn’t expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The prequel to the long-time favorite O’Malley series by Dee Henderson, Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story is the short and sweet love story of doctors Jennifer O’Malley and Tom Peterson. Sister to the other O’Malleys who are each featured in romantic suspense novels originally published between 1999 and 2003, Jennifer appeared in many if not all of the books but never had one of her own.
A dedicated doctor who spends her days trying to prevent the complications that endanger her young patients who suffer from cancer or other life-threatening diseases, Jennifer has wasted little time thinking about love until she meets surgeon Tom Peterson. His calm confidence and caring nature appeals to her and their friendship quickly develops into a more serious relationship. Tom also invites her to visit his church with him and patiently answers her questions about his faith while allowing her space to make her own decisions.
As I read and loved the O’Malley series during the early 2000′s, I do not remember very many details but can remember some of Jennifer’s story. I enjoyed reading her back story in this newly published novella. At less than two hundred pages, I was able to read Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story in a couple of hours. I liked learning about the beginnings of the faith the entire O’Malley family eventually embraced, especially the way Tom explained his faith to Jennifer. Those familiar with other O’Malley series books will not be particularly surprised at developments near the end but I’ll leave that for readers to learn on their own by reading this novel.
If you are a lover of Dee Henderson books, you will not want to miss this one. Just be aware that it is primarily a short love story without the suspense of the full length novels of the series.
Last Chance for Justice by Kathi Macias
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.
Learn more about Kathi and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.
Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.
Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.
It isn’t long before Rachel has two men — a handsome CPA and the youth pastor — seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn’s attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.
As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I’ve heard it said that you can’t go home again but since I have never lived over twenty miles from where I grew up, I have no experience to prove or disprove that statement. However, in Last Chance for Justice Lynn Myers gets a chance to find out if it is possible when she inherits her older brother’s estate in Bloomfield. So depressed since her husband’s death that she just wants to climb in bed and sleep all the time, Lynn is encouraged by her recent college graduate daughter to embark on an adventure together to Bloomfield to settle the estate. It doesn’t take long before the familiar small town begins to grow on her and both Lynn and Rachel find themselves hesitant to leave the charming town. An unsolved mystery that has hung over the town for many years and two young men who are interested in a relationship with Rachel also influence their decision to stay just awhile longer.
Last Chance for Justice is somewhat different than other novels I have read by this author but I found it delightful. I loved the close mother/daughter relationship between Lynn and Rachel. The story included a good variety of characters from feisty older waitress Jolene, to weird Jason the cemetery grounds keeper, to the town gossip, and the two charming young men interested in Rachel. I have to admit that I was rooting for the youth pastor all along. A strong thread of faith was deftly woven throughout the narrative with Rachel frequently reminding her mother that they needed to pray before making decisions. The romantic content was both sweet and sensible and the mystery would fall into the “cozy” category. All-in-all, Last Chance for Justice was a relaxing and enjoyable experience and would be just right for summer vacation or a long weekend.
It Happened at the Fair by DeAnne Gist
MY REVIEW:
For anyone who has ever wished they had been around to experience the wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, DeAnne Gist’s newest novel “It Happened at the Fair” offers a fictional account through the experiences of inventor Cullen McNamara and teacher Della Wentworth who each spent six months working in exhibits there. Well researched descriptions of the grounds and events are accompanied by actual photos and drawings from the fair. Although the story itself is fictional, it is filled with historical facts.
“It Happened at the Fair” is somewhat different than the other books I have read by this author. It is related from both Cullen and Della’s point of view. In fact this book seems to be written more from Cullen’s viewpoint than Della’s. I have always enjoyed the humor in DeAnne’s novels. Although there is a certain amount of humor in this one, it has a more somber note as a whole which is certainly understandable due to the circumstances of the primary characters. Cullen is a farmer who is allergic to nearly everything he comes in contact with during planting and harvest seasons. On top of that he is quickly losing his hearing. His father has gambled nearly everything to send Cullen to exhibit his automatic sprinkler system at the fair so Cullen is under pressure to succeed. When he continues to lose potential customers due to his inability to hear what they say in the extremely loud exhibit hall, he convinces Della, a teacher of deaf children, to help him learn to read lips as they explore the fair together after their work hours. Cullen soon finds himself attracted to Della despite a fiance waiting back home. With such an uncertain future what is a man to do?
Despite the difference in “It Happened at the Fair” and the author’s previous books, I did enjoy it. After all, variety is the spice of life and I for one would become quickly bored if each author’s books were always the same. I feel that this particular book illustrates Gist’s research skill and her ability to pen a more serious novel. I still love her light-hearted romances and hope she will offer more of them in the future but she has proven herself to be an author of many talents. I hope you will give “It Happened at the Fair” a try.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.
The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for “People,” “Parents,” and “Parenting.” She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com.
When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed books by Lynette Eason since I first discovered her Love Inspired Suspense novels. The previous two installments of the Deadly Reunions series left me wanting more so I was excited at the chance to review “When a Secret Kills”. As the exciting conclusion of the suspenseful mystery that threatened the lives of Jillian Carter and her friends, “When a Secret Kills” was even better than I could have expected.
Once again, Lynette has skillfully built her plot to a satisfying climax with totally unexpected twists. I loved that even some of the villains were surprised that everything they had believed for ten years was not exactly what they thought had happened. I liked the characters of Jillian and Colton and rooted for them to get back together through the entire book. It was also fun to read about characters from the previous two books in this series.
Truthfully, there was nothing not to like about “When a Secret Kills” and I will continue to look forward to any novel that Lynette Eason decides to write.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the spine-tingling conclusion to her explosive Deadly Reunion series, Lynette Eason once again treats readers to a tale of secrets that need to be told and dangers that need to be faced.
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do—ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago—and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn’t she?
Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for a ride that will make you afraid to be home alone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several romantic suspense novels, including When the Smoke Clears, When a Heart Stops, and the Women of Justice series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Praise for Other Deadly Reunion Titles:
When the Smoke Clears:
Eason does an amazing job of setting the bar high for romantic tension, as well as offering a deep dark secret that may or may not ever come to light. The first book in the Deadly Reunions series, readers will be so hooked that they’ll want to embark on this thrill ride for years to come!
– Suspense Magazine
When a Heart Stops:
“…will keep the pages flying to reach the dramatic climax”
– CBA Retailers& Resources
When a Heart Stops is only the second book I’ve read by Lynette Eason, but it’s enough for me to know that she is now one of my favorite authors! I LOVE a good suspense book that keeps me guessing and wondering who is behind it all…well this book definitely gave me that!
– Suspense Zone
Katie’s Choice by Amy Lillard
I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)
Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940?s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.
Learn more about Amy and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.
Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.
News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.
Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.
Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.
But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affections back for himself once again?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Katie’s Choice, go HERE.
Wounds by Alton Gansky
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
B&H Books (May 1, 2013)
by
THE AUTHOR:
Alton L. Gansky is the author of 24 novels and 8 nonfiction works, as well as principle writer of 9 novels and 2 nonfiction books. He has been a Christie Award finalist (A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice) and recently was award the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and Lit.D. He lives in central California with his wife.
In addition to his own writing, Alton Gansky has consulted and provided editing/ writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky.Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top tier authors.
Gansky is in frequent demand at writer’s conferences having taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. He has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana.
Learn more about Alton and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A man’s lifeless body is found in the fresh soil of San Diego’s botanical garden. Cause of death is asphyxiation, an easy call for the medical examiner. More mysterious, however, are the tiny drops of blood on the victim’s skin, resulting from hundreds of punctures.
A rabbi leaving his house for work expects a regular day at the synagogue. That quickly changes when he discovers a dead man on his front lawn, clearly beaten to death.
Motorcycle riders racing along the empty streets of an abandoned military base stumble across another man’s corpse, its skin revealing long, red-purple marks of a thrashing given with wood dowels.
The numbers mount. Each week another victim and another mysterious clue in a game of mass murder the police don’t want to lose. The solution rests with Dr. Ellis Poe, a religious professor who only wishes to be left alone with his books and classes.
But evil must be faced, and the choice is no longer his own.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wounds, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
An unsolved murder three decades old has shaped the lives of two individuals. Carmen Rainmondi, San Diego homicide detective, has spent her life with one purpose in mind – finding her sister’s killer and putting away others like him. A loner, her private life has very little space for others. Dr. Ellis Poe has spent his life filled with guilt because he witnessed the murder of Carmen’s sister but did nothing to help. Work is his panacea and he too spends his free time alone. When one of Poe’s seminary students is the victim of a bizarre murder, Carmen and Ellis’s paths cross for the first time with Carmen the chief investigator on the case. By the story’s end both Poe and Carmen will be instrumental in solving a rapidly developing case as more bodies are found that seem to be connected.
Wounds is a novel that grabs the reader and takes them for an unforgettable ride with homicide detectives as they attempt to solve a case before more people die. The descriptions are so vivid that the reader sees what the detectives see, hears what they hear, and practically smells what they smell. Very little is left to the imagination yet it was all handled tactfully and non-offensively. The tension mounted with each chapter but brief moments of humor offered some much needed relief. Although the author dropped clues along the way, there were plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep me in suspense until the very end.
Wounds is the perfect book for those who enjoy a realistic murder suspense novel.
Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn Series by Evangeline Kelley
MY REVIEW:
After reading the first two books in the Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn series, I can truthfully say that the series would be perfect to read during summer vacation or a long, lazy weekend. These novels invite the reader to join three sisters on Nantucket Island, the location of many happy childhood memories of family vacations there. When they discover that the Misty Harbor Inn is empty and has been allowed to deteriorate, Caroline encourages Gracie and Sam to join her in buying the property in order to open a bed and breakfast. Thus begins the adventure as each sister wrestles with the possibilities and then the process to make the inn their own. Not only was Misty Harbor Inn a dream of their late mother’s but it is the subject of many local legends and mysteries which include a missing widow and the possibility of secret rooms. Intrigued by its mysterious history, the three sisters are determined to discover everything they can about the former residents and what actually happened to them.
Each sister has a unique personality and background which at times causes a bit of conflict but their love for each other usually brings their differences to a quick resolution. The books themselves were easy and comfortable reads. I liked the fact that the three sisters were older and were of my own generation. I could also identify with them because I too am one of three sisters. The interaction between the characters was good with just the right balance of humor and conflict interspersed with normal, everyday life. Although contemporary in nature, this series has a nostalgic feel to it. Central themes are that you are never to old to follow your dreams and never too old for love.
These books were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.
Seaside Harmony:
Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!
When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.
Sunflower Summer:
Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.
Find out more about Evangeline HERE.
Welcome to the series launch of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series. Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer are the first two books to release in this charming series highlighting the beautiful Nantucket setting – complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. The series weaves together the stories of a family of sisters as they progress through their own unique personal journeys. Along the way, readers will discover the wonder of God’s love in the lives of each of his children and be drawn deeper and deeper into a mystery right alongside the characters.
Guideposts Books will be celebrating the release of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Nook HD
- Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!
So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!
A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl (with April Henry)
MY REVIEW:
Recently widowed Mia Quinn is just barely managing to hold things together on her own. Between the two jobs she holds down to keep her head above water financially and two children who need more of her time than she can spare, she doesn’t need more responsibilities. When her friend and colleague Colleen is murdered, Mia’s boss urges her to work with homicide detective Charlie Carlson to solve the case. She agrees to work on the case if she and Charlie are also allowed to work on a case involving school bullies that has grabbed her attention. Both cases throw some big surprises at Mia and Charlie as they work against the clock to find a killer who may be targeting others in the prosecutor’s office.
I have read several novels by Lis Wiehl during the past year and have added them all to my keeper shelf. “A Matter of Trust” has earned its place among them. Its well-crafted plot and realistic characters are characteristic of her other novels and is one reason why I will continue to read anything this author writes. The descriptions of the legal process were both interesting and informational. The suspense built at just the right pace with natural breaks for real life family matters that helped me as a reader to know the characters better, especially Mia. Although “A Matter of Trust” is not an overtly Christian novel, I appreciated both the references to faith and the absence of objectionable subject matter.
I hesitate to say more for fear of spoilers. If you are a fan of legal suspense, do yourself a favor and give “A Matter of Trust” a try. You may find yourself a fan of Lis Wiehl just like I did.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When life is murder, who can you trust?
One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.
Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.
Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives with her husband and two children in New York.
Noted author Roald Dahl helped New York Times bestselling author April Henry take her first step as a writer. When April was eleven, she sent the famous children’s author a short story about a frog who loved peanut butter. He read it to an editor of an international children’s magazine, who then asked to publish it. April has since written several highly acclaimed mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award, and translated into several languages. Two have been chosen for BookSense by the independent booksellers of America. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.
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