by admin | Mar 31, 2013 | Books, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense, Texas
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingScorned JusticeAbingdon Press (April 1, 2013)byMargaret DaleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.
Margaret was the president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of Christia writers with over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.
Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.
On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody’s high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. However, as Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca’s help, he compiles evidence which involves cattle rustlers, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Scorned Justice, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
In Scorned Justice the action begins quickly and the drama and suspense do not let up until the very end. Although Judge Rebecca Morgan’s brother’s devastating injuries appear to be from an accident on the ranch, other close calls for her and those she cares for plus some threatening deliveries raise suspicion that the incidents could all be related to a current court case of Rebecca’s. Her brother’s friend Brody, a Texas Ranger, feels that the threats are real enough to provide protection for Rebecca and her brother’s family.
Continually escalating suspense that includes more than one murder, a kidnapping, and other tense scenes made Scorned Justice one of the most riveting novels I have read this year. Although the author dropped some hints and generously revealed one of the culprits fairly early on, there were still many unanswered questions as to motive and whether that person was the only one involved in the threats to Rebecca and those close to her. With several interesting plot twists, a surprise ending, and just the right amount of romantic tension between Rebecca and Brody as they renew their friendship, Scorned Justice was 100% satisfactory on all levels.
I have only read one of the previous novels in this series but this one does not seem dependent upon them for reading enjoyment. The publisher generously provided a copy of “Saving Hope” along with this one and I plan to read it just as soon as time allows. You can also bet that I will be picking up the final book in this series.
by admin | Feb 19, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
“Picture Perfect” is the first installment of the new Janice Thompson series Weddings by Design. This series is also set in Galveston and features all new characters BUT fans of Thompson’s previous series Weddings by Bella will be thrilled at the chance to catch up with D.J. and Bella, their families and those splendidly quirky ladies from Spendora.
Fiercely competitive Hannah McDermott is determined to live up to her Irish family’s tradition of always coming out on top but she fears she has found a strong rival in Drew Kincaid. As Hannah does everything she can to best Drew to become Bella’s number one recommended wedding photographer, he seems to pop up everywhere she turns. The problem is that instead of trying to one up her, Drew turns out to be a really nice and helpful guy. Not only that but he seems to like her – a lot. Will Hannah manage to overcome her insecurities and accept Drew’s help (and possibly more) or will she continue her frantic attempts to advance her career?
I loved seeing Bella as a confidante, role model, and mentor for Hannah in “Picture Perfect” as she shared from her own experience. As I have come to expect, it’s difficult to be depressed when reading one of Janice’s novels and “Picture Perfect” lived up to my expectations. It is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and humor. The only problem is that it left me wanting more and I will have to wait awhile for the next edition. I definitely am looking forward to it albeit impatiently.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?
Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.
As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?
With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of…
Continue reading about Janice Thompson
by admin | Feb 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
I first became a fan of Colleen Coble when I read her contemporary Rock Harbor suspense series. Since that time I have enjoyed ready many more of her novels ranging from contemporary to historical settings, all of which have the shared traits of a good mystery/suspense and romance. So as a fan of westerns, suspense, and historical romance and my past enjoyment of Colleen’s books, “Safe In His Arms” was sure to be a pleasure.
As expected, the characters were top-notch with strong but sensitive and beautiful heroine Margaret who carried a somewhat skewed self-image and found it difficult to trust others. Hero Daniel Cutter was an unwelcome addition to Margaret’s daily routine but she found herself attracted to him despite some suspicious conversations she overheard. Because of his own secrets, Daniel was determined to fight his growing attraction to Margaret. Mysterious and vicious attacks on the O’Brien spread, a disappearance, and even death kept the plot moving with plenty of action, danger, lots of suspects, and even a red herring or two. Several twists and surprises were in store that kept me from guessing the identity of the villain until the very end.
I will stop here before I give away the entire story. I really liked the characters of Margaret and Daniel and it was fun to revisit Lucy and Nate from “Blue Moon Promise”. Colleen Coble’s books just keep getting better as far as I’m concerned. Do yourself a favor and give “Safe in His Arms” a try if you are not already a fan.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Under Texas Stars series (Book 2)
Margaret suspects the new foreman on her father’s ranch is hiding something. Though Daniel promises she’s safe with him around, how can she be sure?
Born and raised on a sprawling ranch in Texas, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. She’s convinced she can do as good a job on the ranch as her brother who died in the war. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to have children, to build a life. But she gave up hope for such dreams years ago. The ranch is her life now.
When Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Daniel swears he’s turned over a new leaf and isn’t involved with the thieves he used to run with, but Margaret is unconvinced. When she finds out he’s an undercover Texas Ranger, sparks fly. Can she help Daniel extricate his younger brother who is still involved? And can Daniel convince her he’s the safe haven he’s promised for her heart?
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more about Book 1, Blue Moon Promise here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble is the author of more than forty books, most of them bestsellers. Some of her most recent novels are Lonestar Angel, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, Blue Moon Promise, an Anathema, an Amish suspense. One of her most popular series is the Rock Harbor mystery series featuring Bree and Samson, a search-and-rescue dog team. She has won the Carol Award numerous times as well as romance and mystery awards. She lives in Wabash, Indiana, with her husband, Dave.
For more of Colleen Coble, check out her website: http://www.colleencoble.com/
by admin | Dec 4, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Having loved the first two Miller’s Creek novels, I was excited when Cathy offered me a chance to review “The Way of Grace”. With her usual well-rounded characters and down-home setting, Cathy has delivered a winner once again.
Heroine Grace Soldano has become a lawyer because of her desire for justice but her inexperience and personal prejudice have clouded her judgment somewhat. She quickly finds herself unwittingly drawn into a confusing web of deception that places her in danger. When she attempts to secretly help her friend under her own power, she soon finds herself in deep trouble and the object of scorn.
Matt has loved Grace for a long time but realizes that he is not the kind of man she wants. Determined to win her love, Matt continues to support her with his friendship even when others turn their backs on her. He demonstrates unselfish love toward Grace even after he has given up nearly all hope for a future with her.
“The Way of Grace” has several things going for it – a well-paced plot with true-to-life characters, a good blend of suspense, drama, and romance, and a solid biblical message that plainly illustrates the true meaning of grace. The story does not have a happy-ever-after fairytale ending but the end is satisfying all the same. As with Cathy’s previous novels, I would heartily recommend “The Way of Grace”.
This book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In pursuit of justice, in need of grace . . .
A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Sidetracked by the desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor. Then a disheveled free spirit turns her perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves Grace teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves her dreams in a heap of ashes. Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from perfect–but one completely immersed in His grace?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Bryant is the author of the Miller’s Creek Novels—Texas Roads, A Path Less Traveled, and The Way of Grace. Her desire is to write heart-stirring stories about God’s life-changing grace. Though Texas-born, she currently resides in the beautiful Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas with her husband of thirty years and near the world’s cutest grandson.
You can learn more about her and her books at http://www.CatBryant.com and http://WordVessel.blogspot.com.
by admin | Nov 28, 2012 | Books, Romance, Suspense, Texas, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shattered SilenceAbingdon Press (September 2012)
by
Margaret DaleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.
Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.
Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.
On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.
Learn more about Margaret and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.
While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Shattered Silence is a perfectly executed suspense-filled novel featuring Texas Ranger Cody and Liliana the female police offer he works with to investigate a string of murders that offer very few clues to the identity of the killer. With each death it becomes more difficult to ascertain whether they are related to the previous murders and time could be running out as Liliana begins to receive some dangerous threats herself.
What more could I ask? Shattered Silence is a romantic suspense set in Texas with a Texas Ranger hero and a savvy heroine. The plot was filled with enough twists and surprises to keep me turning the pages. Although I suspected the identity of the murderer before the end, there were other levels to the mystery that prevented me from being 100% certain I was right. This was not a perfectly straightforward and simple plot but had ingenious developments that definitely kept the story interesting. The subtle romance and the subplot involving Cody’s son just added to my enjoyment. Loved this book and recommend it to all lovers of romantic suspense and/or Texas Rangers.
by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
It is a special treat for me to read a book by one of my favorite authors in a very favorite genre – western historical romance. And it is set in Texas, a place I’ve always thought I’d like to live. There’s just something about the land and people of Texas that appeals to me. As expected, “Taming the Wind” delivered a riveting story with plenty of action, drama, suspense, and romance to go around. I was at first concerned that the novel might be a little short on romance since the guys were all going off on a trail drive while the women folks stayed at home. Knowing that a trail drive took literally months away from home, I didn’t know how Tyler and Carissa would ever manage to get together. I should have known that was a needless worry – after all they are the primary characters in a romance novel. And no, that wasn’t a spoiler – if you read the back cover you know the inevitable ending. It’s just the getting to that point that is the unknown quantity.
Needless to say, I heartily endorse “Taming the Wind” as well as most any novel Tracie Peterson has ever written. I consider her one of the premier Christian historical fiction authors at this time. If you are unfamiliar with Tracie’s work, do yourself a favor and check out “Taming the Wind”. Better still, invest in the entire Land of the Lone Star series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…
A cowboy with demons of his own…
Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?
See what other bloggers are saying about “Taming the Wind” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Taming the Wind” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com
Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.
One winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie’s “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
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 26TH!
