by admin | Jan 24, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
by admin | Jan 21, 2018 | Books, England, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
GUEST POST FROM ROSEANNA M. WHITE:
I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music.
We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D? that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep.
That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew?
That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words.
This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.”
But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord.
I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.”
Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer
BLOG STOPS:
Fiction Aficionado, January 11
History, Mystery & Faith, January 11
Genesis 5020, January 11
Bookworm Mama, January 11
A Simply Enchanted Life, January 11
Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 12
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 12
Blogging With Carol, January 12
Multifarious, January 12
proud to be an autism mom, January 12
Faithfully Bookish, January 13
Christian Bookaholic, January 13
Karen Sue Hadley, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
A Greater Yes, January 13
Remembrancy, January 14
Blossoms and Blessings, January 14
Just the Write Escape, January 14
Connie’s History Classroom, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
A Reader’s Brain, January 15
Rachel’s Back Talk, January 15
Smiling Book Reviews, January 15
Cordially Barbara, January 15
Pursuing Stacie, January 15
The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 16
Kat’s Corner Books, January 16
The Artist Librarian, January 16
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 16
Bigreadersite, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Seasons of Opportunities, January 17
Moments Dipped in Ink, January 17
Baker Kella, January 17
Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, January 17
God’s Little Bookworm, January 18
allofakindmom, January 18
The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, January 18
Inklings and notions, January 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18
Pause for Tales, January 19
Have A Wonderful Day, January 19
Just Commonly, January 19
Bibliophile Reviews , January 19
Janices book reviews, January 19
Radiant Light, January 20
The Power of Words , January 20
Book by Book, January 20
CAC Devourer, January 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20
Splashes of Joy, January 21
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 21
Neverending Stories, January 21
Faery Tales Are Real, January 21
A Baker’s Perspective, January 21
margaret kazmierczak, January 22
The PhD Mamma, January 22
Cafinated Reads, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 22
Romances of the Cross, January 23
Purposeful Learning, January 23
Rachel Scott McDaniel, January 23
Carpe Diem, January 23
Simple Harvest Reads, January 23
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, January 24
Henry Happens, January 24
Joy of Reading, January 24
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 24
Raining Butterfly Kisses, January 24
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a
by admin | Jan 14, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I don’t particularly like it when a character I’m beginning to like has to die but that happens early in “Oath of Honor”. The fact that he is not a faceless unknown brings the harsh reality to life with much more impact. I already had strong sympathy for law enforcement but getting into their heads in this book made it even more real to me.
I have long been a fan of Lynette Eason’s books since I first read some of her Love Inspired Suspense novels. Her talent has grown over the years and I MUST have every new book she publishes. “Oath of Honor” is a true gem with a brilliant plot that moves along at breakneck speed. Characters are well-rounded and easy to relate to. I’d actually like to know them but might be a bit nervous around them considering what happens to them in this book. The story is a perfect balance of action, danger, suspense, and romance with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. The theme deals with the choices we make and how they affect our lives and the lives of others.
I enjoyed every minute of this page-turning suspense and cannot wait to see what the next installment will bring.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A murdered partner. A missing brother. Will Isabelle’s silence protect those she loves . . . or delay justice?
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. She knows they’ll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.
Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll–including someone from her own family. With her dead partner’s brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy’s head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she’s had a secret crush on for years won’t leave her side?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, Moving Target, and Chasing Secrets in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
by admin | Jan 4, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Baby Assignment” is a fast paced mystery/suspense that kept me engaged to the very end. When a hero and heroine who were previously engaged agree to help protect a baby left at the Houston FBI office, their lives become connected again. Despite danger at every turn and a mystery to solve, Tanner and Macy manage to rediscover the spark between them but is it strong enough to keep them together this time?
I enjoyed this book with multiple plot twists and surprises sprinkled throughout. Dialogue was excellent and helped keep it interesting. Loved how quickly Macy became attached to the baby and how protective Tanner was of them both. A major plus was that I didn’t have it all figured out before I was halfway through the story.
As always, this novel by Christy Barritt was entertaining yet contained a faith-filled thread that was encouraging to this reader. I recommend “The Baby Assignment” to anyone who enjoys a short but action filled suspenseful read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tasked with figuring out who left a baby at the Houston FBI office, Special Agent Tanner Wilson has only one clue — his ex-girlfriend’s name written on a scrap of paper. But Macy Mills doesn’t recognize the little girl, and soon someone’s dead set on abducting her…even if it costs Tanner’s and Macy’s lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Dec 11, 2017 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue” is the perfect companion for one of those cold winter evenings prior to Christmas when your shopping and baking are done or you just need a little time to yourself to unwind from all the seasonal busyness. The book is comprised of three separate suspense novellas that take place during the Christmas season. Most readers should easily be able to read each novella in one sitting.
As can be expected, these stories move along very quickly with less character development than a full-length novel. Fortunately that did not detract at all from my enjoyment – in fact I found it refreshingly relaxing. Each novella was well written with ample mystery and tension to satisfy most suspense lovers.
Christmas Murder Mix-up was quite suspenseful yet had clever bits of humor woven through the story that kept me entertained as I read. Misunderstandings abound but of course everything works out well in the end.
Holiday Pursuit was an exciting tale that revolved around a dead body found in a stolen car. The spunky heroine found her share of danger and maybe even romance as she attempted to locate her brother who was suspected of the crime.
A Holiday Intruder may not have as much danger and excitement as the first two novellas but it is a satisfying mystery with an unexpected romance.
I would definitely recommend “Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue” for everyone interested in a bit of light and entertaining reading pleasure for the holidays. Be sure and check it out.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Christmas Murder Mix-Up
“I have to get rid of her now.”
After four months of a blissful marriage, Paige is devastated to overhear her husband, Cooper, say those words to his best friend. Because of a suspicious Christmas gift, a gas leak, and a home invasion, Paige’s love for Cooper is tested to the limit. Will their marriage survive the Christmas Murder Mix-up?
Holiday Pursuit
When Brianna Rockwell’s brother finds himself in danger and disappears three days before Christmas, she does everything to rescue him. Brianna dodges bullets, escapes fire, and even turns to her longtime crush for help. But the closer she gets to solving the mystery and finding her only sibling, the more desperate someone gets to silence her forever…
A Holiday Intruder
Kelsey Jordan prefers upcycling junk and refinishing antiques for her store in a Georgia mountains town to being the center of attention. When a robbery and an unknown benefactor shove her in the middle of a decades-old mystery, and a real estate developer and a former baseball star compete for her attention, Kelsey isn’t sure who to trust.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
As an avid reader, Joanie Bruce welcomed the transition from reading to writing and considered it a wonderful new experience to please others with her words. She has three published Christian suspense novels, and enjoys writing from her home in the country. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write, draw and paint, Joanie strives to use them to encourage others and to honor Him in all her accomplishments.
Alexa Verde penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has a bachelor degree in Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules.
Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. An associate editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Denise is the author of The Restoration Trilogy, The Georgia Gold Series, romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, and ACROSS THREE AUTUMNS: A Novella of The Backcountry Brides Collection through Barbour Publishing (May 2018). This wife and swim mom of two daughters always pauses for coffee, chocolate, old houses, and to write any story God lays on her heart.
BLOG STOPS:
Texas Book-aholic, December 3
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3
Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 4
History, Mystery & Faith, December 4
Zerina Blossom’s Books, December 5
proud to be an autism mom, December 5
Mommynificent, December 6
Inklings and notions, December 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 6
Allofakindmom, December 7
Blogging With Carol, December 7
Blossoms and Blessings, December 8
Have A Wonderful Day, December 8
Janices book reviews, December 9
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9
Carpe Diem, December 10
Mary Hake, December 10
A Baker’s Perspective, December 11
Daysong Reflections, December 12
Avid Reader Book Reviews, December 12
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13
Remembrancy, December 13
Multifarious, December 14
Margaret Kazmierczak, December 14
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 15
Pursuing Stacie, December 15
Vicky Sluiter, December 16
Bigreadersite, December 16
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c515
by admin | Dec 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Cara Putman during her career as an author that include both historical and contemporary suspense. Although each one has been very good, I believe that this author has excelled with her latest legal suspense series entitled Hidden Justice. “Imperfect Justice” is the second installment of the series and may be the very best one yet.
“Imperfect Justice” offers the reader not one, but two mysteries to help solve (you know we all get that involved with our books). When one of attorney Emilie Wesley’s clients dies after apparently shooting and killing one daughter and injuring the other one, Emilie is not convinced that her client could do such a thing. Working with the client’s brother Reid Billings to find the truth and thus potentially save the surviving daughter, Emilie is also plagued by an unknown stalker whose escalating actions make her increasingly uncomfortable if not fearful.
With almost perfect pacing, the plot of “Imperfect Justice” features vivid characterization and detailed descriptions. Action, danger, and a few surprises blend with a touch of romance to produce a gripping story that managed to hold my attention until I reached the very end. I also enjoyed that fact that Hayden and Andrew from “Beyond Justice” are featured secondary characters. It’s always fun to meet up with characters you loved from a previous book. I look forward to the next book in the series, “Delayed Justice” but it looks like it will be a wait of several months. If you haven’t read the first two books, do yourself a favor and pick up copies to read while waiting for the final book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.
Find out more about Cara at http://caraputman.com.
