by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romantic Suspense, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Dylan is a fairly new author to me but I have enjoyed what I have read of her books thus far. “Trial and Tribulations” is the first novel in her latest series and it takes her writing to a new level.
I have realized for some time that there is an unseen realm at work behind the scenes that has a major effect on our lives. Rachel has brought that realm to life in this book and does an excellent job of teaching her readers a few important lessons in spiritual warfare. That she does so within the pages of a gripping and entertaining novel is a testimony to her skill. For those who love legal fiction, “Trial and Tribulations” should satisfy and those who look for a gospel message will find it within this novel.
Characters are well defined and realistic as is the plot. I loved Olivia’s strong faith that grew as she was confronted with the evil around her. It was also gratifying to see the changes in Grant as the story progressed. In my opinion, Rachel’s portrayal of the spiritual realm was right on without being over-the-top or too graphic. I liked the way she kept Olivia’s faith a strong point throughout the story. I was happy with the way this novel ended yet left some things unresolved for the next book. I am looking forward to reading it very soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1
High-powered attorney Olivia Murray faces the biggest test of her career when she is assigned to represent Astral Tech, a New Age tech company, in a lawsuit filed by its biggest competitor. While Olivia is accustomed to hard fights in the courtroom, she arrives in Windy Ridge and discovers there is much more to this case than the legal claims—forces of darkness are at work. Windy Ridge quickly turns from quiet Chicago suburb to spiritual battleground, and Olivia must rely on her faith to defend against legal and spiritual attacks. Although they are enemies in the courtroom, Olivia finds a friend and unlikely ally in opposing counsel, Grant Baxter. Once a skeptic about faith, he ultimately comes to her aid when she needs it most. The battle between evil forces heats up in and out of the courtroom, pushing Olivia to the breaking point. Will she be able to help good triumph over evil, or will the town of Windy Ridge be torn apart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist.
Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
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by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Hazardous Holiday”, the latest installment in Liz Johnson’s Men of Valor series. Its fast-paced action kept me turning the pages as I attempted to discover along with the characters exactly which one of them was being targeted and why. The plot had enough twists and rabbit trails to keep even the most avid mystery/suspense reader guessing throughout most of the story. Just as exciting was wondering how (or if) the relationship between Zach and Kristi would develop. The romantic tension was totally on point.
“Hazardous Holiday” is the perfect suspense novel for the Christmas season with its perfect blend of drama, danger, romance, and faith. Liz Johnson’s books are always welcome escapes from daily stress. I look forward to reading more of them soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
PROTECTING HIS FAMILY
Just in time for the holidays, navy SEAL Zach McCloud returns home from deployment—and discovers someone wants his family dead. When he married his cousin’s struggling widow, he vowed to help her and her seriously ill son, and now he’ll risk everything to protect them. Even if their arrangement is only temporary. Kristi’s certain an unhappy client from the law firm where she works is determined to hunt her down. But when a sniper bullet wildly misses its target, they begin to question whether it’s really her someone wants dead. Working together, can they figure out why they’ve been attacked…and keep little Cody from the nefarious forces dead set on making this Christmas their last?
Purchase a copy of “Hazardous Holiday” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is a full-time marketing specialist for a Nashville-based publisher. She has been a freelance writer and editor for several publications, including CBA Retailers+Resources, Christian Fiction Online magazine, and Storytellers Journal. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is the author of several books, including The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (an ACFW Carol Award finalist) and A Star in the Night, which was part of the New York Times and ECPA bestselling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
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by admin | Dec 2, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As is often the case with Love Inspired Suspense novels, the action got started with a bang at the very beginning and the suspense continued to develop with nearly every page. There are several players involved in a race to obtain a rare and valuable piece of art and some of them are willing to kill for it.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Abducted” although I often found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what might happen next. It was easy to identify with Sarah and Jett as they learned to overcome their past in order to work together to outwit the lawless men who held them captive. The plot moved at a rapid pace with very little relief other than the growing realization that Jett and Sarah still had strong feelings for each other. Courage, quick thinking, and a strong faith helped the pair to overcome nearly impossible obstacles needed for their survival.
I always admire the often underappreciated authors who manage to make the limited word count of a mass market paperback seem like a much larger book. Dana Mentink has done a superb job with “Abducted” and I hope to read many more of her novels in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the high school sweetheart she never expected to see again bursts through the door of her medical mission clinic, nurse Sarah Gallagher can’t hold back her shock. But Dominic Jett isn’t there to catch up. He’s trying to save a life, and the thugs on his tail will stop at nothing to catch him. Now abducted and imprisoned on a remote island, Sarah and Jett become pawns in a tug-of-war between a powerful drug lord and a devious madman. And their only chance for survival is working together to find the valuable painting the dangerous men are searching for. But with someone trying to kill them at every turn, can they locate it in time to keep their reunion from turning fatal?
Purchase a copy of “Abducted” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.
Find out more about Dana at http://www.danamentink.com.
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by admin | Nov 26, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I became a lifelong fan of Jen Turano before I finished her very first book. I loved her unique style with its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, a good dose of suspense or mystery, and of course a swoon worthy romance, all of which is well balanced by a strong spiritual theme. When I saw that her latest novel was a departure from her usual genre, I wondered if I would like it as well. Never fear, Jen’s distinctive voice is quite clear in “Finding Margo” and I will definitely want to read the entire series.
I was intrigued by the concept of the three missing Amish children and how it played into Margo’s personal story. Margo was a great character. I loved how her true personality was so different than the one cultivated by her mother for her career as a pop star. Can we just say the polished fashionista was actually a disaster waiting to happen?
It was clear fairly early how Margo and the missing children would be connected but what fun and suspense were in store as I watched her story play out! The developing romance between Margo and Deputy Brock Moore was perfect – no love at first sight there. Once again Jen Turano has made me a happy reader. I hope others will give “Finding Margo” a try also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to Purchase
Off the charts and on the run.
International pop star Margo Hartman could use a night off. A grueling tour and overbearing entourage have sent her over the edge. It’s time for this diva to disappear. And who would think to look for the superstar in a small town in Ohio?
Sheriff’s deputy Brock Moore is undercover as well. He knows Margo isn’t who she appears to be, but her uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman is raising all sorts of questions . . . the kinds that make her a target for a killer.
Both are determined to find answers, but their mutual attraction stands in the way of either of them doing it alone. Is finding Margo the solution to Brock’s problems or the just the beginning . . . ?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today best-selling author Jen Turano writes contemporary and historical romances with quirky characters and unusual storylines. Just outside Denver, Colorado, Jen and her husband live as empty-nesters, and they do so fabulously. Contact Jen at jenturano.com.
GUEST POST FROM JEN TURANO:
The Making of “Finding Margo”
By Jen Turano
To say that my entrance into the publishing world was a tad difficult is certainly an understatement. My very first attempt at writing was centered around a middle grade book, specifically written for my son who was in the third grade at the time. After finishing that, and sending it out to all of five companies, none of whom represented middle grade, I then moved on to young adult with a little more interest sent my way, but no success story to report in the end. Not one to embrace the idea of complete and utter failure, I then tried my hand at a contemporary romance, moved on to what I assumed was a delightful regency romance, but one that turned out to be not that delightful, at least according to numerous agents, and finally landed on gilded age stories, filled with quirky heroines. That is when I finally received my very first publishing contract, which then saw me catapulted into the very weird world of publishing. After completing the second gilded age story of my two-book contract, I found myself with some time on my hands as I waited to see if anyone would read my stories, which might then result in an offer of additional book contracts. As I waited, I decided I might as well keep writing, so decided to try another contemporary story, although my agent at that time suggested I try to write an Amish book since she had numerous requests from publishers for those specific books.
Because my writing voice is not what anyone might consider normal, I really didn’t believe I’d be able to do justice to an authentic Amish story. Because of that, I settled on the idea of writing a contemporary romantic suspense, being a huge fan of that genre. I had a vague notion of exploring a theme centered around a dog walker who might stumble on a body while walking her pack of dogs, or perhaps have a storyline that centered around a makeup artist who witnessed a crime while setting out her makeup for a client, but those ideas went straight away when I pulled out the vacuum one fine day.
Vacuuming, as well as staining the deck, cleaning the shower, and power-washing the garage, are my go-to activities when I need to get the muse working right before I start a first draft. On that particular day, as I pushed the vacuum around the house, I suddenly had the most intriguing idea – an idea that started off with two delightful little words…What…and…If.
That was all it took for a premise to begin festering through my mind, a fester that grew into this – What if three Amish children were stolen straight out of their beds, never to be seen or heard from again until… Now here’s where it gets interesting. I decided to have a woman by the name of Margo Hartman, an international superstar no less, stumble into this small Ohio town quite by accident, and…she happens to bear an uncommon resemblance to an Amish woman who lives in this town. To add an addition sense of intrigue, someone immediately begins trying their very best to kill poor Margo.
By the time I was done vacuuming, the storyline for “Finding Margo” was firmly cemented in my mind, which translates into Jen had no choice other than to write the story. However, before my agent at that time found a home for the manuscript, I signed another contract for more gilded age books, which meant I did not have the time to commit to what was certainly going to have to be a three-book series since, well, there were three Amish children who’d gone missing.
Fast forward around five years and I found myself a little ahead of schedule at exactly the right time. There was a new publishing house in town, my current agent remembered me talking about this quirky book I’d written long ago, and as luck would have it, I found the flash drive that’s been home to “Finding Margo” for all these years.
Since my writing style has certainly changed since I first wrote Margo’s story, I ended up rewriting the entire book, and I must say that I’m still just as intrigued with the storyline as I was when it popped to mind while vacuuming what seems like ages ago. I’m just tickled to death that Margo Hartman has finally found her way out of a flash drive and onto the pages of a book. I’m hoping readers will enjoy her as much as I enjoyed writing her.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with me today, and for supporting my books over the years. I cannot properly express how important all my readers have become to me, and I’m incredibly thankful for every one of you. You’ve brightened up my life and without you, well, I wouldn’t have anyone to share the stories that always seem to rumble around my mind.
God bless!
~ Jen ~
BLOG STOPS:
November 17: Book by Book
November 17: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
November 17: cherylbbookblog
November 17: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
November 18: A Reader’s Brain
November 18: I Hope You Dance
November 18: Blogging with Carol
November 19: ASC Book Reviews
November 19: Bibliophile Reviews
November 20: Lighthouse Academy
November 20: Karen Sue Hadley
November 20: Back Porch Reads
November 21: Reading Is My SuperPower
November 21: Genesis 5020
November 21: 100 Pages per Hour
November 22: Pause for Tales
November 22: Quiet Quilter
November 22: Bigreadersite
November 23: Just Commonly
November 23: A Greater Yes
November 23: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
November 24: Smiling Book Reviews
November 24: Ashley’s Bookshelf
November 24: Singing Librarian Books
November 25: It’s Storytime With Van Daniker
November 25: History, Mystery & Faith
November 25: inklings and notions
November 26: Daysong Reflections
November 26: The Scribbler
November 26: Blossoms and Blessings
November 27: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
November 27: A Baker’s Perspective
November 27: Through the Open Window
November 28: The Power of Words
November 28: His Grace is Sufficient
November 28: Reader’s Cozy Corner
November 29: Fiction, Faith, and Fun
November 29: Faithfully Bookish
November 29: Christian Bookaholic
November 30: Raining Butterfly Kisses
November 30: Book Bites, Bee Stings & Butterfly Kisses
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of her book! Click the link below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine entries on the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/a8ad
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by admin | Nov 22, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have often heard the old saying “Desperate people do desperate things” and “Tangled Webs” paints a pretty good example of that idea. When a previously honorable man is driven by desperation to do something illegal and out of character, others are drawn into his web. A tale of desperation, blackmail, and secrets, “Tangled Webs” is a romantic suspense that kept me turning the pages well into the night.
The third book in Hannon’s Men of Valor series, “Tangled Webs” features Finn McGregor, whose brothers were featured in the earlier volumes. Finn is spending some alone time in the woods, hoping to recover somewhat from a mission in the Middle East that left him suffering from PTSD. A scream in the night introduces him to Dana Lewis, who brings out all his protective instincts and eventually a strong attraction.
As always I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel of Irene Hannon’s. I love the way the McGregor brothers interact and the way they look out for each other. The plot was a strong one with ample amounts of drama, suspense, and romance interjected with subtle humor at times. Some reviewers have complained about the inclusion of Chief Burnett’s point of view but I liked the fact that it gave me insight about what was going on in his life and why he made the choices he made. “Tangled Webs” is a story with a valuable lesson about the consequences of the choices we make.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finn has packed away his combat instincts–but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . .
After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn’t on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana’s foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action–ready or not.
Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.
Read an excerpt from “Tangled Webs” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, and Sea Rose Lane, as well as the Private Justice and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, two Carol Awards, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, two Booksellers’ Best Awards, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
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by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
What a fun series! I love the mystery/suspense combined with humor and romance concept, especially when the romance itself is somewhat of a mystery. Readers will find FBI Special Agent Serena Jones hard at work once again trying to solve stolen and/or forged art mysteries while balancing a love triangle that includes FBI agent Tanner and her apartment manager Nate. Both men are equally attractive and each has his own endearing traits but Serena is mostly unaware of their true interest in her. Then of course she has her great-aunt Martha to deal with and even finds herself upstaged by her investigating talent. A somewhat crotchety grandmother and matchmaking parents round out the main characters quite nicely.
A seemingly simple request from her grandmother to investigate a missing painting of a friend quickly turns into a dangerous case filled with secrets and numerous suspects. A murder seems to be connected but that could be difficult to prove. Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the way the case is going for Serena and Tanner, especially when someone close to Serena might not be all he appears to be.
I am really loving this series with its unique and sometimes quirky characters, plenty of laugh-out loud moments that help to relieve the suspense for a moment or two, and its promise of romance and wondering which man Serena will choose. I am looking forward to the next installment.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing
Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The world of art theft can be a deadly game–one that Serena Jones understands all too well.
When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother’s eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.
The Dali isn’t the only painting that’s fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring–one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena’s grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena’s investigation–no matter the cost.
Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones–and readers–a new high-stakes case to crack. You won’t want to miss a single brushstroke!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
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