by admin | Oct 10, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
There is nothing I like much more than a historical romantic suspense and Tracie Peterson is a master at writing them. I have been faithfully reading her books since I first discovered them and am always thrilled if I have a chance to review her latest. I have especially enjoyed the Sapphire Brides series and learning about the history of the Yogo sapphires.
Clara had been forced to leave the love of her life and marry someone chosen by her mother. When her husband is murdered and it appears that her mother will attempt to take over her life once again, Clara packs up and returns with her two children to the one place she remembers ever being truly happy – the Montana ranch of her aunt and uncle. Not only is she welcomed by her relatives but is surprised by who is living with them as he recuperates from serious injuries from a mine cave-in. Clara and her children settle into the routine and find themselves content with life but secrets of her late husband and his twin threaten them all.
Once again Tracie Peterson has penned a tale that had me turning the pages well into the night. It was impossible to find a stopping point. Her characters were so well defined that I disliked a couple of them from the start. What a self-centered mother Clara had! And that brother-in-law! There was something fishy about him from the start. I was also not too thrilled with Curtis – I thought he was a bit whiny and sorry for himself but he eventually grew on me. I did like Clara and her strength and determination and her children were adorable. I also loved her aunt Madeline who never hesitated to tell someone the truth they needed to hear.
“A Love Transformed” is Tracie’s usual mix of history, romance, and suspense with a strong touch of faith. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the entire series to others who love historical Christian fiction.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Clara lacks for nothing in her lavish New York mansion–except love.
When her husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara Vesper is stunned. Not grief-stricken, as their marriage had never been a love match, but staggered by what might become of her and her children. For years she designed the sapphire jewelry that made her husband’s company a fortune, but she has little money in her own name and soon discovers that she has inherited nothing. Fearing for the welfare of her two small children, she decides to take them to her aunt and uncle’s ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.
But much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind. And when dangerous secrets from her late husband’s past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
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by admin | Sep 19, 2016 | Books, England, Historical, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have absolutely loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Ladies of the Manor series but if I had to choose a favorite, I’d probably have to choose “A Lady Unrivaled”. Not only was it romantic and suspense filled with an absolutely perfect ending but it was just so witty!
Lady Ella was quite the entertaining heroine. She was not only beautiful but was also loyal and brave and cared about those in her family so much that she often didn’t think about the risks she took to protect them. And Lord Cayton – he was the perfect counterpart to Ella’s personality. His determination to protect her reputation from his own shameful past often led him to be what Ella was fond of calling “surly”. Despite his better judgment, Cayton was literally unable to resist Ella and she refused to put up with his surliness for even one moment. I personally could not resist the banter between the two at nearly every encounter.
Well, I feel like I am probably gushing about “A Lady Unrivaled” and I have to say it is worth gushing about. Readers will finally learn what happens with the infamous red diamonds with all the danger and suspense involved with that mystery but Cayton and Ella were the overwhelming highlight of the story for me. They have to be my very favorite couple in a long time.
Well done, Roseanna! I can’t wait to see what you have next for your readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won’t wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those intent on destroying them all?
Read an excerpt from “A Lady Unrivaled”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
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by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Catching Heat” is the explosive conclusion to Janice Cantore’s Cold Case Justice series. It is a page-turner with unexpected twists and surprises almost to the very end. I was impressed with how the author handled the fact that the investigating team was pretty sure about the guilty party in more than one case and how they went about collecting the evidence to prove it. It didn’t hurt that a bit of romance developed along with the evidence.
“Catching Heat” features Detective Abby Hart and PI Luke Murphy who are working together on a task force created to solve cold cases. In their spare time, Abby is determined to prove once and for all the person responsible for the murder of her parents and Luke’s uncle. Luke helps as much as he can but he worries that Abby has become obsessed with finding the killer.
Cantore’s books always seem so realistic – partially because she is a retired police officer and because of the way she interjects unexpected events into the plot in just the way they might turn up in real life. One example in “Catching Heat” is the extra case added to their duty as a “favor” that blew up in their face without warning. That almost made the other cases tame by comparison. Eventually cases were wrapped up satisfactorily and so was the romantic thread.
I am definitely a Janice Cantore fan and look forward to her next series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart’s parents, she’s desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind-the governor’s wife-behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.
Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.
Read an excerpt from Catching Heat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned six novels, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, and Critical Pursuit. Drawing Fire is the first book in the Cold Case Justice series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
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by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Each volume of Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles has been my favorite – that is until I read her latest. I believe each book has been a little better than the previous one and that is saying a lot because I’ve loved them all.
“The Cautious Maiden” may be best because black sheep Vance Everstone is back in the picture as its hero. And what a hero he is! With a questionable reputation that was earned through his poor choices and past mistakes, Vance is a changed man who has found the Lord. Determined to live up to his new-found beliefs, Vance suddenly finds himself in the very center of a scheme devised by Violet Hawthorne’s brother Ezra to save her from the man he lost her to in a poker game. As Vance grows to know Violet better, he finds himself falling in love with her.
This was one book I definitely did not want to put down. Between the romantic tension between Vance and Violet that was made all the better due to his vow to keep the relationship pure and the danger that seemed to stalk them at every turn, I found myself turning each page in anticipation of what might happen next. “The Cautious Maiden” is just the kind of book I love – a romantic historical woven with suspense and mystery plus a good dose of faith.
Violet was a strong and likeable character but Vance was the real star of this book. He was such a shining example of how finding the Lord can help turn a scoundrel into a saint. You really did good on this one Dawn. Now I’m ready to see how you will surpass it with your next novel.
Anyone who has not discovered Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles needs to pick up the entire series soon. “The Cautious Maiden” can certainly stand alone but is so much better if you have the background from the previous novels.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents’ New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks—but when Violet’s own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance—Vance Everstone.
As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU.
With danger stalking her and a new fiancé who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust—and who to leave behind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
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by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Hunted” is one suspense filled page after another and I had great difficulty putting it down for even one minute until I reached its end. It is a story of the lengths one man will go to to get revenge and illustrates the toll that quest for revenge can take on ones very soul. It is also a story of how far another man will go to protect the woman he loves but most importantly it is a story of God’s protection of those who follow him.
I enjoyed “Hunted” very much. The plot was well written and I found the characters to be well-rounded and realistic. It was easy for me to relate to Sloan’s feelings about Colt’s dedication to his work because I have a husband who was once married to his work. This story was filled with lots of danger and suspense with one twist after another. I found myself holding my breath at times – afraid of what might happen next. This is a real page turner that I would recommend to all who enjoy a good Christian suspense.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After over one hundred documented missions as Gray Feather, the elusive military sniper, Colt Hanson is trying to put his former life behind him. However, a mission he carried out in Africa against the rebel leader of The Leopard Army still haunts his dreams because the shot that ended the life of the sadistic killer also brought about the failure of his marriage. Now after five years, members of The Leopard Army have come to America to sell a diamond that will enable them to buy guns to carry on their rebellion, and they are seeking vengeance on Colt for killing their leader. But they also have targeted Colt’s estranged wife Sloan, and the two find themselves thrown together again as they become the prey of the vicious hunter known as Nimrod. If Colt is to save Sloan’s life, they must put their differences aside and work together as they begin a cross-country journey trying to elude Nimrod who has vowed he will not stop until Gray Feather and his woman are both dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town where she grew up. Until a few years ago she was working as an elementary school principal, but God opened the door for her to become a full-time writer in the Christian market. When asked what she writes, she replies, “Christian fiction–Southern Style.” Her books in both romantic suspense and historical romance with settings in the South have been recognized in the Daphne du Maurier Contest for excellence in writing mystery, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for writing romance, the Holt, and the ACFW Carol Awards.
Sandra enjoys hearing from her readers. To find out more about Sandra and her books go to http://sandrarobbins.net or send her an email at sandra@sandrarobbins.net
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by admin | Sep 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I read lots of books and probably have more on my TBR shelf than I will ever finish since new ones are constantly arriving. For that reason I am often hesitant to agree to read one by an author with whom I am unfamiliar which was the case with “Color of Danger”. But remembering that I have discovered so many favorites by doing just that I took a chance and agreed to review this book. I am so happy that I did!
“Color of Danger” is one of those page turners that I never want to put down in order to take care of the more mundane things of life like cleaning and cooking. The suspense built on nearly every page and I was held captive by the story. It was easy to imagine how it would feel to be the sister of a serial killer I thought had died then to learn of more murders with my brother’s unique calling card…and that I might be his next victim. Now that is a great idea for a book and I can tell you that Alexa Verde did a masterful job of fleshing out that idea!
The strong plot moved along at just the right pace with realistic characters I grew to like. I particularly enjoyed the twists and surprises at every turn plus the fact that I did not guess the guilty person too quickly. The romantic angle was not one of those love-at-first-sight ones that are often difficult for me to believe but advanced naturally. The spiritual element was convincing yet not overpowering.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Color of Danger” and will be looking forward to more quality suspense from this new author.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life as the sister of a serial killer is never easy, especially when former runaway Mari Del Lobo becomes a target herself. A recent crime has her late brother’s signature and MO, which Mari finds highly unusual, as she still blames herself for her only sibling’s death. Soon Mari encounters an unexpected — and a very attractive — ally in Dr. Luke Goodman.
Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask for help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul in Mari, Luke is determined to keep her alive, but it’s not easy to protect the stubborn ex-rebel.
To solve the mystery, renew her faith, and find love and redemption, Mari has to face her most dangerous enemy — herself.
“One of the best Christian romantic suspense novels I’ve ever read.” – JoAnn Durgin, JoAnn Durgin, USA Today bestselling author.
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alexa Verde writes sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder. She 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 bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She can claim her 15 seconds of Amazon fame with her books climbing to the #1 spot in Hispanic American and #3 in Christian Mystery & Suspense. 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 popular series Secrets of Rios Azules. For giveaways (for example, Russian souvenirs), news, and recipes, please sign up for her newsletter at www.alexaverde.com. Twitter: @AlexaVerde3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor
GUEST POST FROM ALEXA VERDE:
Thank you, Sandra, for having me on the CelebrateLit tour, and heartfelt thanks to all the bloggers who read and reviewed my novel Color of Danger. Every review, every kind word, every blog post matters tremendously to me. Very excited to be here!
In some ways, the first book is like the firstborn child. There is no feeling comparable to the one when your “baby” is born. While Color of Danger is not the first book I’ve written, it is the first book I’ve published, and I’ve done the latter with much apprehension and trepidation. But this was a story I needed to tell, about love, forgiveness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
By then, my published works had ranged from senryu (Japanese poetry) to travel portraits to interviews, but it had taken me a while to find my voice in full-length books. However, once I realized I wanted to write Christian novels, I never veered off that road. I’m currently working on my first Christian contemporary romance, so my tagline might change. But for the Christian romantic suspense series, Secrets of Rios Azules, it is “Sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder.”
I was told Mari was an unusual heroine. She’s tough, strong-willed, and fearless, and at the same time, vulnerable and hurt. Color of Danger is not just a combination of a Christian romance and a serial killer mystery. It is more than a story of friendship between “Danger Girls,” though Mari is loyal to a fault and would give up her life in a heartbeat for those she loves. First and foremost, it’s about believing in God again. And that’s what I strive for every one of my books to be.
A love letter to God.
BLOG STOPS:
September 8: Daysong Reflections
September 9: Christian Bookaholic
September 10: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
September 11: SueStinnett
September 12: Carpe Diem
September 13: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 14: Mary Hake
September 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 15: A Baker’s Perspective
September 16: Quiet Quilter
September 17: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 19: History, Mystery & Faith
September 20: Bukwurmzzz
September 21: Blogging With Carol
September 22: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Alexa is giving away a $50 amazon gift card! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a367
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