by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I pick up a book by Terri Blackstock, I know I can expect a page-turner filled with true-to-life characters, gritty and sometimes edgy situations, perhaps a little romance, lots of suspense, and usually redemption. “Twisted Innocence” fully met my expectations.
Third book in Blackstock’s Moonlighters series, “Twisted Innocence” features sister Holly Cramer whose somewhat stressed life is the result of poor past choices. Little does she realize that her life is about to become even more stressful as some of that past intrudes on her life once again – in dangerous ways that threaten those she cares about the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Innocence” and hate to see this series reach its end. I liked the author’s portrayal of Holly and Creed and the way their characters seemed to grow stronger and more mature under their difficult circumstances. I especially liked the emphasis on the fact that although we often have to reap the harvest of our bad choices, we are still loved by God and our mistakes can be forgiven if we choose to follow Him.
Terri Blackstock has definitely not lost her touch. Her skill at grabbing my attention will continue to keep me reading her books. Although the third and final book of the series, “Twisted Innocence” can stand on its own; however reading the two previous books will enhance your enjoyment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.
Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.
Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.
Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Terri’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
‘Twisted Innocence’ Nook Giveaway
In Terri Blackstock’s third and final book in her Moonlighters series, Twisted Innocence, readers are in for a story of suspense and redemption. Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Celebrate the series’ final release by entering Terri’s Nook giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Nook GlowLight
- The entire Moonlighters series
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Feb 25, 2015 | Alaska, Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ironically, I read “Sabotaged” while iced in for a week after one of our rare southern winter storms. I absolutely cannot imagine living in a place with so much snow and such low temperatures during the winter. When it comes to the frozen stuff I am a real wimp and prefer to just read about it. Dani Pettrey is one author who can make Alaska come to life in the pages of her books.
Featuring Reef, the black sheep of the McKenna family and veterinarian Kirra Jacobs, “Sabotaged” takes the pair on a race against time to find her missing cousin and uncle before the Iditarod race reaches its end and to discover and stop the person whose malicious plans could endanger hundreds. Essentially opposites, Reef and Kirra had been at odds for most of their lives but quickly grew comfortable working together on their common mission.
Once again Pettrey brought the entire McKenna family and friend together to help support each other, each using their particular gifts for the good of all. What else can I say? “Sabotaged” has a fast-paced plot filled with action, danger, surprises, and of course romance. Well-developed and familiar characters were easy to like (or hate).
I am sorry to see this series come to an end but look forward to whatever Dani has waiting for her readers. I recommend “Sabotaged” and the entire series.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska’s arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life–but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.
Read an excerpt from “Sabotaged” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.
Click HERE to enter!
by admin | Feb 24, 2015 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSeek and HideDavid C. Cook (September 15, 2014)byAmanda Stevens
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda’s first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent. Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help. When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although Seek and Hide is obviously fiction, it is a story that could very easily predict our future if we allow American society to progress is the direction it is so rapidly going. This novel depicts a United States that allows only a government sanctioned Christianity with a stripped down “official” version of the Bible. It is illegal to possess a true Bible and the Constabulary is determined to see everyone found with one put behind bars for reprogramming.
Several primary characters are featured in Seek and Hide with Marcus Brenner most prominent. Both Marcus and Aubrey Weston wrestle with strong feelings of guilt that influences everything they do and how they react to their circumstances. Lee is still haunted by an event from her past that has left her emotionally unable to trust others, especially men. Each of these well-defined characters plays a pivotal role in the novel and it was easy to become involved in their story.
Seek and Hide is a somewhat dystopian story that forecasts a potentially real nightmare life in the near future. With plenty of drama, danger, and soul-searching, the story contains unexpected twists and surprises that should hold the reader’s interest until the end. I liked how spiritual truth was woven through the story and the way Marcus and Aubrey were able to let go of their guilt and allow God to guide their way. The book reached a somewhat satisfying conclusion but some threads were left hanging – obviously to be continued in the next installment of the series.
by admin | Feb 20, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed the books I’ve read by Christy Barritt so I jumped at the chance to review “Dubiosity”. Although it was a more seriously toned story and did not have the humorous content I have found in previous novels by Barritt, I thoroughly enjoyed “Dubiosity”.
Take a young woman who has hidden herself from the world due to undeserved guilt over the deaths of loved ones and a still grieving young man determined to discover who murdered his wife, add in several mysteriously missing people, a so-called attempted suicide, and even murder and you will find a thoroughly engrossing tale that will keep those pages turning. A terrific whodunnit with enough twists and surprises for the most discriminating mystery reader, “Dubiosity” is the kind of novel that keeps me returning to read more of an author’s offerings.
I loved “Dubiosity” and hope you will give it a chance.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes. As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust? As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her. Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life–and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
by admin | Feb 15, 2015 | Books, England, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain how I have managed to miss this author but am so thankful that I was invited to review “Brentwood’s Ward” by Michelle Griep. Although I love so many different types of novels, this one has to rank near the top as far as what I really enjoy reading. “Brentwood’s Ward” would be considered a regency novel but it is so much more. That is what I really like about it.
The plot moves along nicely with plenty of conflict, drama, mystery, danger, and romance with just the right touch of humor as a bonus. Nicholas Brentwood and Emily Payne were both strong characters with minds of their own. Emily was used to having everything she wanted and getting her way. Nicholas took on the job as her guardian because no one else would take it and besides he needed the money to take care of his ailing sister. Nicholas was a man of honor and integrity who took his work seriously but Emily offered challenges he didn’t expect.
I find it difficult to describe “Brentwood’s Ward” without spoilers. I can say that I loved everything about the book from its somewhat brooding atmosphere to the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. Its strong theme of dependence upon the Lord was obvious but not preachy. I cannot wait to read more novels by Michelle Griep. I hope you will give “Brentwood’s Ward” a try also.
This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.
There’s none better than NICHOLAS BRENTWOOD at catching the felons who ravage London’s streets, and there’s nothing he loves more than seeing justice carried out—but this time he’s met his match. Beautiful and beguiling EMILY PAYNE is more treacherous than a city full of miscreants and thugs, for she’s a thief of the highest order…she’s stolen his heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Michelle loves Great Britain, boxers, Science Fiction, and once-a-month cooking. Married for twenty years, she is mother to two sons and two daughters.
by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with the author, I decided to take a chance and request this book to review. I am so glad I did! Carrie Stuart Parks can definitely write a story to hold my attention.
The plot moved along at nearly breakneck pace with plenty of action, drama, danger, mystery, suspense, and touches of humor. Murder, conspiracy, religious cults, and home grown terrorists populate the pages of “A Cry From the Dust”. Gwen Marcey is a protagonist to love. A forensic artist who usually worked with law enforcement, Gwen’s work in Mountain Meadows reconstructing the faces of three massacre victims, Gwen finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. Although she is a recent cancer survivor who has also had to deal with divorce and a rebellious teen, Gwen refuses to give in.
Parks has deftly woven Mormon history into a modern story of murder and revenge. The page-turning suspense is tempered with a bit of levity from Gwen’s best friend who loves to use unusual words, Gwen’s huge Great Pyrenees, and Gwen’s own wry sense of humor. Unexpected twists and surprises are scattered throughout and the suspense increases with each page.
It looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “Must Read” list. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, “The Bones Will Speak”.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A secret from a grim page of American history threatens to destroy thousands of lives.
Gwen Marcey was tops in her forensic field. Then cancer struck, her husband left, and her teenage daughter engaged in active rebellion. Gwen’s best chance to start a new life was a temporary job in Utah reconstructing faces from an 1857 massacre site.
The Mountain Meadows Interpretative Center asked Gwen to reconstruct the faces of three intact bodies that were discovered from the wagon train massacre of more than 120 people by Mormon fanatics calling themselves Avenging Angels. But just as she is nearing completion on her reconstructions, things around the center turn deadly.
Gwen discovers the ritualized murder of a young college student with a stolen identity and is called on by the local police to use her forensic art skills to aid the investigation. Soon she discovers an uncanny resemblance between one of her reconstructions and the death mask of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church. And realizes that she’s the next target of the recreated Avenging Angels who believe she has an icon from the grave.
Gwen must weave through a labyrinth of Mormon history, discovering secret societies and festering grudges in a race against time.
Will she be able to stop another massacre?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer.
