by admin | Aug 18, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Although it is frowned upon by proper society, Alethea Sutherton loves to play her violin and is actually a quite accomplished musician. Although its appearance is nothing special, someone wants her violin and it appears that nothing will stop him from acquiring it. With the reluctant help of Lord Bay Dommick, Alethea attempts to discover why her instrument is so special and who could want it so badly.
A story filled with mystery, suspense, danger, and of course romance, “Prelude For a Lord” was the perfect read. Alethea and Lord Dommick were an excellent match and supporting characters were also well defined. I loved the camaraderie and loyalty between Bay and his friends. With its theme of renewed faith and trust, this book is perfect for devotees of Christian historical romance.
I have often enjoyed the contemporary novels by Camy Tang, particularly her romantic suspense. “Prelude For a Lord” further proves her talent as a writer and I sincerely hope she will gift her readers with more regency novels.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? Bath, England—1810 At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal. But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick. Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Camy writes Christian romantic suspense as Camy Tang and Regency romance under her pen name, Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii, where she started reading Regency romances when she was thirteen years old. Now she lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog.
She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, and for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher. Then God guided her path in a completely different direction and now she’s writing full time, using her original psychology degree as she creates the characters in her novels.
In her free time, she’s a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of her church’s Sunday worship teams. She also loves to knit, spin wool into yarn, and is training to (very slowly) run a marathon.
by admin | Aug 18, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“With Every Breath” is a fascinating novel that depicts early attempts to find a cure for tuberculosis. Invited to work with her former school nemesis Trevor McDonough, Kate Livingston finds that her new job to be interesting but soon discovers that it could also be much more dangerous than expected.
The riveting plot kept me turning the pages late into the night. With several ancestors who succumbed to tuberculosis, I found the story to be of particular interest. Dialogue between Trevor and Kate was excellent and quite witty at times. I especially liked Kate’s sarcastic responses. The suspense grew at the perfect pace with subtle hints but none obvious enough to detract from the mystery. Abundant twists and surprises kept things moving right along. Of course a romance between Kate and Trevor was expected but startling revelations threatened their future together.
The only thing I found wrong with this book is that it ended much too soon. I thoroughly enjoyed “With Every Breath” and recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the shadow of the nation’s capital, Kate Livingston’s respectable life as a government worker is disrupted by an encounter with the insufferable Trevor McDonough, the one man she’d hoped never to see again. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and business is the only reason he has sought her out now.
Despite her misgivings, Kate agrees to Trevor’s risky proposal to join him in his work to find a cure for tuberculosis. As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor’s past, his hidden depths fascinate her. However, a shadowy enemy lies in wait and Trevor’s closely guarded secrets are darker than she ever suspected.
As revelations from the past threaten to destroy their careers, their dreams, and even their lives, Trevor and Kate find themselves in a painfully impossible situation. With everything to lose, they must find the strength to trust that hope and love can prevail over all.
Read an excerpt from “With Every Breath” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Camden is the award-winning author of four books, including Against the Tide (2012), winner of a RITA Award, Christy Award, and Daphne du Maurier Award. With a master’s in history and a master’s in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden
- Website: http://elizabethcamden.com/
by admin | Aug 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSky ZoneDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2014)byCreston MapesABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as “The Shop.”
Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.
Learn more about Creston Mapes on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions.
Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn’t making matters any easier.
With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives–and the lives of thousands of innocent people.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sky Zone, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sky Zone was one of those books I didn’t want to put down. I stayed awake reading it way too late on Saturday night, read as much as I could before church on Sunday and finally got to finish it when I got back home. What a read!
With everything going on in the world around us these days, the plot was quite relevant and I loved Shakespeare the prepper. Politics, terrorists and famous music star combined for a riveting story filled with action, danger, and surprises with even a miracle thrown in for good measure! Jack’s faith played a prominent role in the story and a couple of other strong Christian characters were featured also.
This was a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it as well as the previous two books in The Crittendon Files series. I sincerely hope the series doesn’t end here.
by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been reading novels by Davis Bunn for over twenty years and have yet to be disappointed. His books span a wide range of subject matter yet it is obvious that he has done his research on each one. Every time I open the cover, I may not know what to expect but I know it will be good.
“The Sign Painter” was one of those unexpected surprises that began with a simple scene of a young homeless widow, Amy Dowell, struggling to support her small daughter as she traveled from one town to another – one window-painting job to another. A morning stop at a local church for an affordable meal leads to unexpected blessings. new friends, and danger. On the first night at her new job, she is witness to evidence that could help bring down a drug ring that puts her in the center of a major investigation and the target of the criminals involved. The suspense is flawless with some interesting twists and surprises.
But, although “The Sign Painter” has a riveting, suspense filled plot, it is so much more. At the center of the story is a church run center for the homeless. Not only do they provide meals, daycare, and counseling, but Lucy Watts and her staff offer hope to those who are willing to get their lives back on track. I would highly recommend this book as an inspiration to anyone who might be drawn to a ministry to the homeless.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A deeply emotive story about a young mother struggling to get back on her feet after a devastating loss leaves both her and her daughter alone and living on the street—from bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn.
Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again.
When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership—but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break? Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again?
Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption. This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you’ll root for, will leave you wondering–Is home really where the heart is?
Read an excerpt from The Sign Painter HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is the author of numerous national bestsellers in genres spanning historical sagas, contemporary thrillers, and inspirational gift books. He has received widespread critical acclaim, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction, and his books have sold more than six million copies in sixteen languages. He and his wife, Isabella, are affiliated with Oxford University, where Davis serves as writer in residence at Regent’s Park College. He lectures internationally on the craft of writing.
by admin | Jul 22, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFirewallTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)byDiAnn MillsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.
DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.
Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?
With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Firewall, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It would have been difficult to convince me that DiAnn Mills’ books could be improved upon – that is until I read Firewall. It seemed to reach out, grab me by the collar and pull me right into the story. I really wanted to slow down and savor the story but I was so caught up in its grip that I raced right through it. I just had to find out what would happen next.
I liked the characters very much. I could identify with Taryn because like her I have always been more comfortable with my books and computer. I could easily imagine the nightmare Taryn found herself unable to wake from. And Grayson – what a guy! Dedicated to solving a crime with evidence pointing to Taryn’s guilt, he nevertheless gave her the benefit of the doubt despite his partner’s determination to incriminate her. The plot moved at breath-taking speed with so many twists and turns that it was sometimes hard to keep up. More than one surprise was in store as identities of guilty parties were revealed at just the right point in the story. And a little romance never hurt anything! I also liked the natural way the main characters grew stronger in their trust in God and others despite (or maybe because of) their sometimes overwhelming circumstances.
Firewall is a masterpiece of romantic suspense. I can hardly wait for the next installment of DiAnn’s newest series.
by admin | Jul 17, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again Cate Kinkaid has found herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time (or something like that). Anyway, the assistant private detective is getting close to getting her license but is afraid doing so may end her relationship with Mitch who doesn’t approve of her occupation. Fortunately Mitch is Johnny On The Spot whenever Cate needs his assistance with the crazy situations that seem to follow her.
I have loved each and every one of The Cate Kinkaid Files and sincerely hope that this series will continue for many more installments similar to at least two secular mystery series with which I am familiar. “Death Takes a Ride” was fun and quirky like the previous books in the series but it may have been just a bit more on the serious side than the others. I love Octavia the cat and really enjoyed the addition of a dog to the mix. The story was just the right blend of action, danger, humor, and romance with a touch of faith. McCourtney’s characters are perfectly realistic and some of them (like Cate and Mitch) are people I think I would enjoy getting to know.
“Death Takes a Ride” is another winner and I hope it will not be the last of Cate’s series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s official. This case is above her pay grade–and Cate’s in over her head.
Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there–this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.
Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. And the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.
Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
Praise for the Cate Kinkaid Files
“Quirky, charming, and fun.”–Publishers Weekly on Dying to Read
“This book has tension that is matched only by humor–you won’t find a place to stop and take a breath.”–The Suspense Zone on Dolled Up to Die
“An entertaining, quick-paced whodunit that’s sure to keep even seasoned mystery lovers guessing.”–RT Book Reviews on Dolled Up to Die
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She resides in Oregon. Learn more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.
