by admin | Sep 17, 2013 | Books, England, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingBorn of PersuasionTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013)byJessica DottaABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.
She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
There was a time in my life when I devoured Gothic romance novels by authors Victoria Holt, Phillipa Carr, etc. As I read Born of Persuasion I was reminded of those novels and how much I enjoyed them with their mysterious and ominous mood.
With its intricately woven plot, Born of Persuasion allowed me to tag along with Julia Elliston on her dangerous quest for safety after her mother’s death. At times I was not in favor of the choices made by Julia but I remained as confused as she was about who she could believe and/or trust for the entirety of the book. Only as the story neared its end were some of my questions answered and even then I believe I will be forced to wait until the next volume is published to gain more satisfactory answers.
I found Born of Persuasion to be both enjoyable and frustrating but that is the mark of a skilled author. I eagerly anticipate the release of “Mark of Distinction” and hope the wait is not too long.
by admin | Sep 16, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mexico, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Most movie companion books leave me a bit underwhelmed but when I saw that Unlimited was written by Davis Bunn I was intrigued. I have never been disappointed by any novel written by this author and I have the utmost respect for his talent. I am happy to report that Unlimited lived up to my high expectations.
What I found in Unlimited was a well blended story of suspense and political intrigue with a touch of science fiction, a subtle romance, some danger and adventure. The plot is well-paced and populated with remarkable characters who quickly made me care what happened to them. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Simon as he worked beside the others in the orphanage. Harold was an inspiration and Pedro, Sofia, and Juan were also wonderful examples. The theme of finding purpose in one’s life and depending on God’s help to achieve it came across strongly. I did suspect the primary villain before he was revealed but that did not detract in any way from my enjoyment.
After reading Unlimited, I find myself eager to view its companion movie. I hope it will come to my city.
I received a complimentary copy of Unlimited
from B&H Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Simon Orwell is a brilliant student whose life has taken a series of wrong turns. At the point of giving up on his dreams, he gets a call from an old professor who has discovered a breakthrough in a device that would create unlimited energy. He needs Simon’s help.
Upon crossing the border, nothing goes as the young man planned. The professor has been killed and Simon is assaulted and nearly killed by members of a powerful drug cartel.
Now he must take refuge in the only place that will help him, a local orphanage. There, Simon meets Harold Finch, the orphanage proprietor who walked away from a lucrative career with NASA and consulting Fortune 500 companies to serve a higher cause.
With Harold’s help, Simon sets out on a quest to uncover who killed the professor and why. In due time, he will discover secrets to both the world-changing device and his own unlimited potential.
Read Chapters 1-3 of Unlimited for free HERE.
Watch the Unlimited Movie Trailer:
About Unlimited:
ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-1-4336-7940-7
320 pages
September 1, 2013 from B & H Publishing Group
About Davis Bunn:
Davis Bunn is a four-time Christy Award-winning, best-selling author now serving as writer-in-residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Defined by readers and reviewers as a “wise teacher,” “gentleman adventurer,” “consummate writer,” and “Renaissance man,” his work in business took him to over 40 countries around the world, and his books have sold more than seven million copies in sixteen languages.
Unlimited is Davis’s first screenplay to be released as a major motion picture. The book, Unlimited, is a novelization of the screenplay.
The inspiration behind the Unlimited film and novel is Harold Finch’s book, Success: Four Keys to Unlock Your Unlimited Potential. Download a free copy of Success HERE.
Q & A with Davis Bunn:
The storyline in Unlimited is inspired by true events. What actual events inspired the story?
Harold Finch was formerly the founder and CEO of the first management-leadership consulting groups in the US. In the mid-seventies he sold the company to H&R Block for over a hundred million dollars—back when a hundred million actually meant something. Answering God’s call, he has spent the past three decades traveling the world, teaching his concepts for free and helping underprivileged children learn that they do indeed have both a purpose in God’s eyes, and the potential to succeed. His experiences form the basis for this story.
What ignited your idea for the characters to create a device that would convert raw wasted energy into useable power?
I actually wrote the screenplay for the film before writing the novel. This happens occasionally—Godfather and Love Story were both conceived in this order. While working on the film script, the producer and Harold and I were discussing what might work as a basis for the story’s suspense element. We were looking for something that had the means of revealing this ‘unlimited’ potential in people. I don’t actually remember who first came up with the idea of wasted energy, but soon as it was said, we all jumped on it.
Simon Orwell, the protagonist in Unlimited, is a brilliant, cynical electrical engineering student who finds danger irresistible. Did you model his character traits after yourself or anyone you know?
Alas, we all know a Simon. These days, this type of person is all too common. An individual with huge potential, who allows himself or herself to become distracted by the multitude of temptations that basically define modern life. And yes, I do know several such people. Some turn this into hugely productive directions, thank goodness. Usually to do so requires divine help, a clarification of focus, and strength they must reach out and ask to receive.
Armando Vasquez and Harold Finch are important mentors in Simon’s life. Who has been a critical mentor in your life, Davis? How has that person encouraged you to push beyond the boundaries of what you thought possible?
There have been several such mentors, for which I remain extremely grateful. One such person is Carol Johnson, who recently retired as editor-in-chief at Bethany House Publishers. Carol has been instrumental in my becoming the best writer I could be, and continues to act as a sounding board for new ideas and characters. Another, I am happy to say, is Harold Finch. His lessons on combining God’s teachings with lifelong aims have been a genuinely rewarding experience with far-reaching results.
Many of the characters in the story are orphans. What parallels do you see between the orphans in the story and real-life spiritual orphans?
A beautiful question. While researching the core components of this story, orphanage leaders repeatedly stressed the need to teach orphans to believe in themselves and their natural abilities. Too often they see themselves as lost, without purpose, without a role to play, without chances, without love. What made this story work, I think, is how Simon Orwell shares these same feelings about himself. And how he comes to realize God is the only one to fill this need.
Many people believe they must wear a mask to hide the parts of themselves they are ashamed of. How is this story about removing that mask?
So much of life remains hidden away. The darker elements of a life without God only amplify this falseness. Simon has spent so much of his life, so much of his energy and time, in hiding. As the story unfolds, he discovers that an essential element of arriving at his full potential is being honest with himself. This is where the mask is most damaging, and also where it is often hardest to release. We seek to hide the truth, even when we know the act is a lie in itself. And the mirror we require to see the truth about ourselves is the one that God offers, in infinite patience, in gentle love.
The title, Unlimited, has multiple layers of meaning. What does that title mean to you?
Unlimited was the title brought to me by the film’s producers. When I first began working on this story, it was just that, a title. But as I grew to know Harold, and heard him teach, and read his lesson plan, and then actually applied what he has come to call his ‘Dynamic Life Retreat’ (see Harold full teachings on his website, HaroldFinch.com) I have come to agree with them in their choice. Bringing God into the equation of life’s direction, success, and reaching full potential does reveal the true meaning of Unlimited.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website and blog are at www.davisbunn.com
Subscribe to my blog’s feed (to get my latest posts via e-mail or through your feed reader) at http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://www.davisbunn.com/news.htm
Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/davisbunn/ — check out my “Scenes from Unlimited” board.
Twitter: @davisbunn – http://twitter.com/davisbunn
SWEEPSTAKES:
You could win a $50 Fandango gift card plus UNLIMITED, Davis Bunn’s new suspense novel. Ten additional winners will receive a copy of UNLIMITED. Enter right now by clicking this link:
Note: Pinning is NOT required to enter (the pins are just for fun). Simply enter your name and e-mail address in the form on Davis Bunn’s Facebook page. You can enter once per email address per day.
Rack up lots of bonus entries each day by sharing the contest with your Facebook and Twitter friends!
by admin | Sep 14, 2013 | Books, Love Inspired, Military, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson’s latest Love Inspired Suspense novel “SEAL Under Siege” offers the reader page-turning suspense coupled with a romance that develops despite adverse conditions. Navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer (L.T.) is a true hero who is devoted to protecting his country and its citizens. When Staci Hayes was rescued from a mideastern prison, she left with valuable information about pending terrorist activities that placed her life in danger. When no one would listen to her, she turned to the only other person she could trust – the man who rescued her.
Although “SEAL Under Siege” is a mass market paperback with a shorter length, the author has managed to expertly develop both the characters and a fast-moving and exciting plot. Not a word is wasted as Tristan and Staci race against time in their endeavor to keep Staci alive and circumvent what could be a devastating terrorist act. Both Staci and Tristan have secrets that they believe are obstacles to their chances for a permanent relationship but could it be possible that God has other plans for them?
“SEAL Under Siege” is a fun action-packed novel that once again illustrates the time proven theme of taking your hands off the situation and letting God handle it.
This book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
SHE’S NOT SAFE YET
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Links to retailers carrying the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
ChristianBook.com
The Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and blogs about her adventures in writing at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com. Follow her online at Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks or Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.
by admin | Sep 9, 2013 | Books, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUnforeseeable Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
Learn more about Nancy and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting
Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She’s thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora’s Cafe.
However, Callie’s idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County’s new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders’ attempts to plan ahead couldn’t prevent a threat like this.
Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he’s telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she’d have to face some of her own past’s skeletons.
As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Unforeseeable, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Callie and Levi are featured in Unforeseeable, the third novel in the Road to Kingdom series. Trouble has returned to Kingdom once again as bodies are discovered near the road into town. Emotions run rampant as Kingdom’s residents speculate about the identity of the killer and wonder if it could be someone they know.
Unforeseeable has a well crafted plot with several fascinating twists and a couple of major surprises. Callie and Levi hit some snags in their relationship and Callie is forced to deal with buried memories before she can move on with her life. In the midst of danger, winter storms, and personal issues, both Callie and Levi learn the importance of following God’s plan for their lives rather than the choices made for them by others.
I have enjoyed the entire Road to Kingdom series with its character driven plots and suspense filled pages. If you are a fan of Amish fiction but would like a change of pace, Unforeseeable features a Mennonite community with similar values and a fresh storyline.
by admin | Sep 8, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Mistaken” is yet another debut novel that has convinced me that I must add its author to my rapidly growing list of must read authors. I found Karen Barnett’s writing to be easily read with a fresh plot and characters with whom I could identify.
With an undependable alcoholic father and a brother she suspected was not only a rumrunner but was also supplying her father with illegal booze, Laurie Burke understandably hated alcohol. When she runs into Daniel Shepherd late at night on the beach where she has attempted to intercept her brother, Laurie assumes he is working with the rumrunners. Daniel assumes the same about Laurie. Laurie is determined to find an honorable man and believes that Federal Agent Samuel Brown meets her requirements but why can’t she get Daniel out of her mind?
With a fast paced plot where nothing is exactly as it seems and surprises abound, “Mistaken” was the perfect page-turner. I look forward to future books by Karen – hopefully soon!
This book was provided for review by Amazon’s Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list.
Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. But when Laurie pushes him away–for none other than Federal Agent Samuel Brown–Daniel wonders if Laurie really is the upstanding woman he thought her to be.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca, just off the beaches of Port Angeles, Washington, was treacherous water for reckless rumrunners—and the agents who tried to catch them. So when she realizes her brother is in danger, romance is the last thing on Laurie’s mind. Yet the people she believes she can trust, may not be so honorable after all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen’s first novel, MISTAKEN, released in July 2013 with Abingdon Press. She is published in several nation magazines, including “Birthday Wish” which appeared in Guideposts Magazine in February 2010. Karen is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency.
Karen lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, three furry felines and the newest addition–a dachshund puppy.
by admin | Sep 6, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Irene Hannon has always been one of my favorite authors for romantic suspense with a heavy emphasis on suspense. I can usually count on staying up way past bed time turning the pages because I just can’t wait until morning to learn what happens. “Trapped” was one of those books. Actually it was probably one of her most suspenseful yet in my opinion.
A runaway teen, her frantic older sister, a handsome and compassionate private investigator, and a psychotic young man in search of redemption combine to make “Trapped” an edge-of-the-chair reading experience. Several points of view did not detract from the story but helped me to understand the characters more fully – even the villain. The characters are well defined and the author’s vivid descriptions drew me into the story so completely that I could almost imagine the snow and frigid temperatures despite the actual summer heat in my location. Although the romance took a back seat to the suspense it added an extra layer of spice to the story. A strong thread of faith was woven throughout but was a natural element of the story.
“Trapped” is an excellent example of why Irene Hannon has been called “the queen of romantic suspense”. I look forward to the next book in her Private Justice series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
A runaway teen, a desperate sister, and an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth.
When Laura Griffith’s sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help. Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways–just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.
But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl’s disappearance. And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . .
In her latest thrilling read, queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon outdoes herself with a fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.
“Irene Hannon has written a tale of suspense that has all of the elements needed to become a bestseller. It comes as no surprise that she’s a two-time RITA Award winner, and that she has garnered a host of other awards. With more than 35 novels to her credit, she knows how to develop characters and stories that readers love to embrace. . . . With just the right amount of suspense, danger and deception, Trapped is engaging and satisfying. The prose is crisp and to the point, creating the scene effortlessly . . . . A worthwhile read.”–New York Journal of Books
For more information visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/trapped/338190
Irene Hannon’s website, twitter and facebook:
http://www.irenehannon.com/
https://twitter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irene-Hannon/426433004084567
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.
For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
