by admin | Mar 19, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Grave Consequences” is the second book in Bergren’s Grand Tour trilogy. Although possibly enjoyable as a stand-alone novel, I believe the reader would understand and enjoy it better after reading Glamorous Illusions, the first book of the series as “Grave Consequences” continues where it leaves off without any recap to fill in details.
After a traumatic kidnapping attempt in the first book, Cora Kensington and her newly discovered half-siblings continue their grand tour of Europe, staying in luxurious hotels and castles along their journey. Torn between two men who both profess to love her, Cora continues to be confused about her true identity. Can she return to her old life after experiencing the luxury and opportunities provided by her wealthy birth father or will she choose to follow his plans for her life? All she can do is try to follow God’s plans for her life and hope that she can accurately discern what He is telling her.
Although at times the descriptions of historic locations and even meals become a tad lengthy, there is plenty of drama, action, mystery and romance to keep things interesting. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters so that even some of the most unlikeable people from Glamorous Illusions turned out to have some positive attributes after all – particularly Hugh.
Some reviewers have described “Grave Consequences” as being highly improbable but I found the story to be good enough to capture my attention until the very last page and enjoyed traveling through Europe through the experiences of its characters. Improbable or not, to me the story is what is important.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Bergren’s Grand Tour series
For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.
And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She has written fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages—children, teens and adults. A former publishing executive, Bergren now divides her time between writing, freelance editing, and ministry.
Bergren loves to travel, especially for writing research, and dreams of her next trip to Italy. Lisa and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Learn more about Lisa T. Bergren at her online home, www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.
Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!
One “grand” winner receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa’s website.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Mar 14, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMemory of MurderLove-Inspired SuspensebyRamona RichardsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from Ramona:
The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths.
I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.)
People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s Circle Players.
Although I’m single now, I married in 1982 and in 1987 had Rachel. She’s a cutie. Severely disabled, she’s the heroine of many an article for Special Ed Today magazine. Rachel’s nurse, Phyllis, is the real life heroine of “An Act of Desperation,” which I sold to Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.
I’m not really a complex person, and my dreams are fairly straightforward: sell books, have enough money to pay the bills and travel a bit, and settle into a cottage. In early 2006, I bought the cottage, which is now more or less swamped by books and DVDs. I write at night (I’m a lifelong night owl), and I occasionally escape by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.
I’ve gone to the same church since 1993, and I even sing in the choir. It’s a small but awesome church. I’m no angel, although occasionally I play one in the backyard.
I like staying busy. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
THE SECRETS OF HER PAST COULD IMPERIL HER FUTURE
Lindsey Presley certainly can’t imagine why anyone would want her dead-though she knows she wouldn’t be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey’s fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging.
For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Memory of Murder, go HERE.
Watch the book video trailer:
MY REVIEW:
Memory of Murder is one of those stories that hits the ground running and barely slows down enough for the reader to catch her breath before the climatic conclusion. Combining heart-racing suspense with a growing romance, Memory of Murder unites the best of two worlds in a novel that kept my attention until the last page. With likeable primary characters who have enough baggage to keep them real and an escalating plot that gives very little away, Memory of Murder showcases the superb skill of the author as well as what makes the Love Inspired Suspense novels my favorites for a quick but satisfying read.
When Lindsey Presley’s life is suddenly threatened for unknown reasons, her friend Jeff Gage, a local deputy takes it upon himself to keep her safe. As the pair work together to discover why she has been targeted and who is behind the threats, Lindsey is forced to relinquish some of her self-reliance and learns to depend on others as well as the Lord. Jeff also has issues of his own to work through as their bond grows closer through their trials.
I thoroughly enjoyed Memory of Murder and plan to go back to read the previous books in the series that feature Lindsey’s two sisters. If you enjoy romantic suspense and like novels that can be read in just a few hours, pick up a copy of Memory of Murder for an excellent introduction to the Love Inspired Suspense novels.
by admin | Mar 7, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When her brother is arrested for the murder of a young snowboarder and the evidence looks to be overwhelming, Piper McKenna refuses to believe in his guilt and is determined to prove his innocence. Deputy Landon Grainger has been in love with Piper for some time and even though he believes she doesn’t feel the same, he takes a leave of absence from the Sheriff’s Department to make sure she has the protection she needs during her pursuit of the truth. Their leads take them into Canada and then into California but many seem to be dead ends. Can they find the real murderer in time to stop Reef’s trial and will the truth about their own relationship ever be revealed?
Dani Pettrey takes her readers on another suspense-filled adventure featuring the McKenna family and close friends. Although danger and drama follow closely on their heels, more than one member of the family just might have a bit of romance brewing in Shattered. In fact, I suspect that the stage has been set for at least one more installment to the Alaskan Courage series. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and their combination of strength, faith, determination, and vulnerability. I am looking forward to more novels by this talented author.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With All the Evidence Against Him,
Only a Sister’s Trust Can Save Him Now
When her prodigal brother Reef’s return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon’s career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. 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 with their two teenage daughters.
Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Nook HD
- Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the “Shattered” Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!
by admin | Mar 7, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingStrand of DeceptionB&H Books (March 1, 2013)byRobin Caroll
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?
Learn more about Robin and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.
Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.
But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Strand of Deception, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Robin’s books since I read her first Love Inspired Suspense novel. I was especially interested in Strand of Deception because of its Memphis, Tennessee setting because I have lived nearby my entire life. Being very familiar with the city, I am happy to say that Robin appears to have done her research well, describing locally favorite restaurants as well as a brief mention of two independent Memphis area churches, one of which I actually attended for several years. Her street names and locations were all spot on.
Aside from the local attraction, I found the novel itself to be well-written with a perfectly paced plot filled with several twists and surprises. Characters were realistic and believable and I enjoyed learning about forensic investigation processes. A couple of side stories kept things even more interesting. The romantic development between Maddie and Nick was unhurried and natural. Nick was the perfect hero and I liked the way he was influenced by Maddie’s faith although she didn’t pressure him about it.
Once again Robin Caroll has written a suspense novel that held my attention until the very end and left me eager to read her next book. If you are a romantic suspense fan, Strand of Deception is a novel you should check out.
by admin | Mar 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Return of Cassandra ToddRealms (February 5, 2013)
by
Darrel NelsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.
Learn more about Darrel and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.
Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks.
Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Since I am in the midst of recovering from the flu, I was tempted to take the easy way out and just do the required post without a review for this book. But I was feeling enough better to actually concentrate on the print long enough for it to register so I decided to give it a try and only resort to the basic post if I could not generate enough interest to continue reading. I am so glad I did because I would have missed out on a thoroughly riveting page-turner. The Return of Cassandra Todd was not at all what I expected.
Turner Caldwell is a young man who has experienced some tough breaks in life and as a result has turned his back on God and allowed himself to become somewhat bitter and resentful. When an old classmate returns to town, her appearance stirs up memories that he thought he had left in the past. Her plea for his help draws him into a dangerous and deadly struggle for his own survival as well as the survival of Cassandra and her young son that forces him to rely on God once again.
The Return of Cassandra Todd is a fast-paced nail-biter that kept me on the edge of my seat. Well-developed plot and characters and a natural dialogue made the reading effortless. Tension grew in increments until the explosive climax but the book did not end at that point. I am still not certain how I feel about the author’s decision to continue the story for several more chapters in order to wrap things up neatly. It was an anticlimax and seemed unnecessary to me. I don’t mind wondering how things turned out between certain characters. Other than that, The Return of Cassandra Todd was nearly perfect in every way. I would recommend it for those who enjoy a good suspense with lots of surprises.
by admin | Feb 27, 2013 | Books, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora’s WishHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
May 1887–Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora’s Wish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I realize that I’m pretty much down to the wire in the time frame for reviewing Flora’s Wish. I have been trying desperately to read it since Sunday and just now finished. That is pretty sad for someone who usually zips through books, especially one as entertaining as this one. Unfortunately I have succumbed to the flu and simply either could not focus or kept falling asleep. Neither is conducive to getting a book read or reviewed. I am beginning to see some hope that this scourge is nearly over and managed to finish Flora’s Wish within the last hour. Never again will I say I don’t mind being sick since it gives me an excuse to read. Never wanted to be this sick.
To get back to the book in question, Flora’s Wish lived up to all my expectations that were based on past books I have read by this author. In fact, I think Flora may just be the feistiest, frustrating, and fearless heroine yet. Our Flora, otherwise known as “Fatal Flora”, has plenty to live down after losing four (yes four!) fiances to premature death before they could make it to the altar. And for some reason her current fiance Will Tucker is just a bit difficult to pin down. So when Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn accuses Will of being a thief and Flora his accomplice, Flora is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Lucas immediately takes Flora into custody and the pair soon find themselves in over their heads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucas and his clever inventions that reminded me of watching the old TV show Wild, Wild West back in the day well before I ever heard the term “Steampunk”. There were ample twists, turns and surprises in the plot with new and unexpected villains introduced to keep things really intense. I plan to go back and read Flora’s Wish again with a clear head. I am sure I will enjoy it even more then.
