by admin | Jun 22, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Series, Western
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time fan of Collen Coble’s novels, I have enjoyed the chance to read this revised and republished edition of her very first books. Although not these books do not have the detailed and carefully crafted plots of her later books, it is quite easy to find early glimpses of the talent that has made Coble a favorite of so many readers.
The fourth installment of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series, A Heart’s Betrayal, begins the story of Emmie Croftner, a recently widowed young wife who receives even more heart-breaking news. With nowhere else to go, Emmie agrees to travel to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to help her friend Sarah who is expecting her first child.
Emmie’s story continues the tale of drama, danger, suspense, and romance in the wilderness setting of Fort Laramie. The characters from earlier installments continue to make appearances in this volume also.
I will admit that I am a somewhat impatient reader and have found it difficult to read this series one book per month. Those who are similarly impatient will be happy to know that the entire series can also be purchased in one volume.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.
When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband’s home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what’s more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.
Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can’t stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she’s pregnant—and without a husband. The new start she’d hoped for slips from her fingers.
But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his—and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man’s baby.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Colleen Coble’s Melt into Summer Giveaway and ‘A Heart’s Betrayal’ Blog Tour
Melt into summer with a new giveaway from Colleen: four books (books one–four in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a box of chocolates to pair with your new books!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
- A box of Colleen’s favorite chocolate truffles from DeBrand Fine Chocolates
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Desperate Measures” is the third and final book in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series. As the series title suggests, there has been a multitude of secrets including why a mysterious plant is so important that someone is willing to kill for it. Then there are some personal secrets – secrets that have evolved from past hurts and the inability to trust others – and a determination to take care of matters independently.
As the conclusion to the series, “Desperate Measures” answers many of the questions that went unanswered in the first two books. It also built to a final and dramatic finale with a satisfying resolution both to the mystery and to the on-again-off-again relationship between Tom and Kate.
Plenty of action, danger, mystery, and suspense drove the plot and the interaction between strong, interesting characters kept me involved. I enjoyed this entire series and look forward to Sandra’s next novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate won’t be safe until all of Port Aster’s secrets are revealed
Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed “miracle plant” that tore apart her family years ago. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. She’s willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.
What people are saying about the Port Aster Secrets series
“Romantic suspense maven Orchard plunges readers into the fray immediately. The writing is über-dramatic and the action hectic.”–Publishers Weekly
“I couldn’t put it down.”–Margaret Daley, author of the Men of the Texas Rangers series
“A fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance.”–Lisa Harris, Christy Award-winning author of Dangerous Passage
Read an excerpt from “Desperate Measures”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Summer’s List” is a contemporary romance that somehow has the tone of a fairytale. This novel was a unique read for me but it would be difficult for me to express exactly why. Perhaps it was the unusual dialogue in certain scenes that almost made it seem otherworldly. Regardless of why I found it unique, I did enjoy the time I spent within its pages.
The story itself is about Summer Snow, a young woman who has sacrificed her younger years to take care of her parents. Any romantic relationships have not worked out and she has recently ended one that should have been every woman’s dream – it just was not the right one for her. Summer’s grandmother breaks the sad news that her life could end soon due to the deteriorating condition of her heart. She presents Summer with a list that she wants Summer to complete and even stipulates that she wants Snow to follow the list with a friend from Snow’s childhood that she hasn’t seen in twenty years. As any reader of romance novels can probably guess, there just might be a romance in store for Summer but what roadblocks might stand in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Summer’s List” and its somewhat unusual cast of characters. There were moments of true joy and whimsy as well as others that were dark and filled with grief. A family mystery and conflict was resolved with healing for those involved due to the fact that one person involved followed the lead of the Holy Spirit and showed unconditional love despite being rejected and mistreated by others.
I always enjoy Anita’s books and “Summer’s List” was no exception. I hope others will enjoy it also.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.
Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Anita’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Fatal Trauma” is a fast-paced medical suspense that held my attention throughout its pages. Once again, Richard Mabry has written a novel that severely interfered with getting my household chores taken care of. I was pretty much useless until I finished reading it. The story immediately jumped into suspense mode on the very first page during a scene in the ER and the tension had very little relief until final resolution.
ER doctor Mark Baker finds himself in big trouble after the deaths of two members of a dangerous drug cartel. Not only is the cartel out for revenge against him and other ER staff, but the police suspect he is responsible for another subsequent death. Time is at a premium as Mark attempts to prove his innocence at the same time he is in fear for his life.
Numerous plot twists and surprises and excellent writing kept me turning the pages. Just the right amount of medical details were included to keep it interesting without overwhelming me with unwanted facts. I liked how the author worked a bit of romance and faith into the story without lessening the suspense.
I enthusiastically recommend “Fatal Trauma” as well as any book by Richard Mabry, M.D.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.
When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.
Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com/.
Thrilling New Read from Richard Mabry | ‘Fatal Trauma’ and the Perfect Prescription Giveaway
Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won’t want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry’s new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.
by admin | Jun 17, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Midwife’s TaleBethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)byDelia Parr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love’s First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she’s hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha’s world is shattered.
Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can’t remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it’s trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As an older reader, I am almost always happy to run across a novel that features a more mature heroine for a change. After all, not every woman marries young and lives happily-ever-after until she reaches old age. In The Midwife’s Tale, Martha Cade has been widowed for a number of years and her children are grown. Serving as a midwife, Martha believes she is following her calling and the legacy of previous generations of the women of her family. When her daughter runs away and Martha fails to locate her, Martha begins to come to the realization that perhaps she has been mistaken in some of her actions and beliefs.
I enjoyed reading The Midwife’s Tale. After a bit of a slow start, the story grew on me and proved to be quite a page-turner. I loved Martha’s heart to serve and her willingness to examine her own heart and motives. The contrast between Martha’s approach to childbirth and the new doctor’s approach were informative and interesting. I actual have witnessed a move back toward her methods during the past several years.
The Midwife’s Tale is an enjoyable tale with strong characters and a solid story line that has just a taste of romance. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
by admin | Jun 15, 2015 | DVD, Romance
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America.
MY REVIEW:
The creators of OLD FASHIONED are to be commended for their attempt to counter the message of free love without repercussions that is pushed by most forms of entertainment offered in our current society. Its primary focus is on treating women with respect and that fact that it is possible to save physical intimacy for marriage.
I will admit that for at least the first half of the film, I thought that Clay was way too self-righteous in the way he came across. I admired him for standing up for his values but his attitude would (and did) turn most people off. Amber, on the other hand, seemed to be just a little too flippant. At first I thought that Clay was just a challenge to her and she was determined to break him down. Somewhere along the way, she actually became attracted to the very traits that she had ridiculed at first.
Despite his self-righteous attitude, Clay’s character was appealing and he did loosen up before the end. I personally thought the very best part of the film was when his aunt told him exactly what she thought about his attitude.
I would recommend that parents make it a point for their teens to see this movie at least once. It’s time for our youth to know that Hollywood does not have all the answers.
Twitter: @OldFashionedVow
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
