by admin | May 29, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Although I’ve never been there, there is a special place in my heart for Texas. I’m not sure exactly why – maybe all the westerns I watched with my Dad as a kid. But even the books that don’t feature cowboys appeal to me because I know enough people who live in Texas to know that they are not all on the ranch. Cabot’s Texas Crossroads series has no cowboys in particular but is really fun to read.
I loved “On Bluebonnet Lake”, the first book of the series, and I have enjoyed revisiting the Rainbow’s End resort to catch up on its characters and to see how things are going with the renovations. In the second book of the series, “In Firefly Valley” I was introduced to two new characters, Marisa, daughter of the resort cook Carmen and Blake, a friend of Greg, the resort owner.
Blake is a best-selling novelist who has hit the dreaded writer’s block and decided to try his friend’s somewhat isolated resort to see if it might boost his creative juices. Marisa has recently lost her job and has moved back to her hometown to take what she hopes will be a temporary job at Rainbow’s End. Of course regular readers of romance can guess that the two of them will end up together but what fun would that be without a good story leading up to happily-ever-after?
Marisa has numerous issues she needs to deal with – especially unforgiveness toward the alcoholic father who abandoned her and her mother. Her attitude is less than stellar and it doesn’t take very much to set her off. Despite his success, Blake has his own less than ideal childhood memories that have more influence on him than he wants to believe. During the course of the book, each of them must deal with their past and move on to be the people God designed them to be.
“In Firefly Valley” is an easily read and enjoyable book. The pace is unhurried with little action or suspense, but is more like a relaxing escape. For true lovers of romance, there is a bonus love story that is nearly as enjoyable as the one between Marisa and Blake. This is the perfect book for a weekend at the lake, beach, or the mountains. It is even the perfect book for relaxing with at home.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
She’s lost her dream job–but has she found the man of her dreams?
Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa’s dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake’s real identity?
This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.
Praise for Amanda Cabot
“Amanda is a master at creating authentic characters with foibles and dreams.”–Jane Kirkpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of A Light in the Wilderness
“Uplifting and inspiring, the story speaks to the way nostalgia wisely finds a place in the modern world.”–Publishers Weekly starred review of At Bluebonnet Lake
by admin | May 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Having read previous books by Lisa Carter, I was eager to jump into another of her mystery/suspense novels. In the others, I have enjoyed the realistic plots and settings as well as well-rounded characters and complex relationships. I was not disappointed in “Vines of Entanglement”.
As the story opens, Laura Mabry finds a body on the trail that runs behind her house. To her surprise and horror, the murder victim is her employee …and Laura learns that investigators suspect that she could be responsible. To make matters worse, the lead detective turns out to be a man with whom Laura has a romantic past – a man she had hoped to never see again.
Not only is “Vines of Entanglement” a murder mystery but it is also somewhat of a romantic mystery also. During the course of the investigation, the story of Laura and Jon’s past is gradually revealed. A story where the past collides with the present and secrets and lies are revealed, this novel is one that held my interest until the very end. A strong message of faith is woven deftly throughout the story which makes it all the more relevant for me.
This book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A tangled web of lies characterizes the life Laura Mabry has built for herself and her son after the tragic death of her husband. But Laura’s carefully constructed world slides off its axis when she stumbles upon the body of a young college student on the recreational trails of Raleigh’s Greenway. What’s worse, Detective Jon Locklear is Laura’s worst nightmare…and her dream come true.
Jon has spent years trying to forget Laura. Past experience has taught him that he can’t trust her, but old habits—like old loves—die hard. When the killer turns his attention on Laura, Jon may be the only one who can save her.
Truth and murder lurk just around the corner for Laura. Can she find the courage to face her deepest fears and unravel the lies of her past before she and her son become the Greenway Killer’s next victims.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
by admin | May 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWhen Hope RisesPelican Book Group (May 2015)byDora Heirs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son no longer wanted her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing Heart Racing, God-Gracing romance. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers.
Dora and her real life hero make their home in North Carolina. When she takes a break from cranking out stories, she enjoys reading, family gatherings, and mountain cabin getaways. She despises traffic, bad coffee, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with a happily-ever-after!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Art teacher Shelby Coltman transforms junk into treasure and longs for a place to showcase her creations. She’s thrilled when her friend volunteers to room with her. Shelby can finally buy a storefront. Unfortunately, Kennedi’s brother can’t seem to let go.
Abandoned as a teenager, guidance counselor Tate Malone has become surrogate and over-protective father to his sister. Life is great until Shelby Coltman wheedles his impressionable sister into sharing an apartment. Raised in wealth, the beautiful Shelby could never understand poverty or rejection, and Tate doesn’t appreciate her uprooting his sister. When Shelby hands over her savings to a homeless student, will God obliterate Tate’s fears and deliver all of Shelby’s dreams…when hope rises?
If you would like to read the first chapter of When Hope Rises, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
When Hope Rises is a quick and easy read, perfect for the beach or backyard this summer. A sweet romance, it features two people who seem to be totally unsuitable for each other – but there is an irresistible attraction between them. Both Shelby and Tate have reach an age where most of their friends have married and many have children. Unknown to each other, the one thing they have in common is their commitment to waiting for the person God has for them.
With an interesting plot, some definite romantic sparks, and an excellent Christian message about purity and social responsibility, When Hope Rises is definitely worth the time it takes to read it. I recommend it for all who enjoy a good but short romantic novel.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have so enjoyed Lorna Seilstad’s latest series The Gregory Sisters. Each of the sisters was a strong and unique personality and determined to make her way in a predominately man’s world. Last but not least is youngest sister Tessa whose ambition has changed enough times that her sisters find it difficult to take her seriously and tend to be a mite overprotective. Tessa’s love of gardening and her talent for design have stayed with her throughout her life and she really wants a chance to work as a horticulturist in one of the St. Paul city parks.
It wouldn’t be a Seilstad book without lots of historical detail, a bit of intrigue and suspense, and of course her trademark humor. “As Love Blooms” steps up to the mark in each of these areas and may have been my favorite of the series. Tessa was a joy to read about and Reese was the perfect match for her personality. I liked how he started out planning to use Tessa’s talent to further his own career but his conscience would never let him rest.
“As Love Blooms” is a fun and faith-filled romance that made my day better while reading it. I highly recommend it. I personally would not miss a one of Lorna Seilstad’s novels. If you have not discovered her books. Take a chance on this one.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Young romance opens like a rose . . . but even a rose has its thorns.
Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?
Against the lush backdrop of manicured gardens and greenhouses full of the exotic, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to delight.
Read an excerpt from “As Love Blooms” As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad.
What people are saying about The Gregory Sisters
“A cut above the rest.”–RT Book Reviews
“Thoroughly charming.”–Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series
“Delightful . . . a wonderfully satisfying read.”–Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Inn at Eagle Hill series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series continues in “A Heart’s Danger” with more plots and plans, escalating tension with the Sioux, threats and danger from an old enemy, and of course a touch of romance. The story line in the first three volumes of this six book series seems to reach a conclusion in “A Heart’s Danger” where major revelations and romance are wrapped up nicely by the end.
Thus far I have enjoyed reading these short books that have been revised and re-released from Cobles first two novels. My only complaint is that I have to wait an entire month to read the next installment. I have to confess that I can be a very impatient reader. Nonetheless, these brief novels are a welcome break from some of the longer and more serious novels I have on my review list. It is easy to see Coble’s talent in her early work and how far she has come since then.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.
Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.
Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?
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 Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour
Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart’s Danger, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
- A pound of Colleen’s favorite coffee, Captain Davy’s Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Because of a devastating experience ten years earlier, Charity had avoided her hometown to escape the memories. She had also avoided any thought of romance, concentrating instead on her successful writing career. That is – until her publisher requested that she right a romance novel instead of her usual genre. So with writer’s block and a noisy house due to structural repairs after a flood, Charity finally returns home to her parent’s quieter house. There she quickly learned that her high school crush Buck was now the next-door neighbor and an unexpected accident forced Charity and Buck to spend time together. Could close proximity persuade the two determined to avoid romance that it might not be such a bad thing?
“Whenever You Come Around” is a novel that is quickly read but it nevertheless contains some serious content. Although Charity and Buck have run from romantic involvement for different reasons, it all boiled down to avoiding pain. This novel takes them both through the healing process to the point where they realize that sometimes love is worth the potential pain and that their faith would seem them through.
Authentic characters and a well-paced plot with just the right blend of drama, humor, and romance kept the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed “Whenever You Come Around” as I have every novel I have previously read by Robin Lee Hatcher.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Just when Charity’s wild imagination failed her, a flesh-and-blood hero walked into her life.
Best-selling author Charity Anderson returns to her hometown of Kings Meadow to defeat a bad case of writer’s block. She imagines she’ll spend a lonely summer writing and then return to her home in Boise. She soon finds herself caring for Buck Malone, a wilderness guide-and the object of her unrequited teenage crush. But what else can she do? Her dog Cocoa caused the accident that left Buck with a broken ankle and wrist, taking him off the trail for weeks of prime tourist-season work.
Buck and Charity have gone different ways since high school, and at first it seems they have little in common. Buck loves the simple, low-key life he’s made for himself in the mountains of Idaho, and she’s a woman accustomed to the faster, bustling pace of the city. But spending so much time together has Buck hoping to change her mind about staying in the small town she thought she’d left behind for good.
It’s a summer for discovering that young love is a spark not soon extinguished.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of 70 books. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin and her husband currently reside in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.
