by admin | Jun 21, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I really liked “Deadly Devotion”, the first novel in Sandra Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series so I was excited to have the chance to review the follow-up book, “Blind Trust”. This second installment takes up a short time after the ending of the first and finds Kate Adams in the center of more mystery, danger, and romance.
I have found Kate’s character to be an intelligent and savvy female who often finds herself in unexpected situations that sometimes require help to get out of. I love the subtle hints of humor that pop up in just the right spots without detracting from the suspense at all. Events in “Blind Trust” lead to more than one mystery for Kate to solve. Could it be that they are all related or just coincidence? I also enjoyed getting to know more about Detective Tom Parker and was glad to see him involved once again in Kate’s life. Still hoping for a satisfying resolution to their relationship.
“Blind Trust” was quick and easy to read with a fast paced plot that carried a few surprises. My one and only complaint is that once again I was left hanging and eagerly waiting for the next installment. Such is the case with many of the series I love. I understand why some readers refuse to begin reading a series before the last book in it is available. I do recommend reading “Deadly Devotion” first to be sure to get all the back story. “Blind Trust” will be all the more enjoyable if you do so.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate’s not sure how deep this deception goes–but she’ll do whatever it takes to find out.
Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can’t believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.
As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?
Read an excerpt from “Blind Trust” HERE.
Endorsements:
“Blind Trust is a fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance. If you enjoy mysteries as much as I do, you won’t want to miss Sandra Orchard’s second installment in her Port Aster Secrets series.”
Lisa Harris, Christy Award finalist and author of Dangerous Passage
“Sandra Orchard weaves a clever web of suspense in this story of secrets, betrayal, and small-town intrigue. Seasoned with a sweet romance; a gripping, intelligent plot; and a few heart-touching surprises, Blind Trust will keep readers on the edge of their seats–and impatient for book three!”
Susan May Warren, award-winning, bestselling author of It Had to Be You
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 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 19, 2014 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Four Weddings & a Kiss” is a collection of novellas by four of my favorite authors of western romance that features couples who appear to be unsuitable for each other. Novella collections such as this are perfect for those hot summer afternoons when one needs a cool break under the air conditioner, by the pool, on the beach or in the backyard under a shade tree.
Each novella stood on its own with strong feminine characters and men who were able to meet them as equals. Humor was plentiful in all of the stories yet there was adequate serious material and strong themes of faith as well. The short format allowed the authors little space to develop a romance but I felt that each one of them did a bang-up job. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and would be hard pressed to choose a favorite from among the four. I how the prologue set things up and I also liked learning what happened to that particular preacher at the end.
“Four Weddings & a Kiss” is the perfect book for your vacation or even a “staycation”. Be sure and pick up a copy soon.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy
Maisy MacGregor’s reckless ways injured rancher Rylan Carstens, endangering his livelihood. So she signs on as his caregiver – but just until he’s well enough to run his ranch. Maisy’s tender care soon has Ryan falling hard and fast. Can these two willfull souls give up their solitary ways to embrace love?
A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher
Molly Everton writes the most popular features in her town’s newspaper. When newcomer Jack Ludgrove is named the new editor, Molly is flabbergasted. She wants the position for herself and will do what it takes to get it. But Jack is not easily intimidated. He’s determined to change Molly’s mind about him – and win her heart too.
A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton
Katie Pearl must rebuild her ranch after the tornado, but she can’t do it on her own. Treb Rayburn is a cowboy with a serious case of wanderlust. He signs on to help Katie so he can afford a new horse. But once Treb gets to know Katie, will his desire to stay drown out the call of the open road?
Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley
Grace Davenport is a young widow in a heap of trouble. When her son asks attorney Brock Daniels to take on her case, Brock wants to say no, but then he meets the lovely Grace. As Brock and the boy work to free Grace, Brock discovers that her arrest may be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra’s first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
Find out more about Brownley, Hatcher, Connealy, Clopton at http://amzn.to/118aiwL.
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS – Win an iPad Mini & rip-roarin’ Facebook Party!
Four best-selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don’t miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.
The authors are celebrating with a “Sweet on Love” iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin’ Facebook party.
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!
So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th 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 8th!
by admin | Jun 17, 2014 | 1950's, Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia
MY REVIEW:
I was privileged to have the opportunity to read a pre-release galley of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ first novel “Miracle in a Dry Season”. I am almost at a loss for words to express how much I liked this book. I most assuredly will purchase a printed copy once it is available. I intend to add the entire series to my keeper shelf so that I can read them again.
I’m not absolutely certain what it was about this book that caused me to like it so much. The author’s way with words was extraordinary, her characters almost stepped off the page, the setting was perfect, and the story was filled with scripture without being heavy-handed. I absolutely loved Perla, a young mother who had never been married and who exhibited a certain unusual way with food that may have caused her more social problems than her obvious sin. Her constant willingness to serve others and her love for her daughter was inspiring. Then there was Casewell, who despite his initial reaction to Perla’s past, quickly found himself helping and standing up for her as she tirelessly worked to help feed their community during a severe drought. Casewell’s integrity and faith were a highlight of the story.
Oh, there are so many lessons in this story that apply to our own lives! And each lesson is illustrated in such a kind and gentle manner within the context of the story that it is nearly painless – that is until the reader realizes that the guilty character could be herself. Wonderful examples of faith, forgiveness, and servanthood permeate the pages of this book and could be examples for each and every one of us.
I could not find a thing about this novel that was not absolutely perfect. I believe it may be the best one I have read in a long time (and I read every day and have many favorites). I highly recommend this book and hope everyone will pick up a copy when it is finally released. Love, love, love it! 
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a Drought, It’s the Darkest Cloud
That Brings Hope
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
Read an excerpt from “Miracle in a Dry Season” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Jun 13, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Lawman’s Oklahoma SweetheartLove Inspired (June 3, 2014)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom’s Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Katrine Brinkerhoff’s cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton’s heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint’s plan to protect her family. But she can’t let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart is a fast-paced historical romance that takes place during the Oklahoma land grab. The story is filled with loads of action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I had not read the previous two books of this series but it was obvious that if I had read it, several of the supporting characters would be familiar to me. Nevertheless, my enjoyment of this book did not suffer because I had not read the others. If time were to permit, I would probably enjoy reading them.
Both primary characters were strong and likeable. Katrine was lovely and appeared to be fragile but she had a backbone of iron. After Clint saved her life, she had no choice but to go along with his plans to keep her and her brother Lars safe from the men who threatened the entire area. Clint was a steadfast sheriff whose goal was to drive out the troublemakers and protect the town’s residents as well as those on surrounding farms. As Clint and Katrine spent more time together, their attraction grew but Clint held a personal secret that convinced him he should never marry. Would he be able to overcome his pain and let himself love Katrine? And will any of them survive the increasing violence of the men known as the Black Four?
by admin | Jun 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The plot of “Seagrass Pier” is a unique one that features Elin, a heart transplant recipient who frequently experiences what seem to be memories of her donor’s murder. Nearly everyone is skeptical until suspicious incidents, threats, and a stalker convince FBI agent Marc that Elin, her mother, and daughter may actually be in serious danger.
“Seagrass Pier” was a page-turner from the very start and the suspense grew with each chapter. As the story progressed, the suspect list grew along with more than one surprising twist to the tale. Characters and dialogue were well developed and natural. As expected, a romance between Elin and Marc was inevitable yet 100% believable. Both Marc and Elin were flawed but admirable characters whose concern for others was obvious. Although not a predominate factor in the story, Marc and Elin’s faith during their trials was apparent.
I have read and loved nearly every book Colleen Coble has written. If I have missed one, you can be sure it will be in my possession asap. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to review “Seagrass Pier” when it was offered by the Litfuse Group and hoped to be chosen as one of the reviewers. Even if I had missed out, I would have already preordered the book and would now be eagerly awaiting its release date. So thankful I didn’t have to wait that long. I thoroughly enjoyed “Seagrass Pier” as well as the rest of the Hope Beach series and hated to see its end. I enthusiastically recommend it and any other book by Colleen Coble.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger’s memories . . . before they cost her everything.
Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.
But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.
Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.
The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent is eager to help her: Agent Marc Everton, the father of Elin’s daughter.
Of course, he doesn’t know about that. Yet.
Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Colleen’s website.
Read a preview of “Seagrass Pier” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. “Seagrass Pier,” the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melissa Tagg’s first novel “Made to Last” was a winner. Readers first met Blake Hunziker in it where he played a major supporting role. What fun to find him a protagonist in Melissa’s newest offering “Here to Stay”. I loved getting to know him even better and liked what I found. Autumn Kingsley was also a strong character who had given up her dreams to stay in her home town to run the family inn while secretly making plans to take a position in Paris. Although their families were long-time sworn enemies, when Blake and Autumn were persuaded to work together on the Christmas festival, they soon became friends or maybe more.
The plot moved at a steady pace with several twists and surprises along the way. Dialogue was at times witty and at other times quite profound. I enjoyed how the relationship between Blake and Autumn progressed so naturally. Both Blake and Autumn were people I’d like to know in real life. “Here to Stay” is a great stand-alone novel but even better as a follow-up companion to “Made to Last”. I recommend both and look forward to Tagg’s next novel “From the Start”.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…
If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.
The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
