by admin | Oct 13, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second novel in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Reunions series, “When a Heart Stops” is literally what its title says – heart stopping suspense. Like the first novel in the series “When the Smoke Clears”, this installment also focuses on plans for a high school class reunion. Heroine Serena, a medical examiner, just happens to be a member of that class. When the body count rises and they all belong to her former classmates, Serena not only becomes involved in an attempt to find the murderer but may also be a target. When her former secret crush shows up as an investigator into the crimes and also shows a serious interest in spending time with Serena, a little romance is the result.
With a copycat killer who delights in taunting the police, another potential threat that is a carryover from the first book that involves Serena’s best friend who disappeared on graduation night, and a plot that is filled with secrets, numerous twists, turns, and surprises, it is impossible to guess the guilty party. The pacing was near perfect, the characters strong, and the suspense was look-over-your-shoulder intense.
I always enjoy Lynette Eason’s suspense novels and “When a Heart Stops” was no different. I would recommend reading “When the Smoke Clears” first because it has pertinent characters and facts that enhance the understanding and enjoyment of “When the Heart Stops”. While each book has a unique mystery that is solved by its end, there is also another underlying mystery that is woven into the entire series that has yet to be solved. Now we must wait for the next installment and hope to find the outcome in it. I know its publishing date cannot come too soon for me.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The highly-anticipated second installment in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Heart Stops will have readers staying up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens. Full of the suspense and romantic tension reader have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When a Heart Stops is intense, emotional and fast-paced.
Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins–except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena’s life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she’s keeping putting her next on the killer’s hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don’t Look Back, A Killer Among Us and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina. Visit her website at www.lynetteeason.com and follow her on Twitter at @LynetteEason.
Praise for Lynette Eason & the Deadly Reunions Series
Eason does an amazing job of setting the bar high for romantic tension, as well as offering a deep dark secret that may or may not ever come to light. The first book in the Deadly Reunions series, readers will be so hooked that they’ll want to embark on this thrill ride for years to come!
– Suspense Magazine
Eason is quickly making a name for herself with taut, suspenseful fiction. The mystery will keep the reader guessing until the end, and as soon as one puzzle is resolved, a cliffhanger will keep you anxiously awaiting the next installment!
– RT Book Reviews
“I love this book. It will keep you guessing until the very end.”
– Dee Henderson, bestselling author
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.
{American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}
Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – 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 18th!
Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.
MY REVIEW:
“Where the Trail Ends” chronicles one young woman’s grueling journey over the Oregon Trail as her family struggles to reach their destination in the Willamette Valley before the winter snows impede their progress. With dramatic descriptions of the hardships experienced by the weary travelers, the story gives readers a glimpse of how the original settlers came to our northwest states. With strong characters, vividly described surroundings, unexpected twists, and several suspense filled scenes,, “Where the Trail Ends” is a novel that held my interest throughout. Although filled with the tragedies and dangerous encounters generally expected in a novel about the Oregon Trail, this story focused on following the Lord through the trials and letting Him refine their character as they trusted in him. What could have been a depressing book was positively filled with hope.
Samantha Waldron was a strong and determined young woman who meant to keep a promise made to her dying mother. No matter the cost, she would take care of her younger brother Micah. With that at the forefront of her mind for each step of the two thousand difficult miles, Samantha had little time to speculate on romance and marriage. After being separated from the rest of their party, Samantha and Micah were rescued from near death by Alexander Clarke, an official with the Hudson Bay Company. As they become better acquainted during her winter at Fort Vancouver, Samantha and Alex experienced a growing attraction but his plans to return to England and his fiance discourage them from acting on their mutual interest. Although I knew the couple would eventually end up together, there was nothing expected or boring about their progress in getting to that point.
“Where the Trail Ends” is a well-written novel that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy historical romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?
For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.
Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and together they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.
{American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}
Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – 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 18th!
Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.
MY REVIEW:
In “Queen of the Waves” Janice Thompson has taken a somewhat different direction from her usual romantic comedies that I have come to enjoy so much. In this historical romance set primarily aboard that famous fateful voyage of the Titanic, Janice’s trademark humor is still present but appropriately toned down several notches. Although anyone reading a novel about the Titanic already knows the historic outcome of that cruise, there must be as many different stories as there were passengers. Janice’s vivid imagination has gifted her readers with an improbable yet totally believable story that just could have happened.
With vivid descriptions of the bigger-than-life ship with its opulent decor, extraordinary menus, glamorous passengers, and their sensational wardrobes, “Queen of the Waves” is a sensory treat for the reader’s imagination. The characters are delightfully realistic with both good and aspects to their personalities. The plot moved at the perfect pace and contained several unique twists and surprises that helped detract from the dread of the already known ending. A sweet but unexpected romance and positive relationship developments add depth to the story. And deftly woven throughout the plot from beginning to end is a message of faith that reminds the reader of the Lord’s involvement in our lives despite our carefully laid plans.
I am usually not a fan of Titanic stories, “Queen of the Waves” might just make me reconsider. It was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to all who enjoy historical romance novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.
She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.
Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.
Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.
by admin | Oct 8, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Full Disclosure
Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012)
by
Dee Henderson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O’MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ann Silver is a cop’s cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region’s most trusted investigative positions.
Paul Falcon is the FBI’s top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.
Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn’t expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.
The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…
Watch the book trailer:
If you would like to read the first chapter of Full Disclosure, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It has been far too long since Dee Henderson released a new novel so I was super excited to receive an ARC of “Full Disclosure” to review. And what a book it is! There is so much going on that one could wonder why the author threw in several seemingly inconsequential story lines. But in the end she ties them all up into one neat little package full of surprises. This lady is so good at what she does, she even had me wondering for awhile if the heroine might actually be the villain. (Maybe she was – you’ll have to read the book to find out because I’ll never tell.)
It was fun to revisit characters from Henderson’s earlier novels – and in such a unique way. In fact her earlier novels are discussed quite frequently within the context of this novel in such a way that I have to wonder if “Full Disclosure” might be somewhat autobiographical. Even the title hints at that. Whatever the case may be, this book has a bit of everything – suspense, humor, drama, action, and romance with an abundance of twists and surprises. I’m not sure I have ever gotten to know characters more thoroughly than Ann Silver and Paul Falcon because of the intimate look into their thoughts throughout the novel.
If you have ever enjoyed a book by Dee Henderson, “Full Disclosure” is one you don’t want to miss. If you are not familiar with her work, you might want to start now with the O’Malley series to add another level of enjoyment to the reading of “Full Disclosure” when it releases this fall.
by admin | Oct 7, 2012 | Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As the second series featuring the O’Connor family draws to a close, readers finally get to see Steven fall in love. Of course if you’ve read any of Julie’s previous novels, you know it’s not going to be quite that simple. What would be the fun in that? As in all the earlier novels, “A Love Surrendered” is fraught with romantic tension as the primary couple struggle to keep their relationship pure.
Although Steven and Annie are the main characters, the other members of the O’Connor family share the limelight with them. Readers who have read and loved the other books will enjoy the updates on each member of the beloved family as well as their spouses and children. A balanced blend of drama, humor, and romance is spiced with plenty of secrets, some conflict, and joyous events. As usual, what looked at first to be a lengthy book ended much too soon.
I love how real Julie’s characters are. Although each of them has a strong faith, they all struggle with the same everyday temptations as her readers. Then without coming across as preachy, she manages to convey a strong spiritual lesson that illustrates how total dependence on God and lots of prayer is the only way to overcome both temptation and the past.
I am sorry to see the end of the O’Connor family’s story but am looking forward to whatever Julie has planned for us next. At least I can anticipate one more O’Connor story in the prequel “A Light in the Window” waiting on my iPad to read and review later this month.
Please forgive me if my story details have been skimpy. This book is just too good to spoil with too much information. It’s best if you just read it yourself. I do recommend that if you are new to Julie Lessman’s novels that you start at the beginning and read both series in order. Each book can stand on its own but are oh so much better in sequence. Take my word for it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman’s many fans have been waiting for.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents’ death. But when she falls hard for Steven O’Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010’s Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners, and A Heart Revealed. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri.
Praise for Julie Lessman & the Winds of Change Series:
2011 1st Place Award – Historical Fiction Author of the Year&Romance Author of the Year – Family Fiction
A Hope Undaunted
“A rich girl and a poor boy find that love can be the great equalizer in Lessman’s engrossing tale, which has more awareness and sizzle between the hero and heroine than your average inspirational romance.”
Booklist, starred review
4 Stars
The storyline flows evenly throughout this well-written romance and the characters are well realized. Fans of the 1920s will be extremely satisfied. – RT Reviews
A Heart Revealed
4 Stars
The second book in the widely popular Winds of Change series has romance, secrets and unforgettable characters. Lessman has the ability to bring her books to life for the reader every time. – RT Reviews
by admin | Oct 1, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Always a fan of novels by Denise Hunter, I am particularly happy when one of them is a western romance. You see, I’ve always had a thing for cowboys. I actually married about as close as you can get to one in west Tennessee – a farmer. He does sometimes wear a cowboy hat but instead of a horse, he drove a John Deere.
I patiently waited until I had read all the books in front of “The Trouble With Cowboys” that I had committed to review, difficult as that was but my patience was rewarded. I can truthfully say that the book did not disappoint. With familiar characters from the earlier Big Sky Romance novels and the small town setting of Moose Creek, Montana, I immediately felt right at home. I was quickly drawn into the story of Annie and Dylan and couldn’t wait to find out how their story would end yet at the same time hated to see the last page. The book has just the right blend of drama, action, humor, and romantic tension and some surprises along the way don’t hurt a thing. I loved the give and take between the characters and their honesty. I also enjoyed seeing how things were going with Shay and Travis and Abigail and Wade. Plus the cowboys!
One thing that stood out to me in “The Trouble With Cowboys” is how easily something spoken often enough by a parent can influence the life of a child for many years to come. Both Annie and her younger sister Sierra had difficulty with relationships after watching their mother’s repeated failed marriages, especially when they could remember her often quoted line “The trouble with cowboys is that they always leave.” “The Trouble With Cowboys” is a must read book for fans of western romance that is full of cowboys, romance and lessons for life with a message of faith. Don’t miss it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.
Order a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Find out more about Denise ON HER WEBSITE.
Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway
To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She’ll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes – including a Kindle Fire!
Save the Date for October 11th!
Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)
During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!
RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!
The highly-anticipated second installment in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Heart Stops will have readers staying up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens. Full of the suspense and romantic tension reader have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When a Heart Stops is intense, emotional and fast-paced.
Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don’t Look Back, A Killer Among Us and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina. Visit her website at www.lynetteeason.com and follow her on Twitter at @LynetteEason.
