by admin | Aug 11, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Although I enjoy most good Christian fiction in general, I find myself drawn to certain genres more than others and romantic suspense is one that I particularly like. I have found that Irene Hannon is one author I can depend on to provide me with a page turning plot that I can’t put down.
As the final installment of Hannon’s Guardians of Justice series, “Lethal Legacy” includes familiar characters from the previous books, especially its hero Cole Taylor who reluctantly agrees to take another look at a closed case for heroine Kelly Warren. Although the death of Kelly’s father was ruled a suicide, she remains unconvinced that he killed himself. New clues persuade Cole that Kelly may be right, especially when suspicious circumstances indicate that Kelly may be in danger herself. When Cole realizes that his interest in the case has become personal, his need to solve it quickly becomes even more important to him.
Irene Hannon has a genuine gift for writing suspense. When the suspense reaches a certain point, she is adept at relieving the tension with a romantic scene or a little humor before ratcheting it up another level. “Lethal Legacy” had plenty of twists and turns and more than one surprise that kept me engaged for the entire novel. Everything was not tied up in a neat little package at the end that left me wondering but it had a satisfactory resolution.
I am a bit sad to reach the end of the Guardians of Justice series but I can rest assured that the next series from Hannon will be just as enjoyable.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Two-Time RITA Award-Winning Author Completes Critically-Acclaimed Romantic Suspense Series
Bestselling suspense author Irene Hannon completes the Guardians of Justice series with her much-anticipated novel Lethal Legacy, releasing in August 2012. Hannon’s signature high-intensity action and taut suspense combined with her talent for writing tender, heartwarming romance will have readers on the edge of their seats. A two-time RITA award winner, Hannon completes the critically acclaimed series with a story of old grudges and a budding romance.
Kelly Warren is on a mission to prove her father’s death wasn’t suicide, but Detective Cole Taylor doesn’t put much credence in her claim. Nothing in his case review suggests foul play until Kelly ends up in the emergency room with a suspicious life-threatening medical condition. The incident strikes him as more than just coincidence. Digging deeper, he discovers she’s linked to a long-ago crime. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?
Hannon, a former communications executive for a Fortune 500 company, left the corporate world in 2003 to focus on her growing fiction brand. While continuing to write contemporary romance, she also delved into suspense. The result was her Heroes of Quantico series, which began in 2009 with Against All Odds. From the beginning, her suspense books have garnered rave reviews. Booklist named her last novel, Deadly Pursuit (Revell, 2011) one of the top ten inspirational fiction titles for 2011 saying Hannon crafted “compelling characters and an emotionally engaging plot powered by a surfeit of nail biting suspense.”
Each of her suspense titles, though part of a series, can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
For more information about her and her books, visit her web site at www.irenehannon.com and follow her on Twitter at @IreneHannon.
by admin | Aug 10, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOver The EdgeBethany House (August 1, 2012)byMary ConnealyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.
The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.
The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.
The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.
She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.
Learn more about Mary and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Over The Edge, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Just when you begin to wonder if there can possibly be any more original ideas for historical western romance novels, Mary Connealy delivers one that is totally fresh and unique. She also manages to mix her own special brand of humor with action, drama, and suspense to come up with a rip-roaring, page-turning, just plain fun read that also gets across a strong message of faith.
Over The Edge is the perfect ending for the Kincaid Brides series although one big surprise makes me wonder if this is really the end. Connealy’s brash and bold yet surprisingly innocent characters kept me wanting the story to last forever while eager to find out what would happen. Over The Edge is a wonderful story with a satisfying resolution that includes forgiveness and reconciliation as well as much needed emotional healing for the Kincaid brothers. I could go on but would really like to avoid spoilers.
If you are already a Mary Connealy fan, Over The Edge will not disappoint. If you have not yet discovered her books, go ahead and pick up the entire series. You will be glad you did.
by admin | Aug 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingChasing The WindB&H Books (August 1, 2012)byPamela Binnings EwenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Until recently retiring to write full time, Pamela Binnings Ewen was a partner in the Houston office of the international law firm of Baker Botts, L.L.P., specializing in corporate finance. She now lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, James Lott.
She has served on the Board of Directors of Inprint, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting the literary arts in Houston, Texas, as well as the Advisory Board for The New Orleans Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans; Pamela is a co-founder of the Northshore Literary Society in the Greater New Orleans area. She is also a member of the National League of American Pen Women.
Pamela’s first novel, Walk Back The Cat (Broadman & Holman. May, 2006) is the story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.
She is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed non-fiction book Faith On Trial, published by Broadman & Holman in 1999, currently in its third printing.
Although it was written for non-lawyers, Faith On Trial was also chosen as a text for a course on law and religion at Yale Law School in the Spring of 2000, along with The Case For Christ by Lee Stroble. Continuing the apologetics begun in Faith On Trial, Pamela also appears with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Stroble, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production.
Pamela is the latest writer to emerge from a Louisiana family recognized for its statistically improbable number of successful authors. A cousin, James Lee Burke, who won the Edgar Award, wrote about the common ancestral grandfathers in his Civil War novel White Dove At Morning.
Among other writers in the family are Andre Dubus (Best Picture Oscar nomination for The Bedroom; his son, Andre Dubus III, author of The House of Sand and Fog, a Best Picture Oscar nomination and an Oprah pick; Elizabeth Nell Dubus (the Cajun trilogy); and Alafair Burke, just starting out with the well received Samantha Kincaid mystery series.
Learn more about Pamela and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At 8:47 A.M. on Wednesday, October 12, 1977, new-to-town businessman Bingham Murdock flew his small plane into New Orleans, banking it in such a way that a ray of sunshine shot through the city at light speed.
Amalise Catoir saw the flash from her sixteenth floor law office window. Finally feeling alive after the death of her abusive husband, she imagined seeing the plane was a fate for her eyes only; a special connection between the unknown giver and she, the recipient of light.
But someone else saw it, a six-year-old Cambodian refugee in foster care for whom a sudden burst of brightness reminds him of artillery fire.
Destined to cross paths with the man and the child, Amalise doesn’t yet know the deeper spiritual lesson she will learn: that we are responsible not only for the things we do, but also for the things that we don’t.
If you would like to read an excerpt of Chasing The Wind, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Chasing The Wind is a story filled with chance encounters that some might call “divine appointments” – encounters that connect the lives of perfect strangers in subtle ways that can affect their lives forever. Set in post Vietnam War New Orleans, the story focuses primarily on a high stakes real estate legal case and the people involved from the investors, to the lawyers, to the unsuspecting neighborhood residents who will be affected by the transaction. Expertly woven into the plot are also a romantic triangle, the story of a Cambodian refugee and his foster family, and a true life mystery that remains unsolved.
Although there were hints throughout the story, I thought it was brilliant that it wasn’t really evident until the end that the book was somewhat of a mystery. I also liked the way the author worked in the real life mystery by connecting it with one of her characters, offered a plausible explanation yet left it a question at the end.
Chasing The Wind is a strong character driven novel that left me wanting more. So far each book I have read by Ms. Ewen has been unique but I believe that Chasing The Wind has to be my favorite to date. For those who enjoy legal thrillers, this one is a must read.
by admin | Jul 24, 2012 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWedded to War• River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2012)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.
Tending to the army’s sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she’s combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?
Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series “Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War,” a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wedded to War, go HERE.
WATCH WEDDED TO WAR VIDEO TRAILER:
by admin | Jul 20, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
My Review:
If “A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California” is any indication, Keli Gwyn has a promising career as an author ahead of her. Her debut novel is delightful and so well written that if I didn’t know it was her first, I would guess that Keli is already an established author.
The major characters of this book are well developed and likeable. Tildy is especially entertaining with her incessant talk, her enthusiasm for life, and her humorous observations. Miles and Elenora are both appealing characters. Miles can seem a bit gruff and reserved but has a heart of gold. All he needs is the right woman to help him overcome the unwarranted guilt over something he had no control over. Elenora is strong and spunky with a determination to succeed that can be a bit daunting at times. Events from her past have driven her to prove her independence – especially from men. As you can guess, this is the perfect setup for a romance between Miles and Elenora although neither can see it. Their fierce competition makes for some interesting reading and sometimes a little impatience for them to wake up and see what’s right in front of them. Even with the unwanted help from Miles’ mother and Tildy, they seem determined to ignore the attraction. What will it take to get these two together?
“A Bride Opens Shop In El Dorado, California” had just the right blend of historical fact, drama, humor, and romance to hold my attention. The dialogue and interaction between characters was natural and quite entertaining. A strong message of faith was present but unobtrusive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from Keli Gwyn. Looks like I need to make room on my keeper shelves for one more new favorite author.
This book was provided for review by the author.
About the Book:
Love Is Gold in El Dorado, California
Widow Elenora Watkins heads to California with her nine-year-old daughter, Tildy, eager to become partner in a mercantile. When the mulish owner withdraws his offer because she’s a woman, she opens her own shop. She’s determined to prove herself capable of running a successful business without the help of anyone—including her controlling father, her seemingly distant heavenly Father, and one Miles Rutledge.
Widower Miles Rutledge is not about to get involved with another willful woman like his late wife, especially when she’s his competition. But the beautiful Elenora and her precocious daughter may be too hard to resist. When another man appears out to claim Elenora’s heart, Miles searches for a way to win her back. . .while putting her out of business.
Meanwhile, Maude Rutledge, Miles’s meddling mother, longs to see her son make a good match. And Tildy is just as bent on gaining a loving papa.
The battle of wills begins, but can anyone win when the competition is more than they bargained for?
Note: The story is a sweet romance with hints of humor, along the lines of Margaret Brownley or Karen Witemeyer’s work.
Endorsements
What a delightful debut! A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California reminds me of the classic romantic comedies where two stubborn, independent people keep denying what everyone else knows is true: that they were meant for each other. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, wanting to see what was going to happen to Ellie and Miles next.
Amanda Cabot ~ author of Summer of Promise and Christmas Roses
With witty dialogue, charming characters, and an attention to historical detail that will make you feel you’re living in frontier California, you’ll love every moment you spend in El Dorado, CA with spunky, resourceful Elenora Watkins and determined, debonair Miles Rutledge. Keli Gwyn’s debut historical romance is a winner!
Erica Vetsch ~ author of A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas
Keli Gwyn’s A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, Californiais a fresh and lively tale of two strong, yet wounded people battling to outperform each other with rival shops, with violins, even with pistols. As Elenora and Miles come to terms with past hurts, they gradually shift from self-seeking to self-sacrificing, proving the power of God at work in their lives and bringing a most satisfying ending.
Janet Dean ~ author of
Last Minute Bride, Brides of the West
Keli Gwyn brings the Sierra Foothills to life with rich historical details. She’s crafted delightful and unique characters that make a home in your heart. The tender and sweet romance has plenty of sparks to keep you turning the pages. And when you reach the last page, you’ll breathe a satisfied sigh but at the same time wish this lovely story didn’t have to end.
Jody Hedlund ~ award-winning and bestselling author of A Preacher’s Bride
Keli Gwyn is a fresh new voice in Christian fiction. A Bride Opens Shop is filled with characters who leap off the pages, a story line that wouldn’t let me go, and historically authentic details that delighted me. I will anxiously await the release of her next novel.
Lena Nelson Dooley ~ author of Maggie’s Journey and Mary’s Blessing,
the first two books in the McKenna’s Daughters series, and Will Rogers
Medallion Winner, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
Keli Gwyn brings old California alive with a story that’s filled with faith, hope, and love. When a willful widow matches wits with a competitive shopkeeper you just know there will be fireworks. The battle of the sexes has never been so much fun. Highly recommended!
Margaret Brownley ~ Brides of Last Chance Ranch and New York Times bestselling author
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is an effervescent story full of such small town charm that you might think Little House on the Prairie had jumped on a stagecoach and headed for the wild west! Author Keli Gwyn’s vivid historical settings and gentle humor will endear her to readers of sweet romance.
Rosslyn Elliott ~ award-winning author of Fairer than
Morning and Sweeter than Birdsong
About the Author:
Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.
When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.
by admin | Jul 19, 2012 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Reading “Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan” was almost like taking a mini-vacation there myself. With its descriptive prose and engaging storyline, it kept me turning the pages until the very end. I’ll admit that a few household chores were ignored in favor of this novel. I always enjoy reading about the different lifestyle of upper crust families during the gilded age and Melanie Dobson brought life on MacKinac Island vividly to life.
Although the back cover copy pretty much gave away the plot twist of mistaken identities, it was not at all detrimental to my enjoyment of the story. To be honest, most of the time the reader is fairly certain what the final outcome will be in this genre. It’s the author’s job to create a unique story that will capture their interest. I can honestly say that Melanie Dobson was quite successful in that regard. With the perfect blend of drama, humor, romance, and historical tidbits that are spiced with a touch of mystery, “Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan” met all of my requirements for a good historical romance. The characters were realistically portrayed and the plot moved at the perfect pace. Biblical truth was presented as a natural component of the narrative and shared a valuable lesson about God’s love.
I recommend this novel as well as the other volumes available in the Love Finds You series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A story filled with beauty and wonder, Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan transports readers to a magical place and time. The story begins in the 1890s at the end of the Gilded Age, a golden era of prosperity and growth. As the Gilded Age comes to a close, the kingdoms of many wealthy industrialists begin to collapse, including the once-wealthy Bissette family who has nearly lost its fortune. However, the Bissettes still own a home on the fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing their daughter Elena to a wealthy suitor.
Not only is Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money, she quickly grows tired of the extravagant balls and spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac’s rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse where they discover a mysterious tattered diary.
As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly plots to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island’s most eligible bachelor. While marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes’ financial woes, Elena is torn between duty to her family and true love.
The Love Finds You series from Summerside Press is a collection of novels that captures the flavor of towns and cities across the country with colorful histories. The towns become as much of a part of the stories as the characters themselves. Researching the towns in which her novels are set is the aspect of historical fiction that Dobson enjoys most. In writing Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan, she was able to explore the island that has intrigued her since her early years growing up in Ohio. “I’ve always been fascinated by Mackinac Island because I was told time seemed to stand still there,” explains Dobson. “From the moment I got off the boat, I could sense it was a magical place. There are no cars on the island so people ride bikes or horse-drawn carriages through the charming village and back into the forest. The island has been a popular vacation destination on the east coast since 1819, so it’s rich with fascinating history and lore.”
In the midst of writing this book, Dobson went to Haiti to help lead a retreat for the wives of Haitian pastors. Each member of their team spoke on a different name of God, and Dobson spoke about God as Mighty Creator. “As I researched God’s passion for creating and the love He has for His creation, it was a joy for me to incorporate the wonder and beauty of the universe into this historical novel. I hope that readers leave with a sense of God’s majesty on this beautiful island.”
Readers agree, Dobson’s latest is a winner:
“Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan whisks you away to a beautiful time and place, and you’ll never want to leave the Island. Author Melanie Dobson weaves genuine characters with unique twists and turns. You won’t be able to put this one down.” – Nicole M. Miller, Writer & Reviewer
Dobson does an excellent job keeping the reader informed and engaged, yet yearning to know what happens next to the two lovers and how they overcome their own inadequacies, misunderstandings and heartbreaks. Kudos to the writer for making the ambiance, mood and enriched characters with so much depth and detail that the reader feels she is walking the paths on Mackinac Island way back in the nineteenth century too. -Amazon.com
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).
Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master’s degree in communication from Regent University. 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.
For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.
Melanie Dobson’s “Mackinac Island’ Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Find out what the reviewers are saying here!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.
But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 at Melanie’s blog!
Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Melanie’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
