by admin | May 10, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSubmerged• Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012) •byDani PettreyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.
And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town . . . until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation–and Yancey’s a small town. She’s returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn’t appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge.
She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he’s not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Submerged, go HERE.
Learn more about Dani and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Looks like I have yet another debut author to add to my need-to-read list. Submerged by Dani Pettrey quickly grabbed my attention and didn’t let go until the end. The story began with a crisis and the momentum built from that point on. Great characters were realistically portrayed with their strengths, weaknesses, and enough back story to make them interesting. The well described Alaskan setting was the perfect background for the story. The slowly building romance between Bailey and Cole and a strong but subtle message of faith were woven believably into the suspenseful plot.
Although still haunted by shadows of her past, Bailey was a strong, loyal and caring person who just needed to understand the truth about her salvation and to forgive herself. Cole was the perfect hero even though he had a few issues of his own. The rest of the McKenna family as well as Cole’s friend Landon played prominent roles and their strong personalities stood out. I am hoping to see another book or two that will continue their stories.
Submerged was a thoroughly satisfying read and could stand on its own next to books by many well established authors. I predict a long and successful writing career for Dani Pettrey and look forward to her future books.
by admin | Apr 30, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Featuring the daughters of sisters Esme and Jinx from the first volume of The Daughters of Fortune series, “Baroness” continues the saga of the Price family into the “roaring twenties”. The story follows Lily and Rosie from Paris to New York and across the U.S. as they search for love and meaning for their lives. Their search takes each of them in different directions but both have a similar emptiness they are trying to fill. Raised in homes with stepfathers, neither has opened up enough to realize the love that was waiting for them to acknowledge. “Baroness” chronicles the crazy and dangerous choices made by both Lily and Rosie that have lasting effects on their lives as they endeavor to fill the emptiness inside.
Much of this novel was emotionally wrenching as I found myself wanting to warn Rosie and Lily about the choices they were making and the people with whom they chose to become involved – especially Rosie. It was difficult to watch as they blindly and desperately made rash decisions even as the family who loved them tried to help them see the truth. Although “Baroness” was not an overly spiritual novel, there were several scenes where different characters tried to share their faith with one of the girls. With complex characters and an emotional and dramatic storyline, “Baroness” kept me engrossed until the very end.
As always, I recommend “Baroness” as well as any other book written by Susan May Warren. She is one of my all-time favorites. Although “Baroness” can stand alone quite well, “Heiress” the first book of the series provides a background story that will add to the reader’s enjoyment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Baroness – Book Two in the Daughters of Fortune series
Lily and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want … except freedom.
Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lily, Esme’s daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx’s daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams – from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.
And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?
Find out more from Behind the Pages: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/baroness
Purchase a copy of Baroness HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.
She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Praise for the series:
“In-depth characterization and fascinating historical detail… an honest reflection of sin and the need for God’s redemption.” –TitleTrakk
“Strong entertaining, character-driven historical that will remind readers all that glitters on Wall St. is not gold… Riveting read of high society drama…highly recommended.” –Midwest Book Review
Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!
Find out what the reviewers are saying here!
Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But following their dreams — from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers — will take all their courage. And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?
Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20s Giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren
But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!
Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Apr 30, 2012 | Books, Romance, Suspense
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and the book:
CreateSpace (January 6, 2012)
***Special thanks to
Peggy Blann Phifer for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader and loves to escape between the covers of a good book. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband Jim.
To See the Sun is Peg’s debut novel, released January 2012
Visit her blog, Whispers in Purple.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Pregnant and widowed hadn’t been part of her “happily ever after” dream. And now, someone was trying to kill her . . .
Erin Macintyre never expected to be a widow and a new mother in the same year, anymore than she expected mysterious notes, threatening phone calls, and a strange homeless man who seems to know all about her. The thought of raising a child without a father is daunting enough—worse when you have no idea who might want to harm you. Put an old flame into the mix, and her life begins a tailspin into a world she never knew existed.
When P.I. Clay Buchanan, stumbles upon Erin at her husband’s gravesite, he’s totally unprepared for her advanced pregnancy. Her venomous reaction at seeing him, however, was predictable. But Clay can’t let her distrust, or his guilt, get in the way—not when he has evidence that proves Erin’s life is in danger.
With few options left, Erin begrudgingly accepts Clay’s help . . . and it just might be her undoing.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (January 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1468121081
ISBN-13: 978-1468121087
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Friday, March 26, late afternoon
What a fantastic day. A bid won. A contract signed. The job of a lifetime that would put Stuart and Macintyre at the top of the construction heap, not just in Las Vegas, but all of southern Nevada.
Whistling, Justin Macintyre pressed the keyless remote of his Cadillac Escalade, tossed his briefcase across the console to the passenger seat and slid behind the wheel.
To top it all off, after seven long years, he and his wife, Erin, were going to have a baby. A baby! He laughed aloud at the overwhelming joy of it.
“Hey, world, I’m going to be a daddy!”
He shifted the SUV into gear and pulled out of the Mt. Charleston Lodge area onto Kyle Canyon Road and headed down the mountain to the Las Vegas Valley below. Despite the successful day, Justin couldn’t banish his worry over a recent discovery of some irregularities in the company’s finances. Nothing concrete, and his Uncle Sebastian, S&M’s CFO, assured him everything was fine. Nevertheless, Justin’s uneasiness had prompted him to send what little proof he had to his long-time friend, Clay Buchanan, a private investigator in Texas.
Preoccupied with his thoughts, he vaguely registered the yellow and black blind curve warning sign. Too late he saw the stalled car across the center line. No time to stop! He spun the wheel to the right.
I’m going too fast! God, help me . . .!
###
Seconds passed and silence settled once more over the mountainside. A shadow emerged from behind a Joshua tree and stepped to the edge of the ravine. After a moment, the form walked to the car in the road and drove away.
###
Erin Macintyre stretched her arms along the balcony’s balustrade of her twenty-seventh-floor condo above the streets of Las Vegas. Beyond that, the lower edge of the setting sun kissed the still snowy peaks of the Spring Mountain Range and Mt. Charleston.
Justin would be home soon.
“Erin, where’s the zester?”
Erin returned to the kitchen. “In the utility drawer.”
“Which is the utility drawer?” Magie Gifford, Erin’s dearest friend, pulled out drawer after drawer.
Erin giggled and reached across Magie’s arm and slid out the utility drawer.
“You changed it.” Magie snatched the zester and bumped the drawer shut with her hip. “That’s not where it was last time.”
Erin wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged. “No, Mags, I didn’t change anything.” She waited a beat. “Can I interest you in a memory enhancement program?”
“Very funny.” Magie pushed Erin aside and proceeded to rub a lemon across the gadget and then whisked the zest into a frothy mixture of olive oil, Italian herbs, and balsamic vinegar. “Okay, just drizzle this over the salad and stick it in the fridge.”
That done, Erin checked on the lasagna in the oven. The garlic toast waited on the foil-lined cookie sheet ready to pop under the broiler. Everything was ready.
Erin glanced at the kitchen clock. “He’s late.”
“Posh. You should know by now how those meetings can drag on.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s just—”
“Get over here, Erin. He’ll be here when he gets here.”
Erin joined her friend in the breakfast nook off the kitchen and adjacent to the balcony. She scooped up a dozing Siamese cat from her chair and sat, settling him back on her lap.
“You spoil that critter.” Magie brushed off the chair cushion before sitting.
“Yeah, I do. But you love him, too. I saw you sneaking him some treats earlier.” Erin smiled. “Not to mention the romp you had with him in the living room when you got here.”
“Busted. But he’s so much fun, aren’t you, Kazimir?”
At the sound of his name, the cat uncoiled, left Erin’s lap and jumped onto Magie’s. She snorted. “So much for protecting my black slacks.”
“Thanks for coming over to help with this meal. I wanted it to be special and I never know when the nausea will hit.” She raised an eyebrow. “But you will leave as soon as Justin gets here.”
“You think he’ll get that bid?”
Erin tapped her heart and nodded. “I know he will.”
The first five descending notes of Welcome to My World sang out in the condo’s foyer. Justin! No, he wouldn’t ring the doorbell. Puzzled, she stepped across the tiled floor and rose on tiptoes to peer through the peephole. She gasped and jumped back.
The doorbell chimed again.
Fingers trembling, Erin released the security lock and opened the door to two uniformed police officers.
“Mrs. Macintyre?”
Erin nodded as Magie moved to her side.
“What is it, officers?”
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident, Mrs. Macintyre. Your husband . . .”
by admin | Apr 24, 2012 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHer Restless Heart
Abingdon Press (April 2012)
byBarbara CameronABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).
When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.
But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.
Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the English world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?
If you want to read the first chapter of Her Restless Heart, go HERE.
Learn more about Barbara and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Her Restless Heart features Mary Katherine, a young Amish woman who is uncertain about who she is and where she belongs or whether God even cares. An overly stern father whom she could never please has left her untrusting of all men and undecided about making a commitment to Amish life. Her friend Daniel is in love with her but finds Mary Katherine unreceptive to his overtures. Can he break through her walls and convince her to take a chance on him or will she be lured away to Florida by an old friend who has suddenly reappeared in their lives?
Her Restless Heart is a bit different than many of the other Amish novels I have read. Instead of the wise and loving father portrayed in most of them, Mary Katherine’s father is shown with realistic flaws and weaknesses without actually demeaning him. Mary Katherine’s best friend is an Englisher who is a bit strange even by worldly standards. I loved the fact that it was her influence that encouraged Mary Katherine to make the right decisions about her faith even though she was the one everyone thought was a bad influence. Several examples of the power of forgiveness and changed lives make this novel a pure pleasure.
by admin | Apr 20, 2012 | Books, England, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second installment of the Forgotten Castles series, “The Forgiven Duke” takes up where “The Guardian Duke” ended with Alexandria Featherstone and her fiance John Lemon on a ship to Iceland on a quest to find her missing parents. Her guardian, the duke of St. Easton arrived just in time to watch them sail off. With plans to follow her and bring her safely home, the duke finds himself delayed by one crisis after another and his deafness certainly does not aid in his endeavors. His determination to prevent Alexandria’s marriage and her realization that she can’t marry Lemon are indications of their growing love for each other. But with such a distance between them and the increasing danger as they race against time to find her parents and the missing manuscript, will Alexandria and the duke ever see each other again, much less share their lives?
Although I found “The Forgiven Duke” a tad slow at times, its pace usually picked up fairly quickly. Overall, it was an enjoyable story with interesting characters and settings. The plot had several twists and surprises that kept things interesting. I particularly liked the way the Lord ministered to the Duke through music and colors despite his deafness. I am interested to see where the author goes with this aspect of the story. Readers will be happy to know that there is resolution to some issues but they will have to wait until the third volume of the series to learn the fate of Alexandria’s parents. I look forward to finding that out myself.
This book was provided for review by Angie Loschiavo with Flyby Promotions.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon – the path of least resistance – Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton – the path less traveled by – on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.
Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.
The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything.
Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.
The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.
As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.
When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.
Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in herhead for a long time, so the story went fast.
Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.
Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.
If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”
GIVEAWAY:
I have one copy of “The Forgiven Duke” available to giveaway. Please leave a comment on this post no later than Friday, April 27 for a chance to win. The winner will be chosen from all entries by a random drawing. U. S. residents only please.
by admin | Apr 16, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Discovery” is one of those story within a story books that sometimes work but often do not. When I realized it was going in that direction I had my doubts but Dan Walsh made it work. Walsh is a master of capturing human emotions which makes it so easy for his readers to identify with his characters and their experiences.
“The Discovery” is difficult to review without giving away too much and spoiling the story for other readers. Primary character is Michael Warner who has just inherited his grandfather’s home in Charleston. His grandfather, a very successful and well-known author, was also a private man who was much loved by his family – but even his family knew nothing about the details of his life before his marriage. Michael’s delight upon discovering an old but unpublished manuscript in his grandfather’s office soon turns to wonder as he realizes exactly what he is reading.
The manuscript is the center of “The Discovery” and the reader not only has the opportunity to read it along with Michael but is also privy to his reactions. Set on the Florida coast during World War 2, the manuscript contains a story of intrigue as well as a beautifully touching love story. The circumstances are such that the reader can see no possibility of a happy ending but at the same time cannot give up hope all the way to the end.
A wonderful story of what if’s, “The Discovery” highlights some of the best of human integrity, loyalty, and faith. It was a delight to read and I wholeheartedly recommend it for both men and women.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.
The Discovery tells the story of Michael Warner, whose grandfather, literary giant Gerard Warner, leaves him his Charleston estate. An aspiring writer himself, Michael settles in to write his own first novel and discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, something he’d kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find. Michael begins to read an exciting tale about Nazi spies and sabotage, but something about this story is different from all of Gerard Warner’s other books. It’s actually a love story.
As Michael delves deeper into the story he discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, The Deepest Waters and Remembering Christmas. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more information.
Endorsements for Dan Walsh:
“The Discovery is a masterful bit of storytelling. It is, above all else, a love story for the ages, one of sacrifice and devotion that will leave readers with a renewed passion for their loved ones.”
– New York Journal of Books
“Walsh demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”
– RT Book Reviews
Thrilling, romantic and intriguing. In The Discovery, Dan Walsh takes a fascinating sidebar of World War II history and crafts a suspenseful, beautifully written, and deeply satisfying story. This is his best novel yet!”
– Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series
“You don’t often find a novel that appeals to men and women alike–but Walsh delivers one here! Taking you on a scavenger hunt leading to mystery, romance and intrigue, this book-within-a-book will tug at your heart and keep you in suspense. You’ll get so caught up in the WW2 thriller you’ll forget it’s also a contemporary story. A feel-good read that commemorates the courage, integrity and sacrifice of the ‘greatest generation.”
– Christianbook.com
