MY REVIEW:
I anticipate that Set the Stars Alight may take its place as my very favorite book of 2020. In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to surpass this beautifully written story. I have found each and everything I have read by Amanda Dykes to be filled with wonder and a magical, lyrical style that makes me want to immerse myself into the story and stay forever. Each of her tales is better than the last.
Although many reviewers have remarked on the sense of wonder and light that emits from this book, I can only agree. Wonder just seems to be the right word and no other one will do to describe how I felt when reading it. This author has a powerful gift that touches the very soul and Set the Stars Alight was just what I needed to read during the dark days of this summer.
Set the Stars Alight is story-telling at its best. Quotable lines abound on nearly every page. I highly recommend reading it for the sheer beauty of its words but its story is worthwhile and offers a ray of hope to all who enter in.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father’s fireside stories, Lucy Claremont’s fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life’s work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it’s childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.
Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.
As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers–and the healing–they so desperately seek.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s a former English teacher and the author of Whose Waves These Are, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.
MY REVIEW:
At Love’s Command first grabbed my attention with its cover. After all what red blooded girl can resist a handsome cowboy and his horse? My familiarity with previous books from Karen Witemeyer sealed the deal for me. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books I’ve read by this author and have found them to be the perfect blend of action, danger, humor, romance, and faith, almost always with a western setting. And I do love a good historical western romance.
I am quite happy to say that At Love’s Command thoroughly met my expectations. In fact it may have been Witemeyer’s best book yet (and I have loved most of them). With a strong and determined lady doctor, Josephine Burkett and one of the manliest heroes yet, Matthew Hanger, this book took me on an unforgettable adventure where the unexpected lurked around every corner. Any example would give away too much and possibly ruin the fun for other readers.
Josephine and Matthew were the perfect pair, both giving as good as they could take and the dialogue between them was witty and near perfect in my opinion. I loved how protective Matthew was toward Josephine although for the most part she was pretty capable of taking care of herself. I also enjoyed getting to know other members of Hanger’s Horsemen and look forward to read their own stories in future installments.
If you enjoy a good historical western romance, do not delay in grabbing a copy of At Love’s Command for yourself. I do not think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He’s fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he’s tempted to surrender.
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
MY REVIEW:
Elizabeth Goddard has earned her place on my list of must read suspense authors. Her Uncommon Justice series has been first rate all the way and Don’t Keep Silent is the icing on the cake. Goddard offers her readers a tale of nonstop action, mystery and suspense, with ample clues along the way yet somehow managed to keep me guessing until the very end.
Characters are both well-rounded and relatable. I honestly cared about Liam and Rae and hoped that they not only would find Rae’s sister-in-law but that their relationship would be restored. Several possible suspects looked good as the villain in my opinion and I was wrong more than once. The narrative included a surprise or two that helped to keep things interesting. A strong message of faith was included but was not intrusive.
Don’t Keep Silent was an enjoyable read that kept this suspense fan happy for a few hours. I look forward to this author’s next series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided for the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That’s another matter altogether.
Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn’t feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he’s less than thrilled. But Rae’s keen investigative skills have led her down the right path–and directly into the dragon’s mouth–leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.
As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series–Buried, Backfire, and Deception–and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.
MY REVIEW:
Dead Silence is a contemporary suspense that could easily be inspired by current news and kicked up a notch or two. Featuring Elise Carmichael, widowed mother of a young deaf son, the story begins with Elise accidentally reading lips of a man discussing a murder plot. Once she has relayed the information to the FBI, Elise quickly finds herself and her son threatened time and time again. The danger ramps up with each page as Elise, her sister-in-law, and others work together to identify the person behind the threats.
I enjoyed the character of Elise, a gutsy mama bear of a woman who would do everything possible to protect her beloved son. It was fun watching her face off with the FBI agents – this woman pretty much told them what she thought of them. I also liked how she took things into her own hands when she felt that law enforcement was not doing enough to solve the case. A subtle faith message highlighted a disillusioned Elise who slowly found her way back to God.
I did have my suspicions early on but the narrative really didn’t let any obvious hints slip by to diminish my enjoyment of the story. Dead Silence would be a great book to recommend to those friends who may be looking for a good suspense without romantic elements to detract from the rest of the story. I recommend this book as well as Caroll’s previous novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Dead Silence
Author: Robin Caroll Genre: Christian Suspense Release Date: June 2020 Click here to get your copy! |
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Political games can be deadly…
Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed. But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year. You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.
MORE FROM ROBIN:
Hi, there. . .Robin here. I’m getting so excited for the release of my thirty-fourth novel, DEAD SILENCE. I have to say, I love this book. The heroine is strong, yet flawed. Her love for her son—willing to do anything to protect him is a mother’s instinct I relate to so well, having three daughters and two grandsons. The love of a mother for her child is so ingrained in me that I wanted to share that in a story.
I’ve been asked why I opted for a heroine who is an ASL translator and who has a deaf son. Many years ago, I became friends with someone who is deaf. She shared with me some of her frustrations, but also how her way of life is in comparison to mine. It got me to thinking that being deaf could be thought of as a disability but could also be used as an advantage…it was all in how you looked at it. My friend shared many stories of how she “eavesdropped” by reading lips and learned much about people and how they reacted to issues, enough that it led her into her career field today—a counselor, specializing in providing therapy for the hearing impaired as they live in a hearing world. I hope that I portrayed my characters in this positive light.
While I’m a Louisiana girl at heart, I reside in Little Rock, the capitol city for Arkansas. Since Bill and Hilary Clinton lived here and claimed it home before Bill was President, we have many political plans and posturing here. I saw it as a perfect backdrop for this particular story with the political undercurrents running rampant throughout the story.
I hope that you enjoy reading DEAD SILENCE as much as I enjoyed writing it.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 19
deb’s Book Review, June 19 Texas Book-aholic, June 20 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20 Emily Yager, June 20 For the Love of Literature, June 21 Rebecca Tews, June 21 By The Book, June 22 Spoken from the Heart, June 22 Genesis 5020, June 22 KarenSueHadley, June 23 Hebrews 12 Endurance, June 23 Betti Mace, June 24 Remembrancy, June 24 Older & Smarter?, June 24 Inklings and notions, June 25 Read Review Rejoice, June 25
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Through the Fire Blogs, June 26
Splashes of Joy, June 26 HookMeInABook, June 26 For Him and My Family, June 27 Mary Hake, June 27 Simple Harvest Reads, June 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng) A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 28 amandainpa, June 28 Worthy2Read, June 29 Pause for Tales, June 29 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30 Hallie Reads, June 30 Daysong Reflections, July 1 Lights in a Dark World, July 1 Quiet Quilter, July 2 Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2 Maureen’s Musings, July 2 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/fcd1/dead-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Dani Pettrey’s books since I read the first one. Her development of a plot is inspired and I love how realistic her characters are portrayed – flaws and all.
Speaking of flaws, heroine Gabby was a bit difficult to like but that may have been the author’s intention. Having returned home for safety’s sake after an attempt on her life, instead of keeping her head down and allowing others to help protect her, Gabby was constantly going off on her own to investigate a crime, sometimes taking others with her. Hard-headed for certain, Gabby often seemed a bit selfish as she ignored advice from others. And how she tortured poor Finn – knowing she loved him but so determined to follow her career instead of love.
If one wants a book filled with action, mystery, and suspense, The Killing Tide would be a good choice with its details about the Coast Guard investigative team. I enjoyed the scenes where I felt like I was observing the team at work. It is a fun to read book with more than enough murder and mayhem for even the most picky suspense fan.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Killing Tide
Author: Dani Pettrey Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Release Date: August 2019 Click here to get your copy! |
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When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.
When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.
— Kate Campos BookList
The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.
If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
When I began the first book of The Leeward Islands series, Lorri Dudley was an unknown author to me. I immediately became a fan and with each subsequent addition to the series have become even more enthralled with her books. She has definitely earned a permanent place on my must read authors list.
The Sugar Baron’s Ring could possibly be my favorite of the series simply because of the witty dialogue between hero Bradlee and his friend Colin. I loved their sense of humor and the way that Hannah found it difficult to suppress her giggles around them. All three characters were wonderful! Hannah was brave, helpful, caring, and forgiving despite her unfortunate circumstances. Bradlee was an honorable man who also learned to overcome his own weaknesses and become the man God created him to be.
I loved how the entire plot played out and the parallels of a father’s love for his children to the love of God for His own. The Sugar Baron’s Ring is a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I look forward to more books by Lorri Dudley and hope for more about the Leeward Islands.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Sugar Baron’s Ring
Author: Lorri Dudley Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release Date: June 23, 2020 Click here to get your copy! |
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A ring is her only tie to a distant homeland, until a marooned Englishman anchors her heart.
Hannah Rose Barrington is the island misfit. Orphaned at a young age, Hannah struggles to provide for her future, while her guardian, a weak-hearted island drunk, bleeds Hannah of her father’s inheritance. Caught between the classes of elite planters and white beggars, Hannah yearns to find a place to belong.
University life has never been Bradlee Granville’s forte. His only hope to graduate is to impress his professors by documenting his travels. After claiming unforeseeable circumstances, he delays his final exams and sets out early on his Grand Tour. However, when his ship wrecks off the coast of the Leeward Islands, Bradlee is left without means to return to England, a mounting deadline, and ruined journals.
When Hannah rescues passengers from a ship breaking apart in the bay, she’s unexpectedly drawn to the witty charm of one of the men. Helping him settle into island life will be a pleasure. However, as creditors, like sharks, begin to circle and her guardian’s desperation becomes life threatening, Hannah finds herself in need of rescue. Will Bradlee look past her pitiful situation to see who she truly is—the sugar baron’s daughter?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.
MORE FROM LORRI:
The Sugar Baron’s Ring is the third book in the Leeward Island series. My heroine is caught between social classes as the daughter of a sugar baron and an impoverished white beggar since her guardian sold her inheritance to pay his debts. To generate the feeling of being a misfit, I delved back to those awkward years of middle and high school, where we often struggle to discover where we belong. Before my senior year, my family and I moved to New England for a job change. I’d had a great group of friends at my old school, but at my new school, I was a stranger—an outsider—trying to find acceptance, much like Hannah.
Bradlee, the hero, on the other hand, was fashioned in a completely different manner. At my house, the slang terms “bruh” and “noob” are tossed around by my three boys, along with constant fraternal teasing. A lot of their sarcastic wit and camaraderie are portrayed through Bradlee and his grand tour companion, Colin. Their light-hearted banter depicts the tight bonds of a deep relationship where faults may be mocked, but offenses are overlooked, and if ever in trouble, they have each other’s backs. Hannah is drawn to Bradlee, craving a similar connection but loses her heart to him in the process.
The first opening scene came about because my family loves Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. After binge-watching practically every episode, I knew my hero and heroine would meet under the duress of a shiny, steel-gray fin plowing through the water. (Queue the Jaws theme song.) However, our resourceful heroine contains the strength to rescue the hero as opposed to the other way around.
All these things, being a misfit, teasing, and shark attacks, playout in a grander scheme to show how God never leaves us nor forsakes us. He’s laying out the pieces of our happily-ever-after while developing our character and purpose. The Sugar Baron’s Ring demonstrates how God’s light shines bright even in the darkness.
To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or click here to watch The Sugar Baron’s Ring book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWRQr3drZY8&feature=youtu.be
BLOG STOPS:
| Through the Fire Blogs, June 23
A Baker’s Perspective, June 23 For Him and My Family, June 24 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 24 Texas Book-aholic, June 25 Genesis 5020, June 25 Daysong Reflections, June 25 Inklings and notions, June 26 Rebecca Tews, June 26 Betti Mace, June 27 Remembrancy, June 27 Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 28 deb’s Book Review, June 28 For the Love of Literature, June 29 Britt Reads Fiction, June 29 Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
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Kat’s Corner Books, June 30
She Lives To Read, June 30 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1 D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 1 Reading Is My SuperPower, July 2 Emily Yager, July 2 Pause for Tales, July 2 KarenSueHadley, July 3 Books, Life, and Christ, July 3 Blossoms and Blessings, July 4 Read Review Rejoice, July 4 Artistic Nobody, July 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) Batya’s Bits, July 5 Adventures of a Travelers Wife, July 6 Hallie Reads, July 6 Life of Literature, July 6 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/fcd4/the-sugar-baron-s-ring-celebration-tour-giveaway
