by admin | Jan 7, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although Star Rising can easily be read on its own, I would advise reading Ferguson’s previous novel The Art of Rivers to gain a bit of background on Star and her friends. This book takes Star to Ireland with her employer Priscilla Kelly and the last minute addition of her son Paul who intends to protect his mother from Star.
I’ll admit that I didn’t like Paul at all from the beginning and even enjoyed some of his hilarious mishaps, thinking he was only getting what he deserved. The author changed my mind about Paul, gradually letting me inside his mind and his pain as I watched Star’s determination and care for his mother and even him work their way into his heart. I loved Star and her struggles to continue following Christ despite occasional urges to revert back to her past addictions. Her heart was full of love and I could see the Holy Spirit working in her throughout her story.
As I have come to expect, Janet Ferguson has filled this book with memorable characters who each have personal issues that need to be overcome. I love how she covers difficult subjects with such aplomb and doesn’t leave her characters floundering in their problems. Star Rising is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to all.
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:
Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son.
After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.
As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their hearts are at the greatest risk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
Author Links:
https://twitter.com/JanetwFerguson
https://www.facebook.com/Janet.Ferguson.author/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-w-ferguson
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15138027.Janet_W_Ferguson
https://www.pinterest.com/janetwferguson/
https://www.amazon.com/Janet-W-Ferguson/e/B01DJTJNDS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Seconds to Live is an interesting suspense that focuses on cyber crime. When hackers access the files of the Witness Protection program and auction them off, several law enforcement groups must work together to quickly solve the case and prevent the possible deaths of many vulnerable witnesses.
Although I think of myself as fairly proficient with computers, I was fascinated by the details of the case and the methods the experts used to discover the person behind the attack. I loved how the different agencies were able to work together for a common cause, even allowing non-agency and sometimes questionable people to help. The plot moves along at a steady pace with plenty of surprises in store along the way. A reasonable amount of action takes place although much of the investigating takes place at headquarters. Of course there is a romantic thread that is woven through the story and it has some interesting developments of its own.
I personally enjoyed Seconds to Live very much. If not intimidated by a few details relating to solving computer based crime, please take a chance on this book. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
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:
The Seconds Are Ticking Down before Someone Dies
When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom’s identity.
Trouble is, she’s under the care of U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Sleeman (www.susansleeman.com) is the bestselling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with more than 1 million books sold. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense for Fatal Mistake and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Thread of Suspicion. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts www.thesuspensezone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Portland, Oregon, home.
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western, Western Fort
MY REVIEW:
I first met Caroline and Frisco in a previous book from the Fort Reno series so it was especially fun to catch up with them again now that Caroline had grown up a bit. I don’t remember ever thinking that the two of them might end up together so The Major’s Daughter was a reading adventure for me.
I loved reading everything about the land run but can still only begin to imagine all the hard work and emotions involved in such an endeavor. I particularly enjoyed Caroline and Amber’s determination to claim parcels for themselves – Amber who wanted a home for herself and her soon-to-be husband and Caroline who wanted to declare her own independence by building a business of her own on her new property.
Anyone who has read a few books by Regina Jennings will know that nothing will work out quite as planned and that the reader will be in for a few laughs over the antics of the characters. Naturally a villain or two also turn up in the story which complicates things even more. Needless to say everything works out well in the end with the help of a few good friends and the Lord.
The Major’s Daughter is another fine example of why I always must read anything by this author. If you are not familiar with her books and enjoy historical romance with a western setting, pick up a copy for yourself. This book can easily stand on its own but the others in the series provide a background that you will not want to miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Staked a Claim on His Land,
So He Decided to Stake a Claim on Her Heart
Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run about to happen, she may just join the rush.
Growing up an orphan, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder he fought to open the Unassigned Lands to people with the same longing. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to build a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim.
But when the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Mystery, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
Jaime Jo Wright writes the type of books I love – atmospheric stories filled with mystery and emotions with characters that I can care about. Echoes Among the Stones is just that sort of novel. A split-time tale set in both 1946 and the present day, the narrative focuses on Aggie Dunkirk and Imogene Grayson who Aggie knows as her grandmother Mumsie.
Imogene’s story begins with the death of her beloved sister and follows her attempts to discover the killer. Aggie’s story begins when she moves to live with Mumsie and takes a job as secretary for the town’s cemetery. As one strange and frightening event after another occurs, Aggie and her new archaeologist friend endeavor to discover how the events are connected and who might be responsible.
I absolutely adored this darkly fascinating story and enjoyed how the author connected the past and present. The plot moved at a perfect pace, teasing me along the way. Characters were well rounded and seemed quite lifelike. The book was a definite page turner and I hated to put it down for even a minute until I reached its end. Of course I was also disappointed that I reached that point so quickly. I am eager for Wright’s next offering. It will definitely be on my must read list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and 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:
After Aggie Dunkirk’s career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn’t plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene–even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.
Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town’s cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past’s secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden–even if that means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister’s body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister’s case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and two children.
by admin | Dec 20, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Hauck has long been one of my favorite authors. The heroes and heroines of her books are often quite ordinary people that I can relate to yet they find themselves in rather extraordinary situations. Each and every one of her romantic tales is richly woven with a strong thread of faith and sometimes tiny touches of the supernatural. The Wedding Dress Christmas was no different. A story of childhood best friends, reunited after each had gone out into the world to follow their dreams, this touching tale demonstrates how dreams can disappoint or change unless one follows the leading of the Lord.
I loved how their friendship renewed itself so naturally as well as JoJo and Buck discovered that they might just want more than friendship. Buck was the perfect hero whose actions helped JoJo to heal from a past trauma. I loved the way he sacrificed his career to be with his seriously ill mother and for JoJo. Of course the somewhat magical wedding dress and the man in the purple coat from the previous novels of this series take center stage once again and help to point the couple in the right direction. It was also fun to catch up with characters from those earlier novels.
The Wedding Dress Christmas is a perfect read for an evening at home as the Christmas holidays approach. I recommend it and any other book by Rachel Hauck.
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 Wedding Dress Christmas
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
December covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.
For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.
Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.
When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .
Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.
JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
MORE FROM RACHEL:
Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!
I’m thrilled to share The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?
This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town of The Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books in The Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.
I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.
Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.
I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?
In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.
Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.
Yours,
Rachel
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, December 18
Through the Fire Blogs, December 18
Livin’ Lit, December 18
Robin’s Nest, December 18
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 19
By The Book, December 19
Wishful Endings, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19
Among the Reads, December 20
Genesis 5020, December 20
Life as Lanhams, December 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21
Daysong Reflections, December 21
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21
Bigreadersite, December 21
Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 22
Britt Reads Fiction, December 22
She Lives to Read, December 23
Empowermoms, December 23
Inside the Wong Mind, December 23
Mia Reads Blog, December 23
Splashes of Joy, December 24
Christian Bookaholic, December 24
Hallie Reads, December 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25 |
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 25
Blogging With Carol, December 25
For Him and My Family, December 26
Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 27
My Devotional Thoughts, December 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27
Mamma Loves Books, December 27
Betti Mace, December 28
Batya’s Bits, December 28
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 28
Quiet Quilter, December 29
mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 29
janicesbookreviews, December 29
A Reader’s Brain, December 30
Inklings and notions, December 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 30
Carla Loves to Read, December 30
Back Porch Reads, December 31
CarpeDiem, December 31
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!
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/f1fe/the-wedding-dress-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 20, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Nashville, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a native Tennessean I loved the Nashville setting of Deadly Commitment. Although not extremely familiar with the Nashville area, I have visited there several times and recognized many of the places mentioned in the story. Aside from the familiarity of the setting, I also found a riveting plot that held my interest until the very end. Well developed characters carried the story very well and the leads were very easy to like.
I loved how the author used two of the characters to illustrate how easily appearances and even actions can be deceiving with those who may seem trustworthy are actually a danger to us. I did not like Danielle’s fiance Robert who seemed to be a fake and a poser from the very beginning. I wanted to warn her against accepting his proposal. On the other hand I found Caleb to be genuine and protective. You can probably guess who I really wanted Danielle to like.
Deadly Commitment is a fast paced suspense with plenty of action, danger, and unexpected twists and surprises. I appreciated the author’s honesty in writing about the reality of drug use and how it affects not only the user but everyone in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening?the truth about her fiancé.
Deadly Secrets is a new fiction series with southern charm and big-city twists. Set in the author’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, it is filled not only with intrigue and suspense but subtle glimpses into how God is at work in the lives of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs . . . or maybe they aren’t so ordinary after all
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years, she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. She sold her first Christian nonfiction story in 2007. Her debut novel released in 2012.
