Romance | Daysong Reflections

Counter Point by Marji Laine

by admin | Dec 13, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Marji Laine is a new author for me and I am happy to say that I enjoyed her latest novel Counter Point. The story of a foreign missionary who had a role in breaking up a drug cartel and the girl he left behind in the U.S., this book was both action-packed and filled with important life lessons about how God sees his children.

The tale is filled with multiple twists and turns and when I thought I had it all figured out, up jumped another surprise. I found the characters interesting but would have liked them to have a bit more depth. Cat was somewhat naive and took way too many chances, especially considering the multiple attempts on her life. That girl could also hold a grudge that wouldn’t quit. Ray was more mature but he had his own hangups as well as typical male behavior and lack of communication skills when it came to the woman he loved. As can be predicted, all the problems end up resolved with a probable happy-ever-after in store – but Cat and Ray had to jump quite a few dangerous hurdles to get to that point.

I particularly liked the idea of the Sunset Suppers that Cat provided to the homeless of her town and the relationships that were formed as a result. Numerous conversations about their faith and more than one escape from certain death kept the story focused on the Lord. It was gratifying to watch both Cat and Ray grow in their faith and for Cat to understand that she was already serving in the ministry God had for her.

Counter Point is a book worth reading and I do recommend it.

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: Counter Point

Author: Marji Laine

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: November 2016

Click here to get your copy.

Someone is determined to finish the final assignment of a murdered hitman.

Her father’s gone. Her diner’s closing. Her car’s in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose.

Except her life. And a madman’s bent on taking that away.

Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart.

Keeping Cat safe from a fallen cartel leader might prove impossible for Ray, but after seeing his mission destroyed and several godly people killed, he knows better than to ignore the man’s threats. Cat’s resistance to his protection and the stirring of his long-denied feelings for her complicate his intentions, placing them both in a fight for their lives.

How can a small-town girl survive when ultimate power wants her dead?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet or at www.MarjiLaine.com.

MORE FROM MARJI:

COUNTER POINT takes place in a small town in East Texas. A family-owned diner provides the backdrop for many of the scenes. The owner, Cat McPherson, makes a point of smiling and chatting with everyone who stops by. Even the superior and difficult Mrs. Heath—of the Heath’s Point Heath’s, make no mistake. Mrs. Heath might think she’s all that, but she is still dependent on Cat’s diner for a slice of her favorite Magnolia Pie.

Have you ever had a piece of this custard paradise? Smooth, creamy, and with the minutest crisp of a glazed caramel on top of it. I can practically taste one now. This favorite of mine had to go into my book. I first tasted a Magnolia Pie (my adopted grandmother called it Buttermilk Pie because Magnolia Pie sounded too southern and she was from New Jersey) at a Christmas Eve celebration. It was my instant favorite.

I’ve searched for my grandmother’s recipe through old books that she gave me and a collection that she and several others put together when I got married. Sadly, I cannot find that original recipe that she used. But I think it must have been something like the one I was thinking of when I included Magnolia Pie in my book.

Let me know if you make this recipe! I’d love to enjoy a virtual slice of pie with you!

MAGNOLIA PIE

Ingredients:

3 eggs at room temperature
1 stick of softened butter
1½ cups white sugar
3½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk the eggs until foamy.

3. Cream together sugar, butter, nutmeg, and flour. Add the eggs and other ingredients, beating until smooth.

4. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool completely or chill before serving.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 10

For the Love of Literature, December 11

Betti Mace, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 12

Through the Lens of Scripture, December 13

Daysong Reflections, December 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Texas Book-aholic, December 17

As He Leads is Joy, December 18

Maureen’s Musings, December 19

Blogging With Carol, December 20

janicesbookreviews, December 21

A Reader’s Brain, December 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 22

Inklings and notions, December 23

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away the grand prize package of a “reading S’mores” Christmas Ornament, a book light, and copies of COUNTER POINT and the first book of the Grime Fighter series, GRIME BEAT!!

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/f2e9/counter-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

Christmas on Breakers Point by Chautona Havig

by admin | Dec 1, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

When I signed on to review Christmas at Breakers Point I expected it to be a seaside Christmas romance due primarily to its cover. Truthfully I found very little romance in this novel and what was there actually took a back seat to the rest of the story. Not to say that was a bad thing. In fact this is a heart-warming yet sometimes poignant tale of the people in a small island town who rallied around an elderly man and his niece as they lived through the last days before his final breath on earth.

Honestly, I probably would not have chosen to read this book had I known I would read much of it sitting in my mother’s room in a hospice facility – just a little too close to home to my own situation. Yet it turned out to be an encouraging experience as I witnessed the interaction between Bud and his niece Mallory and her determination to make his last Christmas a wonderful experience for him. I loved how hard Mallory worked to make his Christmas wish come to pass, especially the numerous faith-building conversations between her and her friend whose disillusionment with other Christians had brought her to a crisis in her faith.

Strong characters, difficult situations, and a very strong Gospel message worked together to make Christmas at Breakers Point an excellent read even if it was not at all what I expected.

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: Christmas on Breakers Point

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction, Christian Romantic Fiction, Christmas

Click here to get your copy!

One man’s last Christmas wish might change two lives forever.

Mallory Barrows has one last Christmas with her uncle. She’s determined to make it the best one he’s ever had.

She knows when she asks what he wants as his final gift, it won’t be a tie or a new mug. He won’t need those where he’s going, and he’s quite happy about that.

Mallory just didn’t think he wanted a miracle wrapped in paper and tied with a shiny red bow!

Christmas on Breakers Point is the introductory book to the Independence Islands Series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

MORE FROM CHAUTONA:

The book opens with a phone call that goes like this:

Her phone buzzed. Without taking her eyes from the page, Mallory Barrows fumbled about until her hand closed around it. The book held her bound in ropes of suspense as the villain slipped into the party unannounced—unseen. While she followed him around the edge of the imaginary room, her thumb swiped, tapped, and answered the call as if on autopilot.

Even as Mallory said, “Hello?” her breath caught. The guy had found his prey.

“Mallory, honey?”

Without a second look, she dropped the book and sat up, feet planted firmly on the floor and all attention on the call. “Is it time?”

“’Fraid so, darlin’. Doc says it’s a matter of weeks or a month or two. And I promised.”

“I’ll be there Friday afternoon.”

Just days after I wrote those lines, I woke up to a message from my sister. “Call Mom.”

I called. Mom said, “I need you to come.” That was Thursday. I walked into Mom’s house on Saturday evening and our lives changed forever.

I don’t know if God prepared me for this change by having me write that scene just days before, but I have to say it felt like it! Everything went crazy for over a month as I tried to wrap up my mother’s affairs in Missouri, I had to try to finish three books in a time of upheaval and turmoil. No, it’s not the same as trying to help a young woman reclaim her True First Love so she could reclaim her first earthy love. It isn’t the same as starting a whole new life and a new business. But… oh, how it felt like it.

Another parallel in the story and my life was how Mallory struggles to try to get Uncle Bud to eat. I did the same thing for most of my time in Missouri. Mom struggled and hard just to swallow and just wanted to eat. So, while I was writing, I worked hard to come up with a recipe that Mallory might use to convince Uncle Bud to eat something. The result were these Coconut Lime Cookies. I hope you love them as much as Uncle Bud did.

Coconut Lime Cookies

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups white flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sugar
3 oz room temp cream cheese—cubed
½ tsp vanilla
Zest of 1 lime (key limes may be preferred)
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter (warm)
1 egg
1 TBS milk (whole is the most delicious… and half & half is even better)
1 TBS lime juice (again, some may prefer key limes)
½ cup powdered sugar (reserved for rolling cookies in)

Directions: (oven preheats to 350)

Stir together the first five ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside

Stir together sugar, cream cheese, and lime zest in a large mixing bowl. Cream butter in. Repeat with egg, milk, and lime juice, one at a time. Make sure your ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Add dry ingredients slowly. Mix well.

Roll dough into approximately 1” balls. Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.

Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes until lightly golden.

Before you eat, close your eyes and imagine yourself beneath swaying palm trees with warm sand between your toes. Merry Christmas!

BLOG STOPS:

Among the Reads, December 2

She Lives to Read, December 2

Daysong Reflections, December 2

A Reader’s Brain, December 3

Mamma Loves Books, December 3

Aryn the Libraryan ?, December 4

CarpeDiem, December 4

A Baker’s Perspective, December 5

Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 5

Betti Mace, December 6

For the Love of Literature, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7

Cultivating Us, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

For Him and My Family, December 8

janicesbookreviews, December 9

SusanLovesBooks, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Connect in Fiction, December 10

Lots of Helpers, December 11

My Devotional Thoughts, December 11

Wishful Endings, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Stories By Gina, December 12

Quiet Quilter, December 13

Batya’s Bits, December 13

Godly Book Reviews, December 14

Emily Yager, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Back Porch Reads, December 15

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a 6 Month Kindle Unlimited subscription!!

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/f1b8/christmas-on-breakers-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

Misleading Miss Verity by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Dec 1, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

hr />

MY REVIEW:

It did not take but a book or two for Carolyn Miller to earn a permanent spot on my favorites shelves. I have not missed a single one of her novels and I personally believe that each one has surpassed the previous ones. Misleading Miss Verity may well be my favorite of them all but I really did also have a fondness for A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh, the first book of Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series. You could probably truthfully say that my favorite book by Carolyn Miller is the one I am currently (or just finished) reading.

Once again Ms. Miller has given her readers a strong and feisty heroine who does not perfectly fit the expectations of society or her mother. Verity is not at all interested in society functions and would rather be riding a horse or spending her time outdoors. Banished to her grandmother’s she is quickly secreted away to a friend’s home in Scotland where where finds a most intriguing castle and the man who seems to be the gardener. Both Verity and Anthony have secrets the other does not know and those create a complicated and sometimes confusing relationship between them. Verity’s lack of faith further complicates the situation as Anthony’s strong faith makes his attraction to Verity a very bad idea.

Vivid descriptions of the Scottish setting and the characters pulled me right into the story. Anthony was a perfect hero as well as the perfect man for Verity. I loved how he always encouraged her, defended her, and built up her wounded self image. Verity, too, was a special heroine with her own determination to help others despite her privileged upbringing. Her encounter with the Lord was a special passage in this wonderful novel.

I hate to see this series end but am confident that the author has more special books in store for her readers. I would love to see one featuring Anthony’s friend Mac.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Verity Hatherleigh has a mind of her own–but her impulsive actions do not impress her viscount papa. When she gets into one scrape too many, he sends her off to the wilds of Scotland to rethink her headstrong ways.

Anthony Jardine relished his role as curate, but his new duties as laird of Dungally aren’t always to his liking. Though he thought his new inheritance would be a blessing, somehow he’s finding nothing but trouble on these estates. And the intelligent, compassionate, feisty lass who was sent to rusticate in his territory is one of the biggest problems. He’s falling in love with her, but she doesn’t share the faith that’s his foundation–not to mention he’s been lying to her about who he really is. For the truth-loving Verity, that may be unforgivable.

The tangled web these two have woven may spell disaster for their happiness–and for the tenants of Dungally.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Check her out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com.

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudon Thomas

by admin | Nov 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia

MY REVIEW:

In her latest novel, When Silence Sings, Sarah Loudin Thomas relates the story of Colman Harpe, a young man who feels God’s call on is life despite a long-standing feud between his family and the McClean family. After the death of his cousin at the hands of a McClean, Colman feels an urging from God to take the Gospel to his longtime enemies but like the Biblical story of Jonah, Colman decides to follow his own path and like Jonah, he pays dearly for his choice.

This book is a powerful story filled with exceptional characters both good and evil and there were times some of them surprised me. One in particular was not at all the person I thought he was. It is a story of enemies driven by a feud that no one can remember how it began. It is a story of one man who finally decided to obey God or possibly die and a special woman whose heart was so pure despite the difference that made others fear her.

Although there are hints of romance in When Silence Sings, it is not the primary focus of the story. It is a story that points out the hate and prejudice that drives humans away from God and the power of love and forgiveness to bring reconciliation and restoration to those who need it most.

I have loved each of this author’s previous novels but When Silence Sings is a special story that will linger in my mind for some time to come.

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:

As a Long-Standing Feud Threatens to Spark Once More,
the Fates of Two Families Rest on the Most Unexpected of Shoulders

For years, Serepta McClean has towered over the coal-filled hills of West Virginia, taking more than her share of legal and illegal trade alike. She’s intent on securing the future of the McClean name, despite two unreliable sons and a long-standing feud with the Harpe clan that’s exploded once again into violence.

While many fear her, and many more despise her, few dare to stand against her. Especially not someone like Colman Harpe–a railroad man with dreams of being a preacher. And yet it’s a reluctant Colman, Serepta’s sworn enemy, who finds himself in this powerful woman’s territory, supposedly sent there by God himself to share stories of love and hope.

With the feud growing ever more dangerous, putting the entire region at risk, these two impossibly different people find themselves on a collision course. And the very lives of everyone close to them will be changed forever.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri

Sarah Loudin Thomas (www.sarahloudinthomas.com) is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has time to write because she doesn’t have children of her own. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Sound of Rain and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live near Asheville, NC.

Serving Up Love by Tracie Peterson, Jen Turano, Regina Jennings, & Karen Witemeyer

by admin | Nov 16, 2019 | Books, Harvey House, Romance

MY REVIEW:

As a long-time reader of every author in this collection, I was thankful to be receive complimentary copies and the opportunity to review this excellent anthology of novellas. Each story features a Harvey Girl who works at one of the famous Harvey House restaurant stops along the railroad west. In addition to different characters, the Harvey House in each novella has a different location and/or time frame.

I have previously enjoyed historical novels about the Harvey girls and loved reading more about them. For some reason this aspect of our nation’s history was fascinating to me and it was a treat to learn more about this era of our history. Because of the short format of each novella, I will not attempt to describe each one.

Each of the authors are favorites of mine and I found that each story completely met my expectations. Despite the short length, each author expertly condensed their tale without taking away from its enjoyment. Characters were portrayed in a manner that made me care about each of them and the plots were developed nicely with just the perfect amount of action, suspense, humor, and romance that was necessary. Each story also included a touch of faith that made it more meaningful to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed Serving Up Love and recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction. If you are not familiar with these authors, this book would be an excellent introduction to their work.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Jen Turano, Regina Jennings and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!

A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.

Tracie Peterson – A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life–with a daughter, no less–will she ever be the same?

Karen Witemeyer – More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?

Regina Jennings – Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the rail yard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House–who has secrets of his own–needs her assistance.

Jen Turano – A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York’s pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She’s determined to hold fast to her life of independence–but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

	Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
	Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of eleven books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
	Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
	Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Deadly Christmas Pretense by Dana Mentink

by admin | Nov 12, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Deadly Christmas Pretense is another suspense filled romance from talented author Dana Mentink. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series and loved meeting new ones in this latest installment. Once again the author takes her readers on a sometimes hair-raising adventure as her characters race against time to find evidence against a desperate man before he manages to kill one or more of them. As is often the case, an adorable but pesky dog takes center stage as he proves his worth.

Twin Maggie Lofton is pulled into the dangerous situation when she is mistaken for her sister Tammy whose good intentions to help her employer have gone terribly wrong. Then the cowboy who rides to Maggie’s rescue & refuses to go away just happens to be her sister’s ex-boyfriend. The riveting plot moves from one threat to another as Liam and Maggie grow closer with each encounter. Will Liam be able to overcome his fear about a physical handicap and begin to trust Maggie with his future or is their relationship doomed? I’ll never tell but you can find out more if you pick up your own copy of this excellent Christmas romantic suspense.

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: Deadly Christmas Pretense

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance

Release Date: November 4, 2019

Click here to get your copy.

A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

MORE FROM DANA:

I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!