by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The first book in Robin Patchen’s Beauty in Flight series (with the same title) is a quick read due to its short length and could actually be considered a novella. The book introduces Harper Cloud, a young woman who has attempted to rebuild her life after a stint in prison. Loving her work with the elderly, she tries to ignore the feelings that she is being watched but a close call convinces her to accept a job taking care of her new boyfriend’s grandfather in Maryland. Is a second chance really possible for Harper or will her past catch up with her?
Overall I thought Beauty in Flight was a good read with enough suspense to keep it interesting. The characters were realistic and relatable. The author managed to drop a few clues along the way which left me with some doubts about one particular character. Some readers have complained that there was not enough Christian content but as this is a series, I anticipate that readers will see that particular topic expand in later installments.
I was able to read the entire series in order during a short span of time so the fact that I was left hanging at the end of this installment was not as frustrating as it might have been if I was forced to wait on the next book in the series. My advice would be to read all three books one after the other if possible. In my opinion, the three books could easily have been published as one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.
Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can’t entice her away. She’s trusted men before, and look where that got her.
She tries to brush off the feeling that she’s being watched. She won’t allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she’s followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair’s breadth of grabbing her. She knows it’s time to get away from Las Vegas.
Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.
But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down–and take Harper with him.
Can there be a second chance for someone like her?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 2, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
You can always expect an action-packed, faith-filled, romantic, and humorous story when they open any novel by Mary Connealy and The Unexpected Champion is no exception. In this wonderful conclusion to the Sierra Sweethearts series, readers encounter one surprising twist after another, including a kidnapping and harrowing escape, a forced marriage, and a massive wall enclosing a mansion in the wilderness.
The unlikely pair of John McCall and Penny Scott are opposites in almost every way. Penny’s expertise in necessary wilderness skills and her habit of dressing accordingly are a puzzle to city bred detective John whose attire is not exactly geared to his current situation – and that is just the beginning of their differences. Of course anyone who reads novels by Mary Connealy on a regular basis knows exactly how that will end up. A truly evil villain keeps the pair on their toes as they (and their friends) attempt to bring him to justice.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing was perfect and the subtle humor and romantic vignettes offered a welcome break from the escalating danger and suspense. Every aspect of the story was woven together with the skill that keeps this author near the top of my must read list.
If you have not experienced a Mary Connealy novel, The Unexpected Champion might be a great place to start but I personally suggest reading the entire series in order for the greatest enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They’re as Different as Could Be.
But They’ll Need to Trust Each Other to Survive
the Wilderness . . . and the Dangers Chasing Them.
City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.
When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.
When they emerge back into the real world, they discover their kidnapper just won’t stop. This city man and country woman must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, all while fighting a very inconvenient attraction to each other.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
by admin | Mar 2, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Just when I thought Susan May Warren’s heroes could not be topped, lo and behold she gives her readers Knox Marshall. I have always had a weakness for cowboys – probably because of all the westerns I watched with my Dad as a child. Two of my favorite TV series in my teens were Stoney Burke and Wild Country, shows that only older readers may remember had rodeo settings. Needless to say, Knox was exactly my cup of tea.
The book literally started off with a bang within the first few chapters and the drama, action, danger, and romance just escalated from that point on. I loved the characters. Knox was a somewhat brooding guy, responsible to the nth degree and with a protective streak a mile wide yet he was secretly resentful because he was left to take care of the family ranch while his brothers followed and achieved their dreams. Kelsey was a gorgeous singer in a popular girl band who mostly entertained at rodeos but she was haunted by her past and running from it as fast as she could, hoping it didn’t catch up to her. Then there was Tate, another of the Marshall brothers who will star in his own book soon. I loved getting to know him along with Knox and can’t wait to find out how their stories continue.
As is customary with any book by this author, I devoured it quickly and was disappointed to see it end much too soon. Needless to say I eagerly await Tate’s story.
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:
Montana rancher Knox Marshall’s danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider’s Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary. He can’t help but wonder if his best years are behind him.
Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be – vivacious and confident – burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.
Knox and Kelsey’s paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.
When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he’ll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he’s always longed to be.
The explosive beginning to the Montana Marshall series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over 65 novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-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: The Story Equation.
by admin | Feb 23, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
I read The Road to Magnolia Glen back in June of 2018 and somehow never got around to reviewing it. I actually thought I had. Hopefully I can remember enough about it to provide a decent review. I have read a large number of books in the past seven or eight months so hopefully I won’t get details confused with another book. I have enjoyed each and every book I’ve read by Pam Hillman and intend to read every on she releases in the future. I particularly loved the ones set in Breeze Hill with their wonderful historical southern setting and engaging plots filled with drama, romance, and a goodly amount of danger and suspense. Her characters are very well-rounded and I truly enjoyed getting to know each of them. Those O’Shea men are true heroes despite their roots in poverty stricken Ireland.
The Road to Magnolia Glen features Kiera Young who has traveled to Natchez for a marriage arranged by her brother-in-law. As it turned out, marriage was the least of her intended’s plans for her and her sisters. Of course there was an O’Shea to the rescue, this time Quinn who carries hard feelings toward the brother he feels abandoned their family in Ireland. Naturally a relationship developed between Quinn and Kiera as danger increased to the entire family.
This book is a wonderful story about the power of forgiveness. It can be easily read as a stand alone book but is so much more enjoyable if read after The Promise of Breeze Hill. I look forward to more books by this excellent author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1792, Natchez Trace, MS
Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.
Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.
Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman
by admin | Feb 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Fatal Homecoming is a fast-paced suspense with more than enough action and danger to keep even the most avid suspense fan glued to its pages. I really enjoyed reading about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a change of pace.
Well rounded characters and a riveting plot keep me reading until the end. I also liked the way the author managed to weave a strong spiritual message into the story through conversations between the primary characters who found that depending on God was all that would get them through the increasing threats to their lives.
I liked this book enough to inspire me to look for more by this new-to-me author. I hope to enjoy another of her books in the near future.
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:
| Title: Fatal Homecoming
Author: Stacey Weeks
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Write Integrity Press
Click here to purchase your copy!
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It was murder. She was sure. And that assurance could cost her life.
Undercover RCMP officer Rick Chandler poses as a detective in the small town of Chenaniah River. He is investigating the possibility of a corrupt police force when Jessie returns to bury her brother, and she refuses to believe evidence that point to her deceased brother’s involvement in drug trafficking. Soon, the same person that murdered her brother targets her. Can Rick help Jessie dodge bullets, escape fires, and exonerate her brother before the attacks escalate?
Jessie Berns has returned to her hometown to find answers about her brother’s suspicious death. With the help of an old friend, Detective Rick Chandler, they pursue a truth that someone is willing to do anything to keep hidden—even kill again. They uncover decades-old secrets that expose hidden sins and threaten the lifestyles of high-powered people in their small town.
As they close in on the devious mastermind manipulating the community, it becomes frighteningly clear to Rick that Jessie is not the one calling the shots in her amateur investigation. She is the killer’s new target.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stacey Weeks: My primary ministry in life crowds around my dining room table like a ravenous herd every night. My husband and children are both my greatest blessing and greatest ministry opportunity. Caring for them is a privilege bestowed upon me as wife and mother.
I believe God simultaneously called Kevin and me into ministry. Kevin’s calling was clear – he is a pastor. I, on the other hand, took years to recognize the specific areas in which I was equipped and called serve. I believe that God has called me to meet Kevin’s needs, to meet the needs of our children, and to serve Him personally.
GUEST POST FROM STACEY WEEKS:
A Pile of Stones
Often, the things I am studying in the bible make their way into my novels. At the time of writing Fatal Homecoming, I was reading the book of Joshua.
In Joshua chapter four, Joshua describes the pile of stones the Israelites built as a memorial to God. Those stones were evidence of the Lord’s provision for them. The monument was a reminder to future generations that God had delivered his people.
In Fatal Homecoming, Jessie needs to remember God’s provision. She wears a unique pendant passed down through the women of her family. Her necklace is comprised of river stones that represent the rocks from Joshua. They are to remind that God always meets His children in their moment of need.
Shortly after writing this necklace into Fatal Homecoming crisis struck a good friend of mine. As our church gathered around a suffering family to love and support them in their time of need, I decided to make a real pendant of stones to give to my friend to remind her and to remind me that God meets every need in His time and in His way.
The pendant of stones can be strung on a necklace or keychain. It is more than words on paper and more than a pile of rocks strung on a string. It was a reference point. They mark where God gave me a story to share so that others may know and believe.
If you are the lucky winner of this pendant of stones, I pray that every time you look at it, touch it, and feel the weight of it around your neck that you will remember to believe that your God is good. Always.
Stacey has also gifted all the blog readers with a short story to download. Enjoy!
Click here to download.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14
Carpe Diem, February 14
Real World Bible Study, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Multifarious, February 16
Mary Hake, February 16
Bibliophile Reviews, February 17
Bukwurmzzz, February 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18
Maureen’s Musings, February 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 19
Texas Book-aholic, February 19
Through the Fire Blogs, February 20
Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 20 |
Quiet Quilter, February 21
Inklings and Notions, February 21
Daysong Reflections, February 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22
As He Leads is Joy, February 23
Simple Harvest Reads, February 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Spoken from the Heart, February 24
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 24
EmpowerMoms, February 25
Janices book reviews , February 25
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 26
Bigreadersite , February 26
A Baker’s Perspective, February 27 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Stacey is giving away a grand prize of a beautiful handmade necklace (May vary from picture)!!
Be sure to enter the giveaway for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/da8a/fatal-homecoming-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Feb 21, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe’ is a wonderful story that features a group of friends who have become family to each other. They are there for each other through thick and thin – encouraging when encouragement is needed, exhorting and offering wisdom when the circumstances require it, and above all loving each other without reserve. As the second book in Laureano’s Supper Club series, this one can easily stand on its own but the reading experience will be deeper and more enjoyable if the series is read in order.
I loved getting to know each of the women in this series and with each book I feel that I get to know the featured woman even better. The relationship dynamics are superb and each person added to their growing circle adds another layer of strength to the group. It was so edifying to see how Melody and Rachel worked together to pursue their dreams as well as how the Lord worked in their lives despite numerous complications. The same could be said for the growing relationship between Melody and Justin that seemed to have no hope of succeeding due to the directions their individual careers were leading them.
And then there was the food! I could literally almost smell the bread baking and taste the various other foods mentioned throughout the course of the book. What torment to a diabetic who loves to bake but has had to give up sugar and carbs forever.
Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe’ is a delightful read that kept me content until the last page. Although there was not a great deal of action and no mystery to solve, there were a few surprises along the way in this absolutely satisfying novel. I recommend it to all but do suggest reading The Saturday Night Supper Club first to get the full experience.
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:
| Title: Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe
Author: Carla Laureano
Genre: Christian Romance
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Tyndale
Click here to purchase your copy.
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Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.
Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.
Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.
GUEST POST FROM CARLA:
“Confessions of An Erstwhile Baker”
Like most females, baking is encoded somewhere deep down in my DNA. Call it nature or call it nurture, but at the earliest age, I figured out that the cute boy in my English class would talk to me if it involved chocolate chip cookies. Got my heart broken or had a friend betray me? I grabbed the mixing bowl and went for the brownies (even better if they’re served à la mode.) My friend was having a birthday? I made a cake drowned in pounds of buttercream.
I quickly graduated from the boxed mixes to the real thing when I got married and had a kitchen large enough to roll out dough. I would comb magazines for the best recipes and spend my weekends trying them out. I quickly became known for bringing beautifully iced Christmas cookies and delicious homemade cakes to work.
Then my husband and I moved our young family from Los Angeles to Denver, a relocation that was about 1000 miles northeast and 5000 feet up. Suddenly, every recipe I’d perfected in the previous eight years failed. Cookies burned to crisps, cakes fell, and don’t get me started on candy making. Gradually, I adapted my recipes (my beloved never-fail Toll House recipe took eight tries to get right) and even became an avid artisan bread-baker.
Then disaster. Or at least, what a baker would consider a disaster. After developing chronic health problems, I discovered that among other things, I was sensitive to gluten. The horror! In order to heal, I turned to the paleo diet, which eliminates all grains (there goes most gluten free recipes) and all processed sugars (there goes everything else). I’ve tried baking paleo-style, and while I can now make cakes that even my gluten-fiend family enjoy, it’s just not the same.
So what’s a once-obsessive baker do when she can’t eat her creations? She bakes for other people and goes on faith that they actually taste good… considering she can’t taste them herself.
It struck me that there was a spiritual lesson in that, and an obvious tie to Brunch at Bittersweet Café, which deals in large part with Melody’s faith journey. There are times when we have no idea if things are working out the way they’re supposed to, in which case we just have to trust the “recipe” and the input of friends and family who love us. Sometimes our instincts tell us when we’re off track, and sometimes we need that outside nudge from our “taste-testers” to put us back on course.
In any case, what Melody and I have in common is that we both bake to show our love for the people around us. And the process of baking my favorites, even knowing that I can’t enjoy them myself, can still be a selfless way to show people they’re important to me.
Fortunately, macarons, which happen to be made with almond flour, are still on the menu.
BLOG STOPS:
| Quiet Quilter, February 12
Among the Reads, February 12
Lighthouse Academy, February 12
By The Book, February 12
The Power of Words, February 13
As He Leads is Joy, February 13
Cultivating Us, February 13
Blossoms and Blessings, February 13
Fiction Aficionado, February 14
The Lit Addict, February 14
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, February 14
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves, February 14
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 15
Just the Write Escape, February 15
100 Pages per Hour, February 15
Splashes of Joy, February 15
Bibliophile Reviews, February 16
Texas Book-aholic, February 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16
C Jane Read, February 17
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 17
Moments, February 17
Back Porch Reads, February 17
Cordially Barbara, February 18
Genesis 5020, February 18
Simple Harvest Reads, February 18 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18 |
Livin’ Lit, February 19
Kat’s Corner Books, February 19
Life with the Tribe, February 19
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 19
Through the Fire Blogs, February 20
Remembrancy, February 20
Vicky Sluiter, February 20
Living Life Free in Christ, February 20
2014 and Beyond!, February 21
Daysong Reflections, February 21
Inklings and Notions, February 21
Pause for Tales, February 21
Cafinated Reads, February 22
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 22
two points of interest, February 22
Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 22
My Devotional Thoughts, February 23
Two Girls and a Book, February 23
The Christian Fiction Girl, February 23
For the love of books, February 23
God is Love, February 24
Book by Book, February 24
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 24
Janices book reviews, February 24
Lukewarm Tea, February 25
Carpe Diem, February 25
A Baker’s Perspective, February 25
Bigreadersite, February 25 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away a grand prize package of a macaron baking mat, a macaron book, and a paperback copy of Brunch at Bittersweet Café!!
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/db0f/brunch-at-bittersweet-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway
