by admin | Sep 24, 2017 | Books, England, Mystery, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Linda Shenton Matchett is a new-to-me author so I was uncertain about what I might expect when I began reading “Under Fire”. I had no need to worry because I was quickly drawn into the story and found it one that was difficult to stop reading.
Well written with plenty of historical details and a great deal of mystery and suspense, the story is centered around journalist Ruth Brown and her quest to learn the truth about what happened to her sister who was believed to be dead despite the lack of a body. Ruth was a strong and determined character who could at times be a bit reckless in her drive to solve the mystery behind her sister’s disappearance. Convinced Jane was still alive, Ruth refused to give up, even when her own life was in danger. Her anger at God had contributed to a disturbing lack of faith that left Ruth vulnerable to the evil around her.
I enjoyed “Under Fire” and will certainly keep my eyes open for more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to Purchase
Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com).
Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett:
Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings). Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.
As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.
In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.
BLOG STOPS:
It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14
Blogging With Carol, September 14
Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16
cherylbbookblog, September 17
Carpe Diem, September 17
A Reader’s Brain, September 18
Bigreadersite, September 18
Blossoms and Blessings, September 19
The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19
Janices book reviews, September 20
Back Porch Reads, September 20
A Baker’s Perspective, September 21
Just the Write Escape, September 21
Pause for Tales , September 22
Have A Wonderful Day, September 22
Lights in a Dark World , September 23
Connie’s History Classroom , September 23
Karen Sue Hadley, September 24
Vicky Sluiter, September 25
Daysong Reflections , September 25
Mary Hake, September 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray’s Lone Star Hero’s Love Story series so I was happy to have the opportunity to review the latest book in the series, “Love Held Captive”. I was not disappointed. In fact this book actually provides the reader with two different love stories.
Once again, Confederate officers who spent time in the same prison camp are featured. Both Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe are heroes in this novel and they both meet women who have managed to survive the war on their own despite many hardships. Both women have also been mistreated by a despicable man who had also spent time in the prison camp with them. Will Ethan and Devin become the true heroes Lizbeth and Julianne need?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Love Held Captive”. Although it did touch on some very adult subject matter, I personally thought it was handled tastefully and discreetly with no explicit intimate scenes. Some readers may still prefer to pass on this book and that is their choice.
The plot is well written and moves along steadily with some flashbacks to the prison camp that helps set a background for the relationships between the men. As in the previous novels, I was impressed by the strength of their friendships and their determination to be there for the others when needed. I have loved this series and am hoping this will not be the last book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.
Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.
Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.
When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Blue Ridge Sunrise” was an enjoyable romantic novel that features two people who had been in love but life came between them. Circumstances unexpectedly bring them back into contact and anyone who has ever read any romance novels has an idea of what happens. Of course there are secrets between them and another man who does everything he can to cause problems. Oh, there is also a cute little girl who will steal your heart.
Characters are well-defined, so much so that many readers have difficulty liking the female lead Zoe, including myself. Eventually, after learning more of her background, I was able to understand Zoe better and maybe even like her a bit. Cruz, on the other hand, was the perfect hero despite having a few flaws of his own. Kyle, the other guy, is a classic jerk who is very easy to dislike intensely.
The plot moves back and forth between present and the past which fills the reader in on what actually happened between Zoe, Cruz, and Kyle and how they reached the present point in their lives. Some drama and action are included but the story very much revolves around the relationship of Zoe and Cruz. As mentioned by other reviewers, the faith thread is not as strong in this book as previous ones but it is still a clean novel with no violence or graphic intimate scenes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe–a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?
Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.
As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband have three boys and are rapidly approaching an empty nest.
You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter
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by admin | Sep 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Michigan, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In the eagerly anticipated return to Rock Harbor, “Beneath Copper Falls”, Colleen Coble has proven once again that she is a master of suspense. This dark tale of a stalker and murders should have readers attempting to decide if the same person is guilty of both crimes. Definitely a page-turner, this novel had me holding my breath at times while the pages never stopped turning. It was one of those books that made me have to know what would happen yet I did not want it to end.
“Beneath Copper Falls” took me with Dana and Boone along a tangled web of danger and mystery. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and admired how Dana was able to overlook Boone’s physical appearance to see the beauty of his inner person. It was fun to touch base with Rock Harbor residents I met in the earlier books. Funny how they seem so real!
Although this book is technically part of the Rock Harbor series, it can easily stand alone and would be a good place to try one of Colleen Coble’s books if you haven’t done so already. Take it from me, once you read one of her novels, you will probably want to read them all.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dana has already learned that love isn’t safe . . . but could it be different in Rock Harbor?
As a 911 dispatcher, Dana Newell takes pride in being calm in tough circumstances. In addition to her emotionally-charged career, she’s faced enough emergencies in her own life. She recently escaped her abusive fiancé to move to tranquil Rock Harbor where she hopes life will be more peaceful.
But the idyllic town hides more danger and secrets than it first appeared. Dana is continually drawn to her new friend Boone, who has scars inside and out. Then she answers a call at her job only to hear a friend’s desperate screams on the other end. Soon the pain in her past collides with the mysteries of her new home—and threatens to keep her from the future she’s always wanted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written numerous romantic suspense novels including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and Beneath Copper Falls. Visit her website at ColleenCoble.com, Twitter: @colleencoble, Facebook: colleencoblebooks.
by admin | Sep 19, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Two of Us” is a contemporary romance with multiple related story lines. Although Jake and Mia are the primary characters, the reader will also get to know Mia’s younger sister Lucy and her new husband Sam. Jake’s parents are also major players in the plot.
Mia has had two broken engagements and has pretty much given up on finding love. In fact, she is strongly pursuing a job in out-of-country medical missions. Jake’s dream of opening a center for boys who have lost parents is challenged from all sides, especially by a particular grouchy neighbor. When brought together by their relationship to Lucy and Sam, Mia and Jake seem to be attracted to each other but is there any hope at all for a relationship?
I really liked Jake and how he handled his disability and managed to take care of everyone he cared for. Mia was a bit more difficult to like. I grew frustrated with her determination to continue the pursuit of foreign missions when her talents would have been perfect to help Jake with his center. It was gratifying to see how God stepped in and changed all their plans for His own purposes.
A sweet romance (or two) that nevertheless introduces real life problems such as a premarital high-risk pregnancy, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, hearing loss, etc., “The Two of Us” moved at a steady pace and had a satisfying conclusion. The author has a way with words that makes me want to keep turning those pages. I always enjoy her books and hope others will give them a try.
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:
After two broken engagements, Mia Robinson is done with dating. From now on, she’s focusing on God and her goal to join an international aid organization as a nurse practitioner. But when her 18-year-old sister, Lucy, calls with an invitation to her Vegas wedding, it throws a wrench into Mia’s plans.
Jake Tanner has recovered from the injuries he sustained as a police officer–on the outside. Inside, he’s yet to heal from losing his partner in the tragedy, but finds some solace in keeping an eye on her young adult son, Sam, who’s asked him to be best man at his wedding.
Mia expects a mess when she arrives to sort out the situation with Lucy, but she wasn’t expecting Jake, who views the marriage a little differently. As Jake’s and Mia’s lives slowly become more intertwined, could his courage and her caring heart be enough to bring them a lifetime of healing?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Scott Walz
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Visit her website at www.victoriabylin.com to find out more.
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by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Barbour Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger…and love?
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.
But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.
Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.
What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series–a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale–by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com
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