by admin | Aug 18, 2016 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Once again Shelley Shepard Gray has proven her versatility in writing different genres. I first got to know her work through Amish fiction but have since read a number of her novels outside that genre and have been so impressed with her talent.
“The Loyal Heart” is the first book in a new series that promises to be everything I look for in my reading choices. As far as I’m concerned, it was just perfect! I loved the strong characters, especially Robert and Miranda. I also appreciated the basic premise of the story in which several Confederate officers who were prisoners of war made a pact with each other to always be there for each other and their families. In this volume, Robert is called upon to make sure fellow officer Phillip Markham’s widow Miranda is okay. Naturally he finds himself falling in love with her despite how often he tells himself how inappropriate that would be.
I really liked how I was able to see both sides of the story from Robert and Miranda’s viewpoints. The suspense and drama was woven into the plot seamlessly with a few surprises along the way. Faith was also an important factor but it was never intrusive. “The Loyal Heart” held my interest until the very end. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.
Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.
After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.
Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.
He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
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 | Aug 18, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with Rachel Dylan’s novels but when I read a description of “Devoted Defender” I was pretty certain that she writes the kind of books I like to read. To prepare myself to review this book I decided to purchase the first book in the series “Lethal Action” and was so glad I did. Although each of the books easily stands on its own, I loved having the background from the first one as I read “Devoted Defender”. I will have to find time to review “Lethal Action” also.
When Annie Thomas witnesses a murder, she is forced to run for her life. When she arrives in Maxwell, Georgia she decides the small town may be a good place to lie low. Her first encounter is with police chief Caleb Winters when he pulls her over for speeding. Because of events in her past, Annie is afraid to trust the man who seems to read her mind. It doesn’t take very long until she is forced to trust him with her life.
The plot of “Devoted Defender” jumps right into action from the very first page and the danger and suspense mounts with each chapter. No matter what Caleb and other trusted law enforcement try, Annie’s location is compromised over and over. As most readers will expect, Caleb and Annie’s close proximity during such threatening circumstances leads to the inevitable romance between them. Fortunately the relationship develops in a natural and believable manner and does not seem forced. The story was filled with unexpected twists and a couple of major revelations that kept me on edge throughout.
I enjoyed catching up with Gabe and Hope as well as meeting Caleb’s twin Mac and their sister Gabby. I am hoping the entire crew will show up in future books of this series. Another author has been added to my favorites list and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more of Rachel’s books.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Danger in the Deep South Book 2
Personal Chef Annie Thomas thought she’d finally found a safe haven from her past. But when her boss is shot in cold blood leaving her as the only witness, she’s forced to go on the run—again. And this time there is an even bigger target on her back.
Navy SEAL turned small town police chief Caleb Winters doesn’t like that danger has come to Maxwell, Georgia. But he vows to protect the innocent woman seeking refuge from an organized crime network that he knows will stop at nothing to tie up loose ends.
When hiding is no longer an option and threats surround them, will Caleb be the devoted defender Annie needs with her life on the line?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist.
Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
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by admin | Aug 15, 2016 | Books, Historical, Mexico, Romance, Western, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
With its World War 2 era setting in Mexico, “Twice Redeemed” is a more modern than usual tale that still has the feel of the old west. The heroine of this story is Mercedes, a saloon girl who is essentially a slave to the obviously evil owner of the establishment. Because she helped another of his “girls” escape (in Book 1 of the Jericho Resistance series), Mercedes is punished in various ways, including physical abuse. If only the American cowboy who offered to take her with him would come back Mercedes would not refuse his offer again. Fortunately for Mercedes, John Durbin did return to take her to the United States with him but doing so would be easier said than done.
Overall, I enjoyed “Twice Redeemed”. The characters were well developed and I could easily relate to their difficulties. I particularly liked reading about the old woman who helped Mercedes and John and would have liked to learn more about her. I was also intrigued by the group who called themselves the Jericho Resistance and felt like there is a story there that I would love to know more about. The plot contained enough action, danger, and suspense to keep me reading and included a few twists that surprised me which is always fun. The story was resolved well at the end although there were a few questions left in the air that I hope will be answered in Book 3.
Although the second book in a series, “Twice Redeemed” easily stood alone but it did leave me with enough curiosity about the first book that I will probably go back and read it also when I find the time.
A digital copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Who will save her from herself?
After helping another girl escape, Mercedes Nobles suffers unspeakable abuse at Jericho. So when an American cowboy rides into town, she jumps at the opportunity to start a new life… even though she carries a secret that could destroy any chance of happiness for either of them.
John Durbin may have turned in his badge, but he still believes in living by a code of honor. That includes returning to a seedy Mexican saloon and rescuing a woman who helped his friends escape. However, the tables turn and he finds himself married in name only.
Struggling with cultural differences, they question if their marriage will survive. Will John sacrifice his faith to make his new bride happy? How will Mercedes redeem herself when John learns of the secret she’s hiding?
To purchase your own copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mimi Milan spent two decades scribbling away in notebooks before realizing that her life’s calling was to write. So she returned from Mexico and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Film. She currently resides in the suburbs of Charlotte, making time for God, family and imaginary friends.
BLOG STOPS:
August 9: Blossoms and Blessings
August 10: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
August 11: Books,Dreams,Life
August 12: History, Mystery & Faith
August 13: A Greater Yes
August 13: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
August 14: The Wits About
August 15: Daysong Reflections
August 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 17: Bibliophile Reviews
August 18: God is Love
August 19: A Baker’s Perspective
August 20: cherylbbookblog
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 22: Debbie Dusty Deliberations
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by admin | Aug 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Fetching Sweetness” is a lighthearted romance that features a dog with the unlikely name of Sweetness. Stephanie Pink, on the quest for a manuscript she hopes will cement her place as a literary agent, and Rhett Hastings, a man on a mission from God (or so he thinks) are almost secondary characters considering the crazy antics of Sweetness. One near disaster after another plagues Stephanie Pink as they join forces to deliver Sweetness to his home after Stephanie agrees to help Rhett with his own quest. Sparks fly between the pair during their adventurous journey up the northwest coast.
The romantic tension between Rhett and Stephanie was perfect. I enjoyed every minute of their dialogue and the way neither of them hesitated to speak the truth as they saw it. The spiritual content was excellent yet unobtrusive. And did I mention Sweetness who was the real star. What a mutt with his soft heart and tendency to rescue every creature he ran across!
I very much enjoyed “Fetching Sweetness” and plan to keep my eyes open for future books by this author.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Standing between Stephanie and her dream is one hundred pounds of lovable trouble.
It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.
But Agnes’s canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.
When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog…thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.
Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it’s a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.
Find out more about Dana at http://www.danamentink.com.
A recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest can only be found in Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink. It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Retrieve a reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent. But when the author’s canine companion, Sweetness, makes a break for it and Stephanie has to track Sweetness down, she meets Rhett Hastings. They’re in for a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.
Celebrate the release of Fetching Sweetness with Dana by entering to win the Sweetness Unleashed Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 24. The winner will be announced August 25 on Dana’s blog.
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by admin | Aug 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have previously enjoyed Christy Barritt’s books so it was an honor to become a member of her influencer team for “Disillusioned”. I’ll admit I did not expect this novel to be the intense page-turner it proved to be. Wow! What a story!
What could be more intriguing than a plot where the protagonists are on the run as they try to prove a recently released military prisoner is not the terrorist he is accused of being. Unfortunately the evidence keeps piling up to prove otherwise and even his sister and best friend find themselves doubting his innocence – at least part of the time. The action barely stops for an occasional breather and the tension keeps rising. Nikki is beginning to lose hope and her trust in God is stretched thin but Kade, the man who hurt her in the past, is the one who now encourages her to return to her faith.
“Disillusioned” is an action-packed thriller that could easily be taken from today’s news. Filled with suspense, danger, as well as numerous twists and surprises, it moves along at a fast clip yet also allows time for a romance to reignite. Strong characters are so real that I found myself right in the story with them. The spiritual content is strong but natural and not invasive.
I consider myself to be fairly open-minded toward others but “Disillusioned” opened my eyes to some of my own prejudices. Like many, I was skeptical when Bowe Bergdahl was returned to the U.S. and suspected that he could actually be a traitor. Now I’m not so sure. Since reading “Disillusioned” I plan to make much needed adjustments to my tendency to judge. It became quite evident during the course of the story that often nothing is as it seems and it is too easy to jump to hasty conclusions.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Disillusioned” and heartily recommend it to those who are suspense fans. I love Christy Barritt’s novels. I just need to find more time to read them all.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal.
But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust Kade? After all, the man who broke her heart eight years ago is anything but safe…
Hiding out in a farmhouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Nikki finds her loyalties—and the remnants of her long-held faith—tested as she and Kade put aside their differences to keep Bobby’s increasingly erratic behavior under wraps. But when Bobby disappears, Nikki will have to trust Kade completely if she wants to uncover the truth about a rumored conspiracy. Nikki’s life—and the fate of the nation—depends on it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life–and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Over and over I have found Robert Whitlow’s books to live up to the promotions that compare them to those of John Grisham. Personally, I prefer Robert Whitlow. He is a wonderful storyteller who is able to mix legal details, suspense, faith, and even romance in such a way that I look for excuses to keep reading rather than perform those daily tasks I need to attend. I particularly like the manner in which Whitlow shares just enough legal details to inform the reader without boring me to tears or putting me to sleep.
“The Witnesses” may be one of Whitlow’s finest to date in my opinion. The story features a young man and his grandfather, both endowed with a prophetic gifting that sometimes allows them to see glimpses of the future. Grandfather Frank (Franz) used his gift to aid Nazi Germany against its enemies and has lived with regrets for most of his life. Grandson Parker is a young lawyer at the beginning of his career and it remains to be seen how he will choose to use his gift. In a tale where the past intersects with the present, even Frank must choose a path for the rest of his life.
I appreciated the way spiritual truth and faith were woven throughout the story, especially the way Frank began to understand his gifting from a Biblical viewpoint. I also thought that Frank’s strong friendship with his fishing buddy Lenny was another special touch. There is so much I could say about “The Witnesses” and its powerful story of redemption and second chances but I feel it would be best for you the read it yourself. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.
Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.
While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.
Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
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