by admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
My past experiences with Katy Lee’s novels have proven that I can count on her for an exciting and suspense-filled evening. I also know that I don’t have to worry about running across any explicit intimacy or gruesome violence. For the icing on the cake, I know that I will also find a strong vein of truth and faith running throughout the pages. As the first book in her new Roads to Danger series, “Silent Night Pursuit” totally lived up to my expectations.
Lacey Phillips takes a road trip to learn what Wade Spencer might know about why her brother died. Fully expecting to be back home in time for Christmas dinner, Lacey quickly finds herself in the middle of much more than she expected and begins to wonder if she will ever make it back home at all. Against his will, Wade is forced to flee with Lacey as they both run for their very lives.
Katy Lee seems to get better with each book. In “Silent Night Pursuit” she has amped up the danger and suspense with some absolutely breath-stopping scenes and a mystery that might just surprise most readers. Of course the reader will also expect a romance to develop because that is the very nature of any Love Inspired novel but I particularly liked the way this one developed.
I am really afraid to say more for fear of spoilers but I will say that “Silent Night Pursuit” is the perfect mystery/suspense to have on hand if one finds a few spare moments during the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. And – it would even be a good read after the holidays. I loved it!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lacey Phillips believes Captain Wade Spencer knows something about her brother’s mysterious death. So she throws caution to the wind and tracks him down on Christmas Eve looking for answers. Wade tries to turn her away—until bullets start to fly. He doesn’t want to take the stubborn beauty on his life-or-death mission to find out the truth about how Wade’s past may have cost her brother his life. But with killers lurking everywhere, he has to protect her—especially when she breaches the walls around his heart. Can Wade and his faithful service dog keep Lacey alive long enough to figure out who’s targeting them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katy Lee writes suspenseful romances that thrill and inspire. She believes every story should stir and satisfy the reader–from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on.
Visit Katy at: www.KatyLeeBooks.com.
by admin | Nov 24, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Connie Almony is an author to keep your eye on. Not only are her novels well written and easy to read but she is not afraid to tackle tough issues in them. That she does so with such tact and realism without the crudeness one might find in a secular novel just increases my respect for her writing.
I love Connie’s down-to-earth characters who are broken and have things in their past they would rather not come to the light. Even as strong Christians, their struggle to follow their faith is one most believers should be able to identify with. Despite characters with ugly pasts and only too human personal battles, “Flee From Evil” has a strong message of faith that flows through its pages.
“Flee From Evil” is a romantic suspense novel with a plot that entrapped me until it’s very end. I was not much use around the house until I finished reading it. The story has just the right amount of danger, mystery, and romance with a touch of occasional humor.
I would highly recommend this novel and am considering purchasing a paperback copy for my keeper shelf.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A pastor with a past uses his underworld connections to try and save the child of the woman he wronged many years ago.
Pastor Vince Steegle thought his destructive beginnings were ancient history, but the ramifications of his prior choices just walked in the door of his church. Is Romans 8:28 really true? Can God really make all things good? Or is Vince’s past just too ugly?
After the death of her much-beloved husband, Cassandra Whitaker is looking for security for her children. One, a teen on the cusp of womanhood. The other, a young boy struggling with the effects of autism. But there are those who seek to destroy them. Can Cassandra keep her family safe, or must she flee from evil?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She’s just a suburb gal from the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis. And that’s what Connie Almony’s fiction is about, a diverse population which is truly, and beautifully, colorful.
Trained as a mental health counselor, she hopes you won’t hold that against her. Though this training helps her delve into the motivations that drive her characters, she promises not to therapize you.
Her favorite things to do include listening to awesome Christian Contemporary music (like Third Day and NeedtoBreathe) and read great stories with colorful characters while spending time with her adoring family. She loves to brainstorm with her almost thirteen-year-old daughter, who writes chapter books on the side, and share peaceful moments with her sixteen-year-old son (who’s like a gentle breeze).
The bantering style of her characters is inspired by her husband’s deep love of mischief, particularly that which craves a sharp response ;o). Still, she loves him anyway … which covers a multitude of sins. She’s been married almost twenty years and counts each one better than the one before.
See more on ConnieAlmony.com
by admin | Nov 23, 2015 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It has been awhile since I read a book by Andrea Boeshaar so I had forgotten how much I enjoy her writing. Her characters came alive in “A Thousand Shall Fall’ and I felt like I was right there with them. Vivid imagery and a well-paced plot held my interest and brought my hatred of war to the surface.
Set in the Shedandoah Valley during the Civil War, the story quickly has its heroine Carrie Ann Bell witnessing a fierce battle between the Northern and Southern armies and being held (for her own protection) in the Yankee camp. A renewed acquaintance with the dashing Colonel Peyton Collier seems to be developing into something more but how can that ever work out?
The compelling story depicts life during the Civil War with all its drama, danger, violence, secrecy, and emotions yet is tempered with occasional humor and a sweet romance that ends well. As a fan of historical fiction, I was impressed by the historical accuracy as well as the author’s attempt to show both sides of the story fairly.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War
Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off–only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.
Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally–and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Boeshaar is the cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers and runs “The Writer’s ER,” a coaching service for writers. She is the author of thirty published works, including Threads of Faith, a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. Andrea is also the author of a popular devotional and regularly blogs on a number of sites.
Find out more about Andrea at http://www.andreaboeshaar.com.
Andrea is celebrating the release of A Thousand Shall Fall with a Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Thousand Shall Fall
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 10th. The winner will be announced December 11th on Andrea’s blog.
by admin | Nov 16, 2015 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Where does a story go when its opening pages include a surprise proposal with a negative reply and the couple must still spend the next week in one house with the man’s huge extended family? Well, “An Endless Christmas” has a few surprises in store and nothing turns out quite like the heroine (or the reader) might expect.
“An Endless Christmas” is a wonderful tale with memorable characters. Katie truly loves Micah but mistakenly thinks she can protect him from future heartache by not marrying him – after all, family history indicates that she is a poor risk. Micah is such a steadfast and patient hero who loves the Lord, his family and Katie without reserve. And the rest of the Binder family are the family most of us would love to have, loving and faith-filled people who never question life’s circumstances and love without judgment. Wilson Binder’s nightly whispered benedictions over each person present touched a place in me that made me yearn for a person like him in my life.
A touching story, “An Endless Christmas” included moments of humor, drama, and even grief but its message left me with such a feeling of satisfaction and hope. This is a book to share with those you love this season. I hope you will.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.
Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and speaking for women’s and writers’ events. Her books have been recognized by Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Selah Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Christian Retailing’s BEST Awards, and Carol Award nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers’ Choice Award. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville, Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.
Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.
There’s no getting out of Christmas now, despite Katie rejecting Micah’s marriage proposal. Cozy up this holiday season with Cynthia Ruchti’s new novella, An Endless Christmas. The Binder family celebrates every Christmas as if it were their last. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.
Celebrate the holidays with Cynthia and An Endless Christmas by entering her $100 Target gift card giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of An Endless Christmas
- A $100 gift card to Target
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. The winner will be announced December 1st on Cynthia’s blog.
by admin | Nov 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Kristen Heitzmann’s novels and cannot say enough good things about them. When I think of her books, suspense is what first comes to mind because she has written some very edgy suspense novels but her Rocky Mountain Legacy series was also wonderful. “Told You So” was a somewhat new direction for her although there was just the slightest bit of danger and suspense involved in the contemporary romance. I loved every minute of it
“Told You So” is very much a dialogue driven story with some of the wittiest conversations I have encountered in quite awhile. In addition to the wonderful dialogue, Grace Evangeline was one of those people who seemed to invite disaster which led to several dramatic scenes that were sometimes also humorous.
Successful author Grace tried to give her readers happy-ever-after romances with heroes and heroines who maintained their innocence until marriage. Broadway producer Devin was much more cynical and pretty much thought Grace was ridiculous. But the attraction between them was strong despite their differing outlooks and because “Told You So” is a romance, we all know that the inevitable happens – they fall in love. Unfortunately, both Grace and Devin have hidden pain behind their successful lives that leads them to one wrong decision after another so the road to a happy ending for them is pretty rocky. Some of those mistakes will not sit well with certain readers of Christian novels so be forewarned, “Told You So” is a gritty and honest story about Christians who make big mistakes. Unlike most secular novels, those mistakes do not involve pages of explicit scenes and are tastefully handled.
It was evident to me that one purpose of the author was to illustrate through Grace and Devin’s story the power of God to overcome our worst sins and bring redemption and restoration to us. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that again. I know that I will remember this novel for awhile and look forward to the next one in the series.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the minute Grace Evangeline throws her sweet tea in Devin Bressard’s face, their battle of wits and cross-purposes overtakes their lives. Sassy “angelic” Grace Evangeline will stop at nothing to see her romance novel produced for Broadway. Devin Bressard knows all about the commercial success of Ms. Evangeline’s “novels”—as far from his literary, nerve-striking plays as anything could be.
Grace intends to pull his head out of the rarefied air long enough to make her point, even if it involves stalking him and infiltrating his friends and colleagues. Devin knows she’s trouble, but who would guess the spokesperson for strength and virtue would be a calamity vortex? He mounts a fierce resistance, but when he’s forced to work with Grace, his profession and sanity aren’t the only things at risk. Collapsing walls on both sides bring a détente that could shatter their bond—or resound through more lives than their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical novels, including Christy Award finalists Indivisible and The Tender Vine and Christy Award winner Secrets. In 2013, her novel The Breath of Dawn won both a Christy Award and Inspirational Readers Choice Award and was a finalist for a people’s choice award in the Netherlands. She is a fiction track and workshop teacher at American Christian Fiction Writers Conference and keynote speaker for women’s and writers’ conferences.
An artist and mountain hiker, Kristen lives in Colorado with her husband, pets, wildlife, and extended family.
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
On the surface, the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary appears to be just what its name implies but there has already been a recent kidnapping and murder within its limits. There may be another murderer living among the unsuspecting townspeople and Sophie Wittenbauer is determined to find him in order to boost her journalism career. What does it matter if she has to tell a few lies in order to bring justice to the families of the men he killed?
In “Rising Darkness” readers will find a riveting suspense that will keep those pages turning while following Sophie’s efforts to find a killer before it is too late. Unexpected twists and surprises keep the suspense settings on high but in addition to that, I really liked the realistic character development that took place. In particular, Sophie had great difficulty even returning to a Mennonite town because of her unpleasant experiences in her own hometown. Her time in Sanctuary showed her that all Mennonites were not like her parents and her heart was softened by the very genuine love and protection offered her by some of Sanctuary’s residents. Although it was hard for Sophie to believe that she was worth loving, God had other plans in store for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Rising Darkness” and look forward to the author’s next offering.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she’s left her past far behind her, she’s now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man–a prisoner–claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can’t resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career.
Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie’s confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary’s charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she’s getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop–fatal or otherwise–to her investigation?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.
