by admin | Sep 6, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When Maven Morris is asked to foster an abandoned young boy with obvious behavior problems, she resists until she meets him and feels an undeniable connection. Maven begins to gain the boy’s trust and is beginning to love him when the unexpected happens and she finds herself in the middle of a deadly situation.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Intent” with its rapidly escalating suspense and tension. The story was well written with true-to-life characters. I liked the way Maven and Paul and their friends turned to prayer when they found themselves in seemingly impossible situations. The only complaint I have is that the story ended much too quickly.
This book was provided for review by the Pelican Book Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Everyone belongs somewhere. The key to happiness is recognizing that place when you get there.
Maven Morris has lost her way. A childless widow, she has no immediate family. Forced into a medical leave, she has no career. At loose ends, she hasn’t a clue what’s next for her.
Her neighbor, Paul Jordan knows what he wants-to move their friendship to a new level. Maven may not know what’s next, but she knows she has no interest in romance with anyone-not even her handsome neighbor.
When a young boy is abandoned in the city park, he touches Maven’s heart. In spite of his obvious special needs, she agrees to provide a foster home. She has no idea the impact he will have on her-or the danger he brings to her doorstep.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lillian Duncan writes suspense novels with a hint of romance. She believes books can be entertaining and uplifting at the same time. Along with novels, she writes devotions for ChristianDevotions.us. She lives in the middle of Amish country in Ohio with her husband and menagerie of pets, including four parrots, a Jack Russell Terrier and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that she’s thinking about renaming Clifford–since he continues to grow and grow and grow… She’s been a speech-language pathologist for over thirty years. Most of those years were in the Cleveland Municipal School district where she worked primarily with deaf and hard-of-hearing students. As a writer, speech pathologist, and an educator, she believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.
by admin | Sep 4, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Mars…with Venus Rising” is a sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, even sometimes a bit quirky, but always a fun and enjoyable read. Heroine Penn Davenport has allowed her life to be ruled by fear since the death of her parents and brother in a plane crash. She still lives with the two eccentric great aunts who raised her in a home filled with love and the wonderful fragrance of their baking. Naturally Penn would meet and fall for a totally unsuitable man, one who seems to live life on the edge and encourages Penn to loosen up a little. Can John Townsend help Penn overcome her fears and turn them over to God?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Mars…with Venus Rising” although the frequent food descriptions made me want to cheat on my diet. Fortunately for those who do not have to watch their sugar intake, the author has graciously included all of the tempting recipes described within the story, especially the Celebration Cookies and Cinnamon Rolls. I may just have to treat the rest of my family to the cookies soon.
With strong characters, a well-developed plot, and an excellent message about reliance on God, this story held my interest throughout. Although the author is new to me, I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more of her books.
This book was provided for review by the Pelican Book Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all–including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.
Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she’s worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.
When John Townsend-full of life and the joy of living-moves to town, he rattles Penn’s view of herself, her life, and her dreams…which isn’t such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he’s a pilot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University as well as York Technical College. A member of ACW, RWA, and SinC, she has published articles on topics ranging from gardening with children to writing apprehension. She blogs for Almost An Author. Her first novel, Irish Encounter, was released in May, 2015. Hope loves flowers, real mail, live music, reading, crocheting, traveling, cooking, and volunteering. Connect with Hope at hopetolerdougherty.com.
by admin | Aug 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Splash of Substance” is a fun and witty contemporary romance that also delves into some pretty serious issues such as sustainable food and behind-the-scenes political manipulation. When Paige Jackson accepts a catering job for a senator’s fundraiser, she must work with Jackson Trent to plan it. Although both are Christians, each of them have such different ideas about what God has called them to do that they have very little common ground. Since this book is a romance, it is obvious that the pair will find a way to cross the divide between them. The misunderstandings, political intrigue, and even some scandal make the journey quite an adventure.
I found “A Splash of Substance” to be well written and a joy to read. The characters were realistic and endearing and I enjoyed reading about their romantic journey. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian romance and look forward to this author’s future novels.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She doesn’t vote. He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe for love or disaster? Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy. Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest. When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn’t complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love? Book One in a new series of Contemporary Christian Romance from Elizabeth Maddrey, A Splash of Substance is a heartwarming romance that also provides readers a chance to consider their views on the civic responsibility of Christians and sustainable living in the suburbs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace. Elizabeth lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey
by admin | Aug 28, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I did not know what to expect when I agreed to review Kate Breslin’s second novel “Not by Sight”. All I knew is that her first novel had created a storm of hate and controversy, most of which was most likely undeserved. I will find that out for myself because after reading “Not by Sight” I absolutely must read “For Such a Time”. If Breslin’s skill is as pronounced in it as in “Not by Sight”, it simply must be superb.
The story itself is wonderful with captivating characters who inhabit England during the course of World War 1. The pages abound with drama, espionage, courage, friendship, and romantic tension that work together so well that I didn’t want to put my copy down to attend to the mundane demands of real life. Much of the story is described in beautiful and poetic prose that captivated my imagination. The title itself is a clue to what is inside the covers as both Jack and Grace must learn for themselves what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is definitely in the running for my favorite of the year.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent
With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover. Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.
And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Postcard” may be one of the best Amish novels I’ve read in awhile. With a somewhat different plot than usual, the story points the reader in the direction of true faith in Christ rather than dwelling on the much belabored lifestyle of the Amish. I also liked the way the honest portrayal of many of the characters that included anger, violence, confusion, and even a little passion (nothing objectionable). I appreciate that she showed how the Amish have the same emotions as the rest of us instead of trying to idealize their culture.
The story of a young Amish man who moves to another town to meet the young woman who has been his pen-pal for awhile. He has fallen in love with her through her letters and feels that the Lord has led him to meet her even if she is engaged to another fellow. There are plenty of complications including Rachel’s resistance but their comfortable friendship is difficult for her to resist. The question remains – “Is Rachel meant to be more to David than a friend?”
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to more by this author even if Amish fiction is not my preferred genre.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
David Lapp (from Promised to Another) survived a “code blue” when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world. Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he’s developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds temporary work in the area teaching school, and also makes fishing flies and weaves baskets. He sells his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area. Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Mark Graber, but wonders if there’s more to life. When she sees David’s name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he’s in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community. David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he’s called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot. Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love. Surrendered Love and Awakened Love. A nonAmish book Swept Away will release November 2014 from Abingdon Press. She is contracted for another three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport, releasing in November 2014 (The Snow Globe), June 2015 (The Postcard), and November 2015 (The Birdhouse). A Christmas Amish book, A White Christmas in Webster County, will release in September 2014. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Cactus Creek Challenge” was a fun read from the beginning to the very end. What could be more fun than two men and two women exchanging jobs for a month as part of their town’s annual challenge? And to have to swap jobs with the man you love who still thinks of you as a kid sister? Well Cassie Bucknell has a lot to prove to Ben Wilder and she does not intend to give up easily.
It was so entertaining to see Ben trying to teach Cassie’s students, Cassie’s efforts to prove herself as sheriff, brawny Carl’s attempts to run the bakery, and frail-looking Jenny’s struggles to keep the livery going. As you can imagine, this book was filled with humorous incidents as each character attempted to perform jobs that were totally unsuitable for them. With a bit of suspense mixed in and not one but two romances in the works, “The Cactus Creek Challenge” was well nigh perfect. Here’s hoping this author has another fun-filled installment in the works.
A copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing Review Crew.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
