by admin | Jun 21, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I really liked “Deadly Devotion”, the first novel in Sandra Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series so I was excited to have the chance to review the follow-up book, “Blind Trust”. This second installment takes up a short time after the ending of the first and finds Kate Adams in the center of more mystery, danger, and romance.
I have found Kate’s character to be an intelligent and savvy female who often finds herself in unexpected situations that sometimes require help to get out of. I love the subtle hints of humor that pop up in just the right spots without detracting from the suspense at all. Events in “Blind Trust” lead to more than one mystery for Kate to solve. Could it be that they are all related or just coincidence? I also enjoyed getting to know more about Detective Tom Parker and was glad to see him involved once again in Kate’s life. Still hoping for a satisfying resolution to their relationship.
“Blind Trust” was quick and easy to read with a fast paced plot that carried a few surprises. My one and only complaint is that once again I was left hanging and eagerly waiting for the next installment. Such is the case with many of the series I love. I understand why some readers refuse to begin reading a series before the last book in it is available. I do recommend reading “Deadly Devotion” first to be sure to get all the back story. “Blind Trust” will be all the more enjoyable if you do so.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate’s not sure how deep this deception goes–but she’ll do whatever it takes to find out.
Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can’t believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.
As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?
Read an excerpt from “Blind Trust” HERE.
Endorsements:
“Blind Trust is a fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance. If you enjoy mysteries as much as I do, you won’t want to miss Sandra Orchard’s second installment in her Port Aster Secrets series.”
Lisa Harris, Christy Award finalist and author of Dangerous Passage
“Sandra Orchard weaves a clever web of suspense in this story of secrets, betrayal, and small-town intrigue. Seasoned with a sweet romance; a gripping, intelligent plot; and a few heart-touching surprises, Blind Trust will keep readers on the edge of their seats–and impatient for book three!”
Susan May Warren, award-winning, bestselling author of It Had to Be You
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
by admin | Jun 17, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once more Lis Wiehl with the help of April Henry has penned a novel that kept me turning the pages until I reached the end. I was surprised at how quickly I breezed through this one. It really held my attention. The plot moved at a brisk but steady pace with plenty of danger, suspense and a few surprises. A sub-plot helped to temper the momentum with glimpses of Mia Quinn’s daily routine as she and Detective Charlie Carlson attempted to determine how to prosecute a case involving juveniles.
The book opened with an attempt on Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn’s life by an unhappy defendant and her day only went from bad to worse from there. A new case that could affect the outcome of the election for her boss and the possibility that her late husband’s accident may have been murder as well as other incidents added to her stress.
Although I liked the characters of both Mia and Charlie, at times it seemed as if they took a backseat to the plot driven story. I have no complaints with that – the story was well-developed and held my interest quite well. The potential romantic interest that both Charlie and another character displayed was incidental to the plot but added a few moments of relief to the suspense.
“A Deadly Business” was quite well done and I will continue to look forward to novels by this author.
This book was provided for review by the
BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If the hours don’t kill you, the accused just might.
Mia Quinn is a Seattle prosecutor working on high profile cases in the Violent Crimes unit while juggling the impossible demands of single parenthood. Her husband, Scott, was killed in a car crash that homicide detective Charlie Carlson now believes was no accident. Charlie’s instincts and professional record make it impossible for Mia to refute the evidence she’d rather not believe.
When the powers that be refuse to reopen the case, it’s up to Mia and Charlie to investigate, all the while trying to deny a growing attraction between them. Was her accountant husband really in league with nefarious criminals? And who is the young woman whose photo they find on his computer?
Uncovering the truth may hurt Mia in more ways than one.
Read an excerpt from “A Deadly Business” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives with her husband and two children in New York.
Noted author Roald Dahl helped New York Times bestselling author April Henry take her first step as a writer. When April was eleven, she sent the famous children’s author a short story about a frog who loved peanut butter. He read it to an editor of an international children’s magazine, who then asked to publish it. April has since written several highly acclaimed mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award, and translated into several languages. Two have been chosen for BookSense by the independent booksellers of America. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.
by admin | Jun 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
What an exciting and eye-opening adventure Rubart’s Well Spring series has been! Each installment has been filled with fantastical exploits into the spiritual realm as the Warriors Riding have fought against the forces of spiritual darkness. With each mission some ground was gained and a bit more truth was revealed but the battle was not over and the greatest challenge was yet to come. Simon’s increased visibility and the introduction of Miyo added an extra spark to the tale.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in the Well Spring series but of the all, I believe “Spirit Bridge” has to be my favorite. Not only was it a wonderful story but I was personally challenged along with each of the characters as they learned how their own pride, unforgiveness, and need for affirmation opened them to the lies of their enemy.
I shared triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow along with the Warriors Riding. At one point near the end, I was so touched that I wanted to stand up and cheer (but my husband was sleeping). There are not enough words to relate my feelings about events in “Spirit Bridge” but I would recommend it and the entire series to anyone who ever enjoyed a Frank Peretti novel and to those who haven’t. At this point I would like to go back and read through all three novels to glean any nuggets of truth that I missed the first time.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this entire series.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.
Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.
But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.
The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.
If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon’s final assault.
The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart’s Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller “Rooms” and award-winning “Soul’s Gate,” the book that precedes “Memory’s Door” in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
by admin | Jun 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The plot of “Seagrass Pier” is a unique one that features Elin, a heart transplant recipient who frequently experiences what seem to be memories of her donor’s murder. Nearly everyone is skeptical until suspicious incidents, threats, and a stalker convince FBI agent Marc that Elin, her mother, and daughter may actually be in serious danger.
“Seagrass Pier” was a page-turner from the very start and the suspense grew with each chapter. As the story progressed, the suspect list grew along with more than one surprising twist to the tale. Characters and dialogue were well developed and natural. As expected, a romance between Elin and Marc was inevitable yet 100% believable. Both Marc and Elin were flawed but admirable characters whose concern for others was obvious. Although not a predominate factor in the story, Marc and Elin’s faith during their trials was apparent.
I have read and loved nearly every book Colleen Coble has written. If I have missed one, you can be sure it will be in my possession asap. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to review “Seagrass Pier” when it was offered by the Litfuse Group and hoped to be chosen as one of the reviewers. Even if I had missed out, I would have already preordered the book and would now be eagerly awaiting its release date. So thankful I didn’t have to wait that long. I thoroughly enjoyed “Seagrass Pier” as well as the rest of the Hope Beach series and hated to see its end. I enthusiastically recommend it and any other book by Colleen Coble.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger’s memories . . . before they cost her everything.
Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.
But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.
Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.
The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent is eager to help her: Agent Marc Everton, the father of Elin’s daughter.
Of course, he doesn’t know about that. Yet.
Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Colleen’s website.
Read a preview of “Seagrass Pier” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. “Seagrass Pier,” the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melissa Tagg’s first novel “Made to Last” was a winner. Readers first met Blake Hunziker in it where he played a major supporting role. What fun to find him a protagonist in Melissa’s newest offering “Here to Stay”. I loved getting to know him even better and liked what I found. Autumn Kingsley was also a strong character who had given up her dreams to stay in her home town to run the family inn while secretly making plans to take a position in Paris. Although their families were long-time sworn enemies, when Blake and Autumn were persuaded to work together on the Christmas festival, they soon became friends or maybe more.
The plot moved at a steady pace with several twists and surprises along the way. Dialogue was at times witty and at other times quite profound. I enjoyed how the relationship between Blake and Autumn progressed so naturally. Both Blake and Autumn were people I’d like to know in real life. “Here to Stay” is a great stand-alone novel but even better as a follow-up companion to “Made to Last”. I recommend both and look forward to Tagg’s next novel “From the Start”.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…
If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.
The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
by admin | Jun 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Well, I will get it over with and confess that I am not a Jane Austen fan. I don’t dislike her books – I am just not sure if I have ever read any. I do now have several of them on my Kindle but it is anyone’s guess when I will find time to read them. For that reason, I may have missed subtle references to any Austen novels, particularly Pride and Prejudice.
Despite my unfamiliarity with Austen novels, I did thoroughly enjoy “Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits”. As a born and bred Southerner, I definitely picked up on all the southern peculiarities exhibited by various characters. As a history lover, I liked the occupation of the two main characters and found their disagreements amusing. The contrast between feisty and informal Shelby and the all too proper Ransom was perfection. It was not too hard to guess that they would end up together despite their intentions otherwise.
A sweet romance, plenty of humor, and a subtle message of faith combined to make a highly entertaining read for a lazy summer evening.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This hilarious Southern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice tells the story of two hard-headed Civil war historians who find that first impressions can be deceiving.
Shelby Roswell, a Civil War historian and professor, is on the fast track to tenure—that is, until her new book is roasted by the famous historian Ransom Fielding in a national review. With her career stalled by a man she’s never met, Shelby struggles to maintain her composure when she discovers that Fielding has taken a visiting professorship at her small Southern college.
Ransom Fielding is still struggling with his role in his wife’s accidental death six years ago and is hoping that a year at Shelby’s small college near his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, will be a respite from the pressures of Ivy League academia. He never bargained for falling in love with the one woman whose career—and pride—he injured, and who would do anything to make him leave.
When these two hot-headed southerners find themselves fighting over the centuries-old history of local battles and antebellum mansions, their small college is about to become a battlefield of Civil War proportions.
With familiar and relatable characters and wit to spare, Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits shows you that love can conquer all…especially when pride, prejudice, love, and cheese grits are involved!
