A devoted wife and mother, Kimberley Woodhouse is a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years.
About fifteen years ago, Kimberley began writing seriously. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters – you name it – she’s written it. It wasn’t until a dear friend challenged her to “do something with it”, that she pursued publication.
Kimberley and her family’s story have been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently her family was chosen for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER. She has recorded three albums, and has appeared at over 700 venues. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly “Extreme” home.
Thirteen-year-old Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It’s news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna’s husband (Andi’s dad) in a car accident.
But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn’t want to save them, but to kill them.
Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn’t come easy to Jenna or Andi ~ and they both sense Cole is hiding something.
A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna’s late husband that some would do anything to possess.
Watch the Book Video:
If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Haven, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
If No Safe Haven is an example of their talent, it is just the first of many books that will be birthed by mother-daughter team Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse. Every aspect of it fit together seamlessly as if written by one author yet I suspect that Kayla supplied most if not all the scenes presented from Andi’s point of view.
No Safe Haven is a fast moving, suspense filled narrative that had no problem holding my attention until the very end. The character development was excellent and the setting was so realistic I could almost feel the extreme cold. Every detail of the plot combined to create a very tangible feeling of impending danger. And just when I thought everything would be okay, something else happened to threaten the three principal characters.
In my opinion, No Safe Haven is a top notch suspense novel that should satisfy most readers who love that genre. Go pick up a copy for yourself NOW!
It took me a few chapters to become reacquainted with Ray Quinn but once that was taken care of, I was pretty well hooked. It was refreshing to find a fairly flawed hero – past his prime, physically handicapped, emotionally challenged, and an alcoholic. Although I don’t watch the series, I kept picturing Ray as Dr. House. It was probably the cane but for whatever reason, the image wouldn’t leave me.
The Corruptible narrates the story of a case Ray has taken after starting his own detective agency. He soon finds out that the simple location of some stolen files turns into a murder investigation as well as attempts on his own life. With the help of sidekick Crevis, Ray works with his former police department cronies to get to the bottom of an increasingly puzzling mystery.
Filled with plenty of drama, action, and humor, The Corruptible takes several twists and turns and reveals a few surprises before it reaches a satisfying conclusion. While not an overtly Christian novel, it does however include scenes in which Ray’s friend Pam attempts to share the gospel with him. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy novels from this type.
This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?
Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.
As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check.
In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Mynheir is the author of the Christy Award nominated The Night Watchman, the first Ray Quinn mystery. He has worked undercover as a narcotics agent, as a SWAT team member, and recently retired from his work investigating violent crimes as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit in central Florida, where he lives with his wife and three children.
Already a fan of Denise Hunter’s novels, I was happy to receive a review copy of A Cowboy’s Touch. As expected, it was a thoroughly enjoyable story that I didn’t want to put down until I came to its end.
The realistically portrayed characters, well described setting, and a believable plot kept it interesting. Wade was the perfect cowboy, a strong and rugged man with a sensitive and tender heart. His daughter Maddy was a charming but vulnerable little girl who added a special depth to the story. And workaholic Abigail’s heart was to do the right thing but her health issues and work related stress keep her emotionally conflicted.
Although both Abigail and Wade have excellent reasons to avoid a romantic relationship, they find themselves strongly attracted to each other. Maddy’s growing attachment to Abigail further complicates matters. When Abigail comes across information about Wade that could save her mother’s magazine, her decisions could cost her everything.
With a heavy emphasis on the importance of forgiveness, A Cowboy’s Touch has a strong spiritual message for its readers. I would definitely recommend A Cowboy’s Touch.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wade’s ranch home needs a woman’s touch. Abigail’s life needs a cowboy’s touch.
Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now, settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence.
Abigail Jones isn’t sure how she went from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade–despite her better judgment. Will the secrets she brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town’s scenic bike trail.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to Cleveland.
Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob’s Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she’s glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.
The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.
Once in Jacob’s Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family’s farm. But they can’t stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Caregiver, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Caregiver is a testimony to the literary talent of Shelley Shepard Gray. Although the book is a shorter format than others I have read by this author, there is still a lot going on in it and I didn’t feel shortchanged by the plot nor character development. Lucy, Calvin, and Mattie were all portrayed in such a way that the reader can identify with them. Gray boldly covers issues such as domestic abuse and breast cancer in this story, subjects I have never run across in the many other Amish novels I have read. I thought she did an excellent job in conveying the thoughts and emotions experienced by both Lucy and Mattie.
Amish fiction is not my first choice of genres but I will always welcome any book by Shelley Shepard Gray. I look forward to the next volume in this series.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, one precious grandson, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?
Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as RT Reviewer’s Choice, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year. An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil casts the modern day story of a building rebound scam exposed. It begins when the body of a property inspector is found among the ashes of a burnt out Homes of Hope house. Wrapped up in this mounting case of unethical practices, supply shortages, and murder, top Louisiana homicide detective Maddox Bishop is losing his heart to a charitable contractor, Layla Taylor, whose own sister is under suspicion. He’s also about to discover a deep secret about his tragic past.
Learn more about Robin and her books on her Website.
Watch the trailer:
MY REVIEW:
This review is a reprint of one I posted last week on another blog tour for this great book. If you have not read anything by Robin Caroll, I urge you to give her novels a try. If you love good suspense, you won’t be sorry.
I first became familiar with Robin Caroll’s books as a monthly subscriber to Love Inspired Suspense. I was always glad when a new shipment contained one of her novels. With her newest series based in Eternal Springs, Louisiana, Robin has gifted her readers with even more of a good thing.
In the Shadow of Evil meets all my requirements for a good suspense novel. It has realistic and interesting characters, adequate action, and lots of clues that are not too obvious – plus a first-rate romance is the icing on the cake. Components of the story are the stuff of the evening news. In fact, one detail (minus the murder) has been under investigation on our local Memphis news this week.
I liked the way Robin dropped hints that could apply to more than one suspect. Every time I thought I knew the guilty party, something would prove me wrong. I hate it when I have a mystery solved halfway through a book. No chance of that with In the Shadow of Evil.
All things considered, In the Shadow of Evil is an excellent read. I give it my thumbs up and suggest that you pick up a copy asap.
What would you do if you had finally decided to leave the husband who had been unfaithful multiple times for many years and he walked in and announced that he was dying? That’s a difficult question isn’t it? That is exactly what happens to Saphora Warren in the first pages of The Pirate Queen. Her choices set the stage for life changes which includes improved relationships within her family, new and different friendships, and a change of heart about what role God should have in her life.
The Pirate Queen was well written with intriguing characters and plot. Because of its serious content, it was not quickly read. It left me with plenty to ponder, especially about what I might have done under the same circumstances. Saphora’s compassion and care for other people was admirable, particularly since she was not a believer. I fear that I sometimes fall short by comparison but Saphora’s story encourages me to strive to do better.
In order to avoid any spoilers, I will refrain from including more details. I will say that if you are looking for something light and entertaining, you should probably avoid The Pirate Queen. For those who enjoy a little meat in their literature, this would be an excellent choice.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Treasure is found in the most unlikely places.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon–and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God’s presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike. Patricia first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then went on to do graduate studies in creative writing at Queens University. She writes for major publishers and is currently at work on her eighteenth book, a novel set in the North Carolina Piedmont. Her next novel,The Pirate Queen, will release Summer 2010, a story that takes readers journeying from suburban Lake Norman to the sailing villages of the Outer Banks. She has served as a writing professor at UNCC and taught in writing workshops across the country offering her popular “Creating Characters–Giving Story People Life” workshops and courses on fiction. She, along with her hubby, founded a non-profit charity that benefits moms and children with HIV called The Secret Angels Project. Her fiction is known for its depth of understanding of the human condition underscored by redemptive themes.
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