by admin | Sep 15, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I first began to read As the Light Fades there was a sense of familiarity about it but it took me a few chapters to remember that the familiar characters inhabited another book I read several years ago by the author, The Things We Knew. Although it is not an official sequel, I enjoyed catching up with other members of the Carlisle family and learning about how their lives had progressed since the previous novel.
In this book, Liz Carlisle has returned to Nantucket after her life pretty much imploded. Strapped for money and still fearful from an abusive relationship, Liz rents a guest house from Matthew Stone because it is the only thing she can afford and accepts a job at a business with a job she never imagined doing. Both Liz and Matthew have things from their past they would prefer to forget but as most of us know, sometimes the past refuses to remain buried. In addition, Matthew is responsible for his troubled niece which adds another layer onto why he is not interested in a relationship with anyone.
As the Light Fades is a testament to the wonderful writing skill of Catherine West. She is so adept in making family dynamics come alive with all the subtle nuances that exist in most families. She is also unafraid to tackle sometimes taboo topics such as dementia, self-harm (cutting) and several forms of abuse. Complicated relationships combined with family love and loyalty, forgiveness, and restoration of relationships combines to make this a book well worth reading. It may have a romantic focus but it is so much more than that. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: As the Light Fades
Author: Catherine West
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.
After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.
Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.
Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.
When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew, 2017 and Where Hope Begins, 2019, and a Carol Award Finalist for Where Hope Begins. Her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.
Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com
CONNECT WITH CATHERINE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $75 Amazon gift card from the author!
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by admin | Sep 14, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Preorder, Suspense
Greed poisons even the sweetest well. Author Ramona Richards’ latest suspense, Murder in the Family is now available for preorder with a special price!
Grab it now at http://bit.ly/MurderintheFamily!
ABOUT MURDER IN THE FAMILY
Storm chaser Molly McClelland must return to her small Alabama hometown when she unexpectedly inherits her hoarder aunt’s house . . . and all of its contents. Despite her suspicions that her aunt was murdered, Molly wants nothing more than to sell everything and get back to the life she loves. Especially once her homecoming reignites the decades-old family conflict that drove her away in the first place. But when Molly uncovers caches of cash, journals revealing secrets-and a body-amongst the stockpiles, she finds herself locked in a cat-and-mouse dance with a deadly endgame.
Molly teams with local sheriff, Greg Olson, to find the truth. But will her determination and his skills be enough, or will the killer-or killers-put an end to their efforts once and for all?
#justreadtours #murderinthefamily #ramonarichards #suspense #thriller #comingsoon #preorder #romanticsuspense #bookstoread #booksbooksbooks #coverlove
by admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Books, Canada, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Unbound is a contemporary story that roughly retells the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. I say roughly because it loosely follows the theme of the story without trying to replicate it in a modern setting. A powerful tale of loss and grief and trying to survive against overwhelming odds when everything in life has changed instantly, this book explores a strong relationship between a young woman and her mother-in-law.
I honestly was not sure I would like this book but I easily grew to care for both Ruthie and Naomi. I liked the natural way the author depicted their relationship with all the ups and downs, even their disagreements. The story was poignant at times yet had moments of joy, forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation. Most of all it illustrated how the Lord was working behind the scenes even when unexpected. Like other reviewers, I hope there will be a sequel to this novel because I would love to see how life turns out for these brave women.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
by admin | Sep 12, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I know I can always depend on a book by Colleen Coble to keep me reading well into the night and Strands of Truth was no exception. Her unique approach to DNA and family ancestry testing made me rethink my desire to have mine tested. I always thought it would be interesting to find out more about my ancestry but this novel offers a whole new twist of what could happen if the wrong relatives learned of your existence.
The heroine, Harper Taylor never knew her mother or father and grew up in foster homes where she always longed for a family. When she discovers a half-sister through DNA testing, both of them beyond excited to get to know each other. However a number of attempts to abduct both women as well as attacks on a man close to Harper send them on a mission to discover the truth behind them.
I enjoyed every minute of this suspense packed novel that contained one unexpected twist after another. I had a pretty good idea of the person behind everything before the end but the motives came as a total surprise. Strands of Truth is a riveting novel featuring complicated relationships as well as great suspense. It also didn’t hurt that the development of a romance was included.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Strands of Truth
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: September 10, 2019 |
 |
Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Click here to get your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.
READ A PREMIUM EXCERPT:
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author
“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series
“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception
“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author
“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series
“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files
BLOG STOPS:
| A Baker’s Perspective, September 3
Inspired by fiction, September 3
EmpowerMoms, September 3
Blogging With Carol, September 3
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4
My Devotional Thoughts, September 4
Christian bookaholic, September 4
KarenSueHadley , September 4
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5
Susan Cornwell, September 5
Inside the Wong Mind, September 5
Godly Book Reviews, September 5
Through the Fire Blogs, September 6
Emily Yager, September 6
Older & Smarter?, September 6
Blessed & Bookish, September 6
Andrea Christenson, September 6
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7
Avid Reader Nurse, September 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7
The Becca Files, September 8
Blossoms and Blessings, September 8
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 8
Mary Hake, September 8
Spoken from the Heart, September 9
Betti Mace, September 9
Back Porch Reads, September 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 9 |
Because I said so and other adventures in parenting. , September 9
Moments, September 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10
For Him and my Family, September 10
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, September 10
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Daysong Reflections, September 11
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , September 11
SusanLovesBooks, September 11
Remembrancy, September 12
Worthy2Read, September 12
Just the Write Escape, September 12
Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 12
Bigreadersite , September 13
janicesbookreviews, September 13
As He Leads is Joy, September 13
Livin’ Lit, September 13
To Everything A Season, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14
Pause for Tales, September 14
For The Love of Books , September 14
Living Life Free In Christ, September 14
A Reader’s Brain, September 15
Quiet Quilter , September 15
Hallie Reads, September 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15
Inklings and notions , September 16
By The Book, September 16
Real World Bible Study, September 16
Patiently Waiting, September 16 |
by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion, it is an indication of a pretty good book when a character elicits strong reactions from me as a reader. Mikayla Gordon did just that to me. While I could empathize with her unexpected medical emergency, her reactions seemed a bit over-the-top to me, especially the sneaky methods she used to collect DNA samples of her family. Then her refusal to listen to explanations was also somewhat disturbing. So, although I definitely did not always agree with this character, I did find her story intriguing and was encouraged by the spiritual growth that was revealed as it progressed.
When Mountains Sing is a fun to read tale of family secrets, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and reconciliation with a touch of romance. I enjoyed the background setting in the mountains of Colorado with its vivid descriptions, especially Dawson’s version of how the mountains sing. Overall this is an excellent book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. I am sure other readers will enjoy it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the truth cost her everything, she thought there was nothing left to lose.
Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity.
In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all.
Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, and a proud mom, and doting grandma.
by admin | Sep 2, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
With each installment of her Montana Marshalls series Susan May Warren seems to raise the action and suspense another notch. Ford is even more riveting than the previous books of this series and that is saying a lot. It seems that each of the Marshall brothers has chosen careers attempting to keep up with examples set by at least one of their brothers and perhaps to meet their perceived expectations of their father. So it comes as no surprise that Navy Seal Ford thinks he has a lot to live up to and his twin sister RJ may have fallen into the same mindset. Of course Ford still believes that he is responsible for RJ and when he learns that she is in trouble in Russia, he recruits his friend Scarlett and takes off across the world to rescue RJ.
Ford is pretty much nonstop action from beginning to end with danger around every corner. Each of the main characters has issues they are struggling with in the midst of just trying to stay alive long enough to get RJ out of the country. The author introduces a surprise or two along the way as well as laying some groundwork for Garrett and RJ’s own stories. This book was a true page-turner in every sense of the word. I encourage readers to pick up a copy but highly recommend that they begin reading with book one to get the whole story.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.
But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.
Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.
But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?
And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist.
Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”
And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”
Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.
In a fit of optimism at age eleven, Eleanor Bertin (https://www.eleanorbertinauthor.com/) began her first novel by numbering a stack of 100 pages. Two of them got filled. Eleanor holds a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism until the birth of her first child. The family eventually grew to include seven children, all girls except six. Writing was crowded out by homeschooling a houseful for 25 years until Lifelines, her first completed novel, was shortlisted in the 2015 Word Alive Free Publishing Contest. Eleanor and her husband live with their youngest son, who has Down syndrome, amidst the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta. She blogs about a sometimes elusive contentment at 
