by admin | Aug 12, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Fool’s Deadly Gold is a contemporary suspense/murder mystery that does a good job illustrating what can happen when greed takes over a person’s life. The story begins with an accidental death that may not actually be an accident. As the tale progresses, there are several characters who could easily be the killer but a number of other deaths, plot twists and surprises makes it difficult for the reader to discern the truth. For me, the final revelation came as a surprise.
Overall, the story was intriguing, if a bit slow moving. I found the story concept and the investigative process interesting; however I did not particularly connect with any of the characters, possibly because there were so many of them. I also did not find as much of a Christian message as I expect to find in this genre. Personally, I prefer a novel with more character development and interaction but others may enjoy this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Covenant Communications, Inc. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lauralyn LaPlant and her sister, Bridgette, could not be closer. Their shared passion for adventure draws them to scale a sheer cliff one fateful day, but despite their experienced precautions, Bridgette suffers a terrible accident and plummets to an untimely death. Shattered by grief, Lauralyn soon makes a sobering discovery: this was no accident—her sister’s climbing rope was cut. But who wanted Bridgette dead, and why? It’s up to Lauralyn and her grieving brother-in-law, Dade, to uncover the truth, even if it means putting themselves in the path of a ruthless killer. As their search for clues leads them deep into the heart of Gold Country, they discover that in the world of prospecting, greed knows no limits.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Clair M. Poulson is an author specializing in mystery books. Before he became a writer, Poulson served for more than 35 years in the criminal justice system. He uses many of these experiences when he writes. As a result, he is able to portray characters and real life settings that many other authors can’t do.
by admin | Aug 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Georgia, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
A Glitter of Gold, Liz Johnson’s second offering in her Georgia Coast Romance series is a book that readers will not want to put down until its satisfying end. Although part of a series, this book is entirely stand alone with new characters and plot. A Sparkle of Silver is the first book in this series and I can pretty much guarantee that if you read either one you will want to read the other also.
What could be better than a heroine who leads pirate tours in a place like Savanna, Georgia? Perhaps a hero who is a museum director in search for answers about a family diary that has been handed down for generations. Both struggling businesses are in dire need of financial help but neither Anne nor Carter has an inkling on what to do. When Anne finds an artifact from a possible shipwreck shortly after a storm, she goes to Carter for information. Is it coincidence that there could be a connection between his diary and the artifact or has God used the circumstances to bring them together?
A Glitter of Gold is a beautifully written story pulled me right in. Johnson has a talent for making her characters come to life in a way that makes them feel like friends. Each of them had reasons to be wary of the other and their relationship experienced several challenges along the way. I loved the contrast between the current story and the story revealed through the diary, not to mention a surprise or two. This story is a strong testimony of the power of God to bring healing and forgiveness to wounded souls if they will allow themselves to trust Him with their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.
Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again: trust a man.
Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that’s turning up nothing will take all their dedication–and every secret they’ve tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world–love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Aug 4, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
It didn’t take reading but one book to place Carrie Stuart Parks on my absolutely must read author list. She is one author whose novels I will purchase as soon as they are released if I am not offered a review copy. Happily for me, I managed to score a copy of Fragments of Fear to review but it is definitely worth the price. Each one of this author’s books has been awesome but I believe Fragments of Fear is the best one yet. I was hooked from page one and was pretty much useless until I had reached the end.
The plot moved along quickly, sometimes at breakneck speed, with so many twists, turns, and surprises that I never knew what to expect next. Characters were well-rounded and realistic. I loved that Tavish was so unaware of her own attractiveness, primarily because she didn’t live up to her mother’s expectations. Sawyer was the perfect hero, so affirming and protective and full of faith! And of course Marley the dog tried to steal the whole show! It was encouraging to watch Tavish transform from a relatively unhappy, insecure person who relied on her crystals and other new age practices to a beautiful and confident young woman who learned to trust the Lord.
I loved Fragments of Fear but will cut my review short for fear of offering any spoilers. Take it from me, if you are a fan of Christian suspense or thrillers, you don’t want to miss this one.
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:
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Book: Fragments of Fear
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks
Genre: Suspense
Release date: July 23, 2019
Click here to purchase your copy.
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From award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes a new novel with danger that reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.
Evelyn Yvonne McTavish-Tavish to her friends-had her almost perfect world in Albuquerque, New Mexico, come to a crashing end with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she’s given the news that her dog is about to be destroyed at the dog pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine-with her name and address-makes it hers.
Tavish recognizes the dog as one owned by an archaeologist named Pat Caron because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them months earlier. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner, but she arrives only to discover Caron’s murdered body.
After meeting undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price the mystery deepens as more people start disappearing and Tavish becomes a target as well. Her only solution is to find the links between microchip technology, an Anasazi site in the desert, her fiancé’s death, a late-night radio show, and the dog. And the clock is ticking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol Award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.
Using Art to Solve Crime: Techniques Used by Forensic Artists
Since 1981, I’ve been a forensic artist—an amazing feat since I’m only . . .um. . . well, younger than that. In those years, I’ve seen some shifts and trends, but some things have never changed. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of computers in almost every other field, they have never been able to replace a trained forensic artist. Artists have an amazing toolbox of techniques we use to gather the information we need to help solve crime.
- The pencil. Any forensic artist worth her weight in graphite knows the power of the lowly pencil and a sketchpad. Law enforcement would love a photographic image of the suspect, but all we have to work with is memory…and memory is faulty. The more the image looks perfect, the more imperfect it is for helping to identify a suspect. We want the drawing to just suggest a likeness and eliminate those not similar.
- Now that we brought up the subject of memory, a forensic artist needs to understand how memory works. The average witness will remember between four and five facial features. When they describe the person they saw, they will do so from their strongest memory to their weakest memory, from most important to least important. We listen carefully to the order of facial features.
- Whole vs Parts. We don’t look at faces as individual parts, although a particularly outstanding nose or Marty Feldman eyes might catch our attention. We will remember the face as a whole, with the proportions of the face an unacknowledged part of that. Forensic artist prefer to use reference photographs where the whole face is viewed.
Want more? Check out the rest of my article at The Strand Magazine
BLOG STOPS:
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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 23
All-of-a-kind Mom, July 23
Blogging With Carol, July 23
A Reader’s Brain, July 23
A Baker’s Perspective, July 24
The Avid Reader, July 24
CarpeDiem, July 24
Fiction Aficionado, July 25
Christian Bookaholic, July 25
Godly Book Reviews, July 25
Through the Fire Blogs, July 26
Livin’ Lit, July 26
The Becca Files, July 26
Inklings and notions , July 26
Real World Bible Study, July 27
Cathe Swanson, July 27
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 27
For Him and My Family, July 28
Lights in a Dark World, July 28
Retrospective Spines, July 28
Bigreadersite, July 29
Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
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Mary Hake, July 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Acdemy, July 30
Blossoms and Blessings, July 30
EmpowerMoms, July 30
Aryn The Libraryan, July 31
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 31
For the Love of Literature, July 31
Inspired by fiction, August 1
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 1
By The Book, August 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 2
Remembrancy, August 2
amandainpa, August 2
Pause for Tales, August 3
For the Love of Books, August 3
Just Your Average reviews, August 3
Hallie Reads, August 4
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 4
Daysong Reflections, August 4
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5
Texas Book-aholic, August 5
janicesbookreviews, August 5
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/e592/fragments-of-fear-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Aug 3, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have not read very many suspense novels that featured the Amish but Amish Covert Operation is one such book. In it widow Katie Schwartz finds herself in the center of a very dangerous situation and her life in danger just because she tried to find her brother. Saved by federal agent Adam Troyer, Katie soon learns that she is in deep trouble and needs his protection.
The plot of Amish Covert Operation is fast-moving with plenty of action and danger. It is a given that there is also romance involved – after all it is a Love Inspired novel and the attraction between Katie and Adam is resisted by both which is also pretty much expected. Of course all readers of Love Inspired novels know the basics of how this will end but all the fun is in seeing how the characters reach that point. True-to-life example of faith under fire including natural doubts during the trials is illustrated well. Anyone who enjoys Amish fiction or suspense should love this book. Others may enjoy it as well.
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:
She witnessed a crime
Can an agent in disguise keep her safe?
After Amish widow Katie Schwartz’s search for her reclusive brother results in a shooting and her finding a cryptic message, she must rely on federal agent Adam Troyer to shield her. But, undercover as a Plain man, can Adam save her brother’s life and protect Katie? Trusting the handsome Englisch agent is already dangerous…but falling for him could risk everything Katie holds dear.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, earning a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught Comp 101 at the local college. Now, she homeschools her six children with her college professor husband. When she isn’t writing, homeschooling, or planning the family’s next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews for her kidlets, and reads.
by admin | Aug 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
As far as I know, Robin Lee Hatcher has never written a book I didn’t enjoy. Some have been historical while others are contemporary. A few have been rather humorous and several have probed into deep emotional and spiritual themes. The author’s latest series, “A Legacy of Faith” combines both historical and contemporary stories that feature a family Bible that has been passed down through the generations. Cross My Heart is the second book in this excellent series.
This is the story of Ashley Showalter, a young woman who rescues horses and Ben Henning, a young man whose dream is to offer equine therapy on the farm he inherited. The two of them seem to have a lot in common and find it easy to spend time together. Neither is interested in a romantic relationship due to unpleasant life experiences but as expected, they find it difficult to resist the growing attraction between them. Naturally there will be roadblocks along the way but will love and forgiveness allow them to overcome the obstacles?
Cross My Heart deals with addiction and the effects it has on both the addict and his/her family and friends. The author handled the subject realistically without judgement or condemnation and illustrated how with God’s help, renewed trust and healing of shame and guilt are possible. The contrast between Ben’s life and his great-grandfather’s life added an extra element that made the story all the more enjoyable and made the series title come to life. I highly recommend Cross My Heart as well as the previous book in this series.
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: Cross My Heart
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: June 25, 2019
Click here to grab your copy. |
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Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
For more information, visit robinleehatcher.com; Facebook: robinleehatcher; or Twitter: @robinleehatcher.
MORE FROM ROBIN:
MY WRITING DESK
ROBIN LEE HATCHER
I have a wonderful home office with a large screen iMac and the perfect place to keep important papers and reminders right in front of me for easy access. There is also a bed for my dog, Boo, because no office is complete without a bed to welcome the dog. Right?
I also do a lot of writing while seated in a big easy chair in the living room. It all depends upon my mood and how many reference books I might need at the time.
My office usually looks neat when I begin a book. By the time I’m writing the end, the room has become a disaster—stacks of papers demanding my attention and a layer of dust are the most obvious issues.
My office also serves as my art studio (where I do decorative planning and Bible art journaling), so every inch that isn’t taken up by writing related items is filled with art related ones—paints, washi tape, stickers, pens galore, etc.
An early riser naturally, I consider sleeping in to be anything after 6 AM. On a normal writing day, I try to get in half an hour on the treadmill first thing in the morning (and often return to it for ten minutes segments a couple other times during the day). Then I sit at my desk or in my easy chair to do my Bible study. And finally I begin writing.
I can usually create new words for about four hours or so a day. The rest of the work day is filled with editing, revising, research, and correspondence with publisher, agent, readers, and other writers. I have an active online presence which needs attention daily, as well.
I am also a late-in-life part time college student, taking my classes online, so at least a couple of days a week, you’ll find me doing assignments and taking quizzes. For some reason, I rarely use my office for that. The kitchen table seems to suit me better. Probably because it is a large table and I can really spread out.
I feel very blessed to be able to work at home. I had a full time job when I wrote my first book. In fact, I wrote nine novels over the course of nine years while still working full time. The month my ninth book released, I quit my job in order to write full time. Seventy books and almost 28 years later, I’m still at it. As I said, I am blessed.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, July 27
The Power of Words, July 27
Carla Johnson-Hicks, July 28
Christian Bookaholic , July 28
Through the Fire Blogs, July 29
A Baker’s Perspective, July 29
Back Porch Reads, July 30
Cultivating Us, July 30
Godly Book Reviews, July 31
For Him and My Family, July 31
God’s Little Bookworm, August 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1
Daysong Reflections, August 2
EmpowerMoms, August 2
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 2
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 3 |
Moments, August 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4
Remembrancy, August 4
Pause for Tales , August 5
For The Love of Books, August 5
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6
Hallie Reads, August 6
Living Life Free in Christ, August 7
To Everything A Season, August 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7
Wishful Endings, August 8
Texas Book-aholic, August 8
janicesbookreviews, August 8
A Reader’s Brain, August 9
Inklings and notions, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/e5a6/cross-my-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
A few years ago I was blessed with a digital review copy of Amanda Dyke’s Bespoke. I was enchanted by the story and by her marvelous, lyrical writing style. At some point I also read her Tin Can Serenade and loved it also. I was excited to have a chance to read this author’s first full length novel Whose Waves These Are. With a cover that beautiful the story inside had to be beautiful too, especially given the previous experience I’ve had with her work.
It is somewhat difficult for me to capture all the impressions this book left on my heart. At times it was almost unbearably heartbreaking and other moments made me want to jump up and cheer. It is a story that will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride and leave them wanting another ride. Characters were vividly portrayed in a plot that pulled me in and made me feel a part of it. The author’s poetic style and so many quotable passages were such a pleasure to read.
This book made me yearn for relationships such as described in its pages and made me want to be more like Annie and her GrandBob and Fletch as well as all the others who worked together and made this book such a profound experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss’s humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.
Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.
Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family’s past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she’ll be happy for hours. She’s a former English teacher, and her novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale, was met with critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She is also the author of a novella in The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. Whose Waves These Are is her debut novel
