by admin | Jun 14, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I may as well admit it, I’m officially old – at least Wooing Cadie McCaffrey managed to make me feel my age. Actually, this novel is very well written and witty with a heavy dose of serious real-life situations and faith thrown in for good measure.
Cadie and Will are both immensely likeable people and quite suited to each other but life has gotten in the way. This has left Cadie feeling dissatisfied and determined to end their relationship which leads in turn to a misunderstanding and a big mistake which makes Cadie even more determined to end it. At this point I wanted to shake her and ask “Why now?!” Of course she didn’t listen and I had to continue to observe their sometimes awkward encounters with increasing frustration. Happily everything turned out well by the end of the story.
I applaud the author for tackling some touchy situations with total honesty. The truth is that even Christians make mistakes but God is there to redeem them all if they are truly repentant and continue to follow Him. I feel that this would be an excellent book for older teens, especially if they can learn from Cadie and Will’s mistakes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn’t love her in the “forever” way she loves him, Cadie believes it’s time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing.
But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie’s favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It’s a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bethany Turner is the author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former bank executive and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn’t matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she’s chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight.
by admin | Jun 13, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Vigilant, the first book of The Night Guardians series by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Vigilant is one of those novels that will make its reader think and then probably think some more! Not only is it a well-written nail-biter with a touch of romance but it brings up some very disquieting questions about how far a Christian should go to help the weak and powerless. Should we obey the law without question or are there times when civil disobedience is necessary?
In Vigilant these are some of the questions certain characters must ask themselves when children begin to disappear from their homes. Two brothers who were victims of terrible abuse as children have become advocates for children in similar circumstances but often find their hands tied by the system. A detective and his partner find themselves working overtime attempting to solve the case of the disappearing children. As their paths cross and two of the men fall in love with the same woman, things get a bit complicated.
I enjoyed this book although it was at times difficult to read, especially the incidents of child abuse even though those scenes were not as graphic as they could have been. I was not overly fond of the romantic aspect that involved a love triangle. None of the relationships were developed as well as I would have liked and Nicole was irritatingly indecisive about Gage and Daniel. I felt like she rushed into things without thinking it through. Other than that, the story was very strong with plenty of action and suspense to keep it moving along.
I did not reach any clear conclusions about the questions raised but I do agree that they are legitimate ones. Now that I have rambled somewhat aimlessly, I would recommend this book if you don’t mind a challenge on exactly what your Christian responsibilities should be and where you should draw the line.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Vigilant
Series: The Night Guardians, Book 1
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: June 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
She must choose between the man who represents the law and the one who may have taken it into his own hands.
Neglected by her parents for most of her life, Nicole Hunter keeps everyone, especially men, at arms’ length. So when Attorney Gage Kelly walks into the diner where she is waiting tables one evening, she fights her attraction to him with everything she has.
Gage and his brother Holden grew up in an abusive home, and Gage has baggage of his own. But the connection between him and Nicole is too strong to ignore, and Gage manages to convince them both that their relationship is worth the risk.
Then children begin disappearing in the night.
When Detective Daniel Grey starts to close in on the child snatcher, and enlists Nicole’s help, she faces her deepest fear. Everything and everyone she has clung to so tightly could be ripped from her, leaving her completely alone.
Except for one.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novel, The Watcher, the romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy, and the suspense novel, Vigilant, book one of The Night Guardians Series. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including the Word Award for Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature and currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.
CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive a copy of Vigilant and $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 4, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open to US/CAN residents!
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | Jun 9, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Tate, the second book of The Montana Marshalls series by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Tate is book 2 in Susan May Warren’s Montana Marshalls series. Each book features a member of the Marshall family and brother Tate who played a strong supporting role in book 1, Knox finds himself the hero here. Still acting as Gloria Jackson’s bodyguard with restrictions, Tate is determined to keep her safe from the group who will do anything to keep her mother from running for President. But who are they and could everyone be mistaken about who is responsible for the attacks?
I’m two books in and it is already obvious that this is one series that readers will want to read every book in order. Other family members play strong roles in both books and I felt that I was getting some hints about what is to come in later installments. It has also become apparent that each of the siblings has mistakenly believed themselves inferior to at least one of the others for some reason and have made life choices in an attempt to prove themselves worthy. If only they could find their worth in God’s eyes! I think that is the message the author is trying so hard to get across in the story and to her readers.
As in most of Warren’s books, Tate is a balanced blend of action, danger, mystery, suspense, faith, and romance. Characters grow during the course of the story and do not remain stagnant. At times I found myself frustrated with both Tate and Glo as their relationship experienced many ups and downs, some of which seemed so unnecessary. It was fun meeting more of the Marshall family and I look forward to getting to know them better in their own book. My expectations were thoroughly satisfied and I recommend Tate to all fans of Susan May Warren and to any reader who enjoys action-packed, suspense-filled contemporary romance with bigger than life heroes.
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:
Title: Tate
Series: The Montana Marshalls, Book 2
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: SDG Publishing
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
What will it cost this bodyguard to save the woman he loves?
Bodyguard, Tate Marshall, has always been the family troublemaker. Maybe it’s his impulsive propensity to get into the middle of problems that don’t belong to him. But once in, he can’t stop himself from trying to solve them and that includes his recent dilemma. He’s in love with the woman he’s supposed to protect, the beautiful Gloria, “Glo” Jackson, daughter of US Senator and presidential hopeful Reba Jackson. A member of the country band, the Yankee Belles, Glo was targeted in a recent terrorist attack designed to deter her mother from running.
Glo is as stubborn as her mother, and Glo isn’t about to hide from threats, at least the kind that won’t cost her heart. Because she’s already paid a terrible price for the war on terror, and she can’t let herself love a man who might die, especially because of her.
As the campaign heats up and the threats deepen, so does the attraction between Tate and Glo. But when they’re discovered, and Tate is fired, what will he do to protect the woman he loves?
And what will Glo do to keep from losing another man to the costs of war?
The gripping second installment of the Marshall Family series.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christian Book
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.
She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Knox & Tate, plus 2 CDs – Kelsea Ballerini (Unapologetically) and Brett Young (Ticket to LA)
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2019. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by admin | May 31, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have to admit – it’s a blessing and a curse when I discover a new author whose first book makes me want everything she will ever write from that point on. Other avid readers will understand. Another author to love! My bookshelves are already overflowing! Nevertheless, I loved Living Lies enough that unless a future novel is extremely disappointing, I will be reading books by Natalie Walters as long as she cares to write them.
Small towns are just the best settings for suspense novels, especially if surrounded by some sort of wilderness. Beginning with its awesome cover, Living Lies drew me into its vivid descriptions and exceptional characters. Lane Kent suffered from severe depression to the point of occasional suicidal thoughts and she blamed herself for the death of her husband. Because of her own struggles Lane understood others who suffered similar afflictions and was particularly compassionate toward them. Charlie Lynch, the new deputy in town, is encouraged to work with Lane after she discovers a body.
With a wonderful supporting cast, especially Miguel, Sheriff Huggins, his wife Birdie, and Deputy Frost, Lane and Charlie take readers on an exciting and sometimes terrifying journey as they race against time to discover a dangerous murderer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the procedures and process of tracking down each clue. Numerous twists and surprises were in store and I was kept in suspense the entire time.
I appreciate the author’s honest portrayal of depression, PTSD, and suicide. I also loved how more than one character lovingly encouraged Lane and pointed her toward the Lord. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret.
At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.
Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
by admin | May 31, 2019 | Books, Coffee, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Libby’s Cuppa Joe by Rebecca Waters with JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Rebecca Waters is a new author for me and the cover is not the type that usually attracts me either. Nevertheless I chose to read Libby’s Cuppa Joe to review and was pleasantly surprised that I was quickly captivated by the story.
The novel features Sonja Parker who invests her inheritance from her grandmother in a once thriving coffee shop in a small Wisconsin town. She runs into several obstacles that include needed repairs to the building as well as trying to live up to the expectations of the shop’s former customers. Sonja manages to find time for romance but she doesn’t make the best choices and is taken advantage of by a deceptive boyfriend. Sonja is left to pay the price for her poor decisions. Another young man was the perfect hero who saw past Sonja’s mistakes to her caring heart.
Libby’s Cuppa Joe is a clean read despite certain circumstances that take place in the background. I enjoyed the way Sonja’s friends and family rallied around her to help with each and every problem she encountered and how the author managed to weave in a strong message of faith into the story. I was also pleased at how all the loose ends were tied together at the end, especially a surprise for the former owner of the coffee shop.
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:
Title: Libby’s Cuppa Joe
Author: Rebecca Waters
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: March 8, 2018
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Can grace and love be found amongst coffee grounds?
Sonja Parker is about to find out.
Excited to leave her stale life in the big city behind, Sonja takes the money her grandmother left her and purchases Libby’s Cuppa Joe, a thriving coffee shop in a small community in Wisconsin’s Door County. Sonja may have business sense, but is she ready to face the world on her own?
Sonja soon discovers owning a business requires more than offering a good cup of coffee. She must make major repairs to the building as well as major
repairs to her heart. Do the former owners, Libby and Joe hold the answer? As Sonja seeks to make Libby’s Cuppa Joe a viable business, can she also find herself and the God she has abandoned?
Libby’s Cuppa Joe is a riveting tale of second chances, forgiveness, and not living on borrowed faith.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebecca Waters has been a writer most of her life. Her first published work was a story in the school newspaper she wrote in second grade. For many years Rebecca used her stories as illustrations in church settings and to entertain her own three daughters. Her professional writing included educational articles and research.
Following her retirement as a professor of education from Cincinnati Christian University, Rebecca turned her pen to the world of fiction. She has also published several articles in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Lookout Magazine, and Home Health Aide Digest. Her first novel, Breathing on Her Own, was released in 2014.
CONNECT WITH REBECCA: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Libby’s Cuppa Joe and (1) winner will receive an ebook copy.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 28, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 4, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | May 28, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I was blessed to be an early reviewer for Janet Ferguson’s The Art of Rivers. I have always enjoyed her books but this one touched me in ways the others haven’t. I have experienced the effects of addiction up close and personal with a family member who was thankfully able to break free and remain that way for over fifteen years so far. I also have friends who have lost children to its evil grasp. I so appreciate the way the author managed to depict this subject realistically yet with compassion.
The characters were skillfully portrayed, each with events from their past that impinge on their present lives and make it difficult to trust themselves as well as others. The setting of St. Simons Island is so beautifully described that I would love to see it for myself.
I loved reading Cooper and Rivers’ story complete with each and every obstacle they encountered. At times it was heart-rending but yet was filled with faith, hope, second chances, and romance. Janet Ferguson has a masterful way with words and keen insight into what makes humans tick. I look forward to each and every novel she cares to write in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.
After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.
Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
Learn more about Janet and her books on her website – https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com
