by admin | May 26, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Maine, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although I’m not a huge fan of Amish fiction, I have always enjoyed the Amish novels by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Her characters are always strong and realistic and the stories dig a bit deeper into their inner lives than is often the case. On a Summer Tide is Fisher’s latest novel and it departs from the Amish genre and takes her readers into a contemporary tale set on an small island off the shores of Maine.
In this novel, the three Grayson sisters are drawn to Three Sisters Island at the request of their father who purchased the entire island in order to restore the campground that held so many memories for him. Although the sisters generally thought their dad had lost his mind, they agreed to stay as long as they could to help him. In this wonderful story, each of the sisters fell under the spell of the island and began to really find themselves for the first time as well as restore their relationships that had become distant over the years.
I loved this wonderful story with its sometimes quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments but mostly for the depth of love and faith expressed throughout its pages. Of course there is some romance along the way as well as some unexpected twists and surprises that could change everything for two of the characters. I am deliberately vague because this is one story that I would hate to spoil for anyone. Just take my advice and pick it up if you don’t read another book this summer.
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: On a Summer Tide
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Christian Fiction Romance
Release Date: April 30, 2019 |
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Sometimes love hurts—and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.
Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.
Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island—a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals—and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.
With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.
MORE FROM SUZANNE:
Oh-So-Maine Blueberry Buckle
Summer in Maine means plump, tart blueberries are everywhere. Here’s a family recipe that is nearly fool-proof….and so delicious! Especially with a scoop or two with vanilla ice cream.
Ever wonder how it got the name Blueberry Buckle? While the batter rises as it bakes, but the blueberries and crumb topping weigh it down. This causes the surface of the cake to buckle…hence the name.
| Batter:
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup soft butter
1 egg
½ cup milk cups sifted flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups drained blueberries |
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| Crumb Topping:½ cup sugar
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter |
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| Preheat oven to 375 degrees. |
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| Mix sugar and butter with egg. Stir in milk Sift together and stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully blend in blueberries. Put on topping before baking. Pour in a greased and floured 9” square pan. |
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| Bake 45-50 minutes. |
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BLOG STOPS:
| Just the Write Escape, May 23
The Avid Reader, May 23
The Power of Words, May 23
Blessed & Bookish, May 23
The Morning Chapter, May 24
Blogging With Carol, May 24
Carpe Diem, May 24
Cultivating Us, May 24
Godly Book Reviews, May 25
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 25
Mary Hake, May 25
For Him and my Family, May 25
C Jane Read, May 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26
Blossoms and Blessings, May 26
Daysong Reflections, May 26
Lighthouse Academy, May 27
Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 27
Empower Moms, May 27
Remembrancy, May 27
Wishful Endings, May 28
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28
Spoken from the Heart, May 28
SusanLovesBooks, May 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 29
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 29 |
Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, May 29
Hallie Reads, May 29
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 30
Maureen’s Musings, May 30
Library Lady’s Kit Lit, May 30
Inspiration Clothesline, May 30
Living Life Free in Christ, May 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31
Pause for Tales, May 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1
A Reader’s Brain, June 1
Through the Fire Blogs, June 2
Have A Wonderful Day, June 2
Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 2
Quiet Quilter, June 3
2014 and Beyond, June 3
By The Book, June 3
She Lives to Read, June 4
Texas Book-aholic, June 4
janicesbookreviews, June 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 4
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 5
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 5
Inklings and notions, June 5 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
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/e540/on-a-summer-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | May 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, K-9 Unit, Love Inspired, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I grew up with beagles so I know what great dogs they are. Never did I imagine a beagle as a K-9 officer but with their keen sense of smell it totally makes sense. It was such fun reading about Eddie and how he helped break up a group of drug smugglers as well as helping to save lives.
Since Act of Valor is a Love Inspired Suspense, readers will know that they are most likely to find plenty of action and danger blended with a pretty good romance. Dana Mentink is a pro at keeping her readers on edge one minute and rooting for a happily-ever-after the next. Act of Valor meets all the requirements and kept me on edge as I turned the pages as fast as I could.
I love this author’s books and am always ready for the next one. It is a good thing that she seems to produce new ones fairly quickly!
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: Act of Valor
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense
Release Date: June 1, 2019
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A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16
Genesis 5020, May 16
Multifarious, May 17
Through the Fire Blogs, May 17
Lighthouse Academy, May 17
Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18
Blogging With Carol, May 18
Daysong Reflections, May 19
Carla Loves to Read, May 19
Wishful Endings, May 20
EmpowerMoms, May 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20
Remembrancy, May 21
Blossoms and Blessings, May 21
Simple Harvest Reads, May 22
(Guest post from Mindy Houng) |
Hallie Reads, May 22
Among the Reads, May 23
Moments, May 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24
Just Your Average reviews, May 24
Real World Bible Study, May 25
Pause for Tales, May 25
Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26
Texas Book-aholic, May 26
Bigreadersite, May 27
janicesbookreviews, May 27
Inklings and notions, May 28
Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an Amazon gift card!!
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/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | May 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Geneology, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I don’t believe I have previously read any books by Olivia Newport but The Inn at Hidden Run seemed intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did! I found it to be an interesting read, especially the historical details about the Yellow Fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, the city near where I’ve lived my entire life.
Jillian’s occupation as a genealogist was quite fascinating. I enjoyed reading about her methods and the reasons clients needed her services. She was quite a specialized detective! Although her intentions were probably good ones, I did think that Jillian may have been just a little bit pushy in how she went about convincing Meri to let her discover her family history.
I did like reading the historical sections most but loved seeing how everything all tied together at the end. I will be looking forward to the next book in Newport’s Tree of Life 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:
A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees Meri flunks out of medical school—and runs from her parents. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy’s digging traces the family long tradition of doctors to an ancestor saved during a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878. As Meri’s family closes in, Jillian gets the final puzzle pieces in place just in time for them all to learn the truth. The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.
MORE FROM OLIVIA:
Of Family Lines and Family Lore
I suppose it all started in a cemetery.
Once, while a group of relatives were visiting a cemetery, one of my cousins and I wandered off and looked at all sorts of graves, speculating about the names we read and the lives they represented. We were duly scolded both for separating from our families, which caused some consternation, and for being disrespectful—though I think the second accusation was a false one!
Just because we were young children didn’t mean we were disrespecting the dead. Quite the opposite. We were respecting lives long forgotten with our curiosity about who they were and what legacies they left.
These days a lot of people are interested in genealogy. Entire TV series spin around the theme, and DNA kits show up in Christmas stockings. Lost branches of family trees find the main trunk—sometimes with big surprises.
My new Tree of Life series is set in the backdrop of a lovely Colorado mountain town I hope you’ll want to visit often, where a father-daughter genealogy team link present to past on family trees and characters learn about who they are, where they come from, and their unique faith journeys as they discover their own Tree of Life.
It all starts with The Inn at Hidden Run. When Meri arrives in Canyon Mines because she wants to run away from her family, true answers come from understanding the past that generations have forgotten—the accounts from another time and place no longer handed down but that still form the backbone of the family’s story.
What’s the backbone of your family’s history? How is it shaping your own future?
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 18
The Avid Reader, May 18
The Power of Words, May 18
Daysong Reflections, May 19
Texas Book-aholic, May 19
Through the Fire Blogs, May 20
Lighthouse Academy, May 20
A Baker’s Perspective, May 21
To Everything A Season, May 21
Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 22
Pause for Tales, May 22
Hallie Reads, May 22
Bigreadersite, May 23
By The Book, May 23
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 23
All-of-a-kind Mom, May 24 |
Connect in Fiction, May 24
Maureen’s Musings, May 25
Seasons of Opportunities, May 25
Inklings and notions, May 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26
Godly Book Reviews, May 27
janicesbookreviews, May 27
Retrospective Spines, May 28
Mary Hake, May 28
Quiet Quilter, May 29
A Reader’s Brain, May 29
Remembrancy, May 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 30
Just the Write Escape, May 31
Moments, May 31 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Inn at Hidden Run!!
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/e1c1/the-inn-at-hidden-run-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | May 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Mystery
I’ve been told that it is National Beverage Day which makes it the perfect day for a cover reveal for Angela Strong’s latest book A Cuppa Trouble. What could be more appropriate than a somewhat humorous mystery featuring two friends, one who loves coffee and one who is a tea drinker all the way. Or are they?
MY REVIEW:
A Cuppa Trouble is the second book in Angela Ruth Strong’s CafFunated Mysteries series. With a strong emphasis on caffeine in both coffee and tea, the series also contains a wealth of quirky characters, plenty of mystery and danger, and of course fun by the bucketful. It is imperative that you pick up a copy of the first book, A Caffeine Conundrum, in order to become acquainted with Tandy, Marissa, and some of their friends as you await the release of A Cuppa Trouble which takes up where the first book left off.
As Tandy and Marissa prepare for the grand opening of their coffee/tea shop, there is a good deal of friendly competition about their personal favorites. When their very first customer is murdered nearby, the duo are determined to solve the mystery. After all, they have one successful case to their credit. What ensues is a delightful mixture of action, hilarity, danger, mystery, and romance. I was kept guessing along with our intrepid “sheroes” (I ran across that word recently and loved it) as several possibilities for the guilty party present themselves. Don’t you know, it’s always the one you least expect!
Loved this book and catching up with favorite characters and meeting new ones. The author has a wonderful sense of humor and is able to mix it seamlessly with mystery as well as blend a touch of spiritual wisdom in for good measure. Don’t miss out on this one!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Plans for a Valentine’s Day grand opening of a small town coffee shop go awry when the first customer is killed. Evidence points toward the victim being mixed up in a car theft ring, but shop owners Tandy and Marissa have reason to believe he was framed. An assortment of suspects–from a pink-haired heir to Tandy’s charming ex–all seem to know a little too much about grand theft auto.
Without approval from either their boyfriends or the gum-chewing FBI agent in charge, the shop owners go on stakeouts, plan stings, and pursue justice in a high-speed car chase. If they don’t find the killer soon, it might be more than their love lives in trouble.
Preorder a copy today!
by admin | Apr 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed all the Hope Harbor Novels so much with their down-to-earth characters and compelling stories. Hope Harbor would not be the same place without Charlie’s taco stand and his almost prophetic wisdom. Then of course there are those nearly human sea gulls Floyd and Gladys. Hannon’s stories are so vivid that I find myself wanting to ask my daughter who lives on the Oregon coast if she has visited Charlie’s taco stand yet. She would probably think her mom had lost her mind inside one of her books!
As in the previous novels, I found Driftwood Bay hard to put down once I started reading. It was so easy to become caught up in the lives of Jeannette and Logan and all the people who interacted with them. Another story of second chances and learning to trust again, Driftwood Bay was a joy to read. I love a book that not only is romantic and entertaining but also contains a lesson or two in how to grow in faith. As far as I’m concerned, this series can continue indefinitely.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell Reads. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room–until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn’t worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.
Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it’s least expected?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, and Pelican Point, as well as Dangerous Illusions and the Private Justice and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carols, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Apr 11, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Beauty in Battle is the suspense-filled conclusion to Robin Patchen’s Beauty in Flight trilogy. Once Jack learns Harper’s secrets he convinces her to return to Maryland with him to face the police with the truth before Derrick catches up to them.
Well-developed characters and plot made this series one that I didn’t want to put down but I was grateful to have copies of all three books so that I didn’t have to wait to find out what happened next. Jack and Harper faced more than enough danger along their journey back because in addition to Derrick, an unidentified killer also wants them dead. Unexpected twists and surprises kept me in suspense until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this skillful blend of drama, suspense, romance, and faith. I am glad I had the opportunity to review this series and recommend it to those who enjoy Christian suspense novels.
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:
The truth is out, but will it set her free, or will it land her in the grave?
The last thing Harper wants is to do is return to Maryland to face the police and explain the mess she left behind, but with Red safe and the authorities waiting, she has little choice. At least Jack didn’t abandon her, even after he discovered her lies.
Now that Jack knows the truth about Harper, his feelings for her are deeper than ever. Jack isn’t about to leave her side, and he’ll protect her from anybody who tries to hurt her–or die trying.
But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s the least of their problems. How can they battle both Derrick and the killer who hides in the shadows?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Patchen writes contemporary Christian suspense, romance, and romantic suspense. Her books are often set in New England, where she grew up. She creates strong, protective heroes and intelligent, courageous heroines.
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
