by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Surrounded by Darkness is the riveting conclusion to Rachel Dylan’s Windy Ridge series. The author gives her readers an intimate view of the behind the scenes spiritual battle of which most believers are unaware.
The town of Windy Ridge is the center of an epic battle against the evil forces that desire to take over the entire town. Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter are two of the Christians aware of the potential consequences and bear the brunt of the enemy’s attack along with the pastor of their church. It could be a fight to the very end and at times it is uncertain who the winners will be.
Not since I read This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti many years ago have I encountered another author who manages to convey the existence of spiritual warfare in a way that most readers can understand through the pages of an enjoyable novel. I hope others will read this series and learn from it. The war is real!
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:
We wrestle not against flesh and blood . . .
When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice.
Grant Baxter is facing legal woes of his own when a former client sues him for malpractice. His faith is shaken as he faces down the possibility that his legal career is over. While Grant struggles to save his once thriving law practice, he wonders if he truly deserves to be Olivia’s partner outside of the courtroom.With evil coming at them from all angles, Olivia and Grant’s relationship is put to the test. The two of them must come together and fight for the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge. Will their faith be strong enough–in God and each other–to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson has another winner with A Sparkle of Silver, the first book in her new Georgia Coast Romance series. With its dual timeline, family secrets, a search for hidden treasure, a fantastic setting, and of course romance, this novel had me quickly turning the pages until I reached the end. It was quite easy to care about the well-developed characters, especially the special relationship between Millie and her grandmother Joy. Millie’s response to her grandmother’s dementia and her determination to take care of her was touching.
I particularly enjoyed reading about life at the chateau during its prime through the journals written by Millie’s great-grandmother Ruth. It offered a look at a slice of times gone by that few experience these days. Ample plot twists held my attention throughout and I was pleased by the way the story ended. An emphasis on the importance of family and trusting the Lord was evident.
A Sparkle of Silver is truly a treasure in my opinion and I hope other readers will love it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future . . .
Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won’t be easy.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, 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. A marketing manager for a Christian film company, she makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Oct 10, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Angela Ruth Strong adds an element of fun and humor to her latest cozy mystery. When two young women who want to buy the same antique shop for very different purposes find themselves suspects in the murder of the shop owner, they decide to team up to find the actual murderer. What ensues is a laugh-out-loud tale of blunders, delightful dialogue, and a host of unlikely suspects. As the unlikely pair of detectives work together, they might just have more in common than they thought – if they can stay alive long enough to find out.
I very much enjoyed this amusing novel that kept me entertained from beginning to end. Not only was it humorous but the mystery was well plotted and had me stumped for quite awhile. The story couldn’t have ended more perfectly as far as I am concerned. I look forward to the next book in this series!
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:
Solving a murder mystery is harder when you don’t trust your partner…or their taste in beverages. Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to the small town of Grace Springs to start a coffee shop, never imagining she’ll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects. The unlikely pair team up in an attempt to discover the real killer, though with the secrets in Tandy’s past and Marissa’s infamous clumsiness, they could be their own worst enemies. Despite their differences, they follow clues to question a sweet, apple pie baking antique store owner, a GQ Santa in the retirement center, and a hipster millionaire with no social skills. Will they be able to figure out whodunit and prove their innocence before one of them goes to jail…or worse?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angela Ruth Strong writes light-hearted and life-changing love stories. The “light-hearted” part comes from her ability to get into interesting situations–such as a hamster ball race or riding on the shoulders of a unicyclist. The “life-changing” part comes from the power of God’s love and the beauty of her very own romance. The “story” part comes from her passion for books that she got from her writer mama. And there’s nothing else she’d rather do than share these stories with you. Find out more (than you ever wanted to know) at www.angelaruthstrong.com.
by admin | Oct 7, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Delayed Justice was an outstanding novel that dealt with a very difficult subject in such a tactful yet affirming manner. Jaime Nichols is a young woman, abused as a child by a close relative, who after many years has decided to seek justice against her abuser. Her timing is not the best and it appears that the man will not stop at anything to prevent the truth from coming out. Could Jaime lose everything she has worked so hard for or will she gain what matters most?
Although this novel was sometimes difficult to read because of the subject matter, I loved the way it was handled by the author for a number of different reasons. The way Jaime worked with Chandler and his dog Aslan to help a young girl who had also been abused was a wonderful example of how another person with similar experiences can help. I also loved how Chandler’s patience and tenderness broke through Jaime’s walls to help her along her own road to healing. And let’s not forget the part The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe played in the story. Jaime’s supportive group of friends was also a major plus. It was so encouraging to see how they stood beside her and lovingly helped her through a difficult period.
Delayed Justice has everything I am looking for in a good read and the author put it all together in an amazing blend of danger, action, suspense, and a tender romance woven together with compassion and faith. Who could ask for more? I highly recommend this novel as well as all Cara Putman’s previous books. I will eagerly await her next 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:
| Book Title: Delayed Justice
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense
Release date: October 15, 2018
Click here to purchase your copy! |
 |
She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard.
Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.
Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.
This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.
Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.
Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com
GUEST POST FROM CARA:
Delayed Justice was a hard story to write.
I’d known from Beyond Justice that Jaime had a hard story, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. She tried to hide from her past. She tried hard, but in the end it slowly spilled out. A young girl wounded deeply by someone who should protect her. And now as a professional young woman, Jaime is still fighting the shadows.
She believes she’s okay, or as okay as she’ll ever be.
Instead, she has to learn that there’s so much more waiting for her. Freedom from the chains of a past she didn’t choose. A love that will never end. And a God who has always loved her even when she questions His existence because of her past.
I think we’ve all lived that. There’s a place in our hearts that seems beyond His reach. For some of us, it’s a barrier to knowing Him. To others of us, it makes us question what we thought we knew about God. And for others of us, it presses us deeply into Him. Jaime’s book, Delayed Justice, explores this space. The space where some days we scream at the heavens Where are you, God? And the days we just curl into ourselves because life is too hard.
And in that space of shadow and light, God ultimately shines brightest. This is a truth that is slowly revealed through friends and The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29 |
Book by Book, October 5 |
| Fiction Aficionado, September 29 |
Splashes of Joy, October 5 |
| The Avid Reader, September 29 |
Rockin’ My Mom Jeans, October 6 |
| The Power of Words, September 29 |
Mary Hake, October 6 |
| The Christian Fiction Girl, September 29 |
Godly Book Reviews, October 6 |
| The Lit Addict, September 30 |
Two Points of Interest, October 6 |
| BBHfiction, September 30 |
C Jane Read, October 7 |
| Painting with Words, September 30 |
Daysong Reflections , October 7 |
| Real World Bible Study, September 30 |
Bibliophile Reviews, October 7 |
| Janices book reviews, September 30 |
Buy, Borrow, Skip, October 7 |
| cherylbbookblog, October 1 |
The Mimosa Blossom, October 8 |
| Where Faith and Books Meet, October 1 |
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 8 |
| Back Porch Reads, October 1 |
Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses, October 8 |
| Cafinated Reads, October 1 |
Maureen’s Musings, October 8 |
| Faithfully Bookish, October 1 |
Just the Write Escape, October 9 |
| Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, October 2 |
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng) |
| Lighthouse Academy, October 2 |
Remebrancy, October 9 |
| Livin Lit, October 2 |
Carpe Diem, October 9 |
| Inklings and notions, October 2 |
Quiet Quilter, October 10 |
| Bigreadersite, October 2 |
Margaret Kazmierczak, October 10 |
| All-of-a-kind Mom, October 3 |
At the Fence, October 10 |
| Reading Is My SuperPower, October 3 |
By The Book, October 10 |
| The Becca Files, October 3 |
God is Love, October 11 |
| Blogging With Carol, October 3 |
A Baker’s Perspective, October 11 |
| Lights in a Dark World, October 3 |
proud to be an autism mom, October 11 |
| Genesis 5020, October 4 |
Texas Book-aholic, October 11 |
| Cathe Swanson, October 4 |
Henry Happens, October 12 |
| Spoken from the Heart, October 4 |
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 12 |
| D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 4 |
Have A Wonderful Day, October 12 |
| 100 Pages per Hour, October 5 |
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12 |
| Multifarious, October 5 |
|
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize package that includes a Courage Dear Heart bracelet, a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe print, a copy of Delayed Justice, and a box of Turkish Delight!!
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/d5c4/delayed-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 5, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Summer Plans and Other Disasters is a light-hearted romance that contains an important lesson. The story revolves around Callie Stevens a school teacher who believes she has heard from God about what she should do over summer vacation and has planned accordingly. The only problem is that her plans seem to fall apart at every turn and Callie begins to doubt if she heard God correctly. Perhaps she just took the ball and ran with her own interpretation of what she heard.
Other characters include Callie’s older brother Jack, his best friend Ryan, Callie’s old flame Kyle, and her new friend Stacey. The narrative is related through several points of view and it is evident the characters are not always on the same page. Intelligent, accomplished Callie who does everything accordingly to plan is a disaster in the making which definitely adds quite a bit of humor to the tale. Jack is the perfect big brother, level-headed and competent except when he’s around a certain young lady. Ryan is a perfect leading man but then Kyle is not too bad either. The problem is will Callie figure out which one meets God’s plan for her or will she carry through with her own plans?
I mostly enjoyed this book even though at times Callie could be just a bit exasperating. Her education and accomplishments were in direct contrast to some of her quirky actions. Nevertheless, Summer Plans and Other Disasters is a great novel for those times when one wants to read something light and humorous. I would be open to reading a sequel, especially if it is about Jack.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings PR. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track. Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right?
Trying to figure out God’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best laid plans were truly God-inspired.
Now available from Elk Lake Publishing!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karin wrote her first novel in 2007 to cope with her husband’s cancer diagnosis (no worries – he’s cancer free now!). With the support and encouragement of her family, she submitted that manuscript. That particular manuscript has not been published yet, but Summer Plans and Other Disasters, her first published book, releases in September 2018.
Karin writes contemporary and speculative fiction stories with a healthy dose of romance, but she’s also expanded her repertoire: she writes feature stories for the local paper, copy material for businesses, and blog posts for herself and others. She even edits (offering copy editing, fiction editing, and critiques through Write Now Editing Services) and teaches (she’s the Substantive Fiction Editing instructor for the PEN Institute and can be found around the country teaching writing and editing courses at conferences and at her local college).
When Karin’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys cooking and baking. She plays the piano and sings (the key of E, please). She kayaks with her husband in the summer, watches football in the fall (Go Blue!), and enjoys Christmas lights all winter long. Shy but extroverted, Karin adores her nieces and nephew and loves spending time with her family. Learn more about Karin at: karinbeery.com.
You can also follow her on:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/karinbeery
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/
by admin | Oct 4, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Readers of Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series finally get their chance to discover where Luke Gallagher has been since he disappeared from his friends’ lives. Dead Drift is a wild ride from beginning to end as Luke and his old friends work together (mostly) to stop an imminent attack that could undermine the country. In the midst of all the action and danger, Luke and Kate Maxwell find themselves reevaluating their past relationship and whether they even want to resurrect it. Meanwhile Griffin and Finley may just be close to wrapping up a series of cold case murders that could be the work of a serial killer.
All I can say is “wow!” This book had me furiously turning the pages to see what would happen next while wanting to slow down so the story wouldn’t end. Quite a few breath-holding moments interspersed with a bit of light-hearted dialogue for relief. I always find it interesting when I read about investigative procedure and how it’s really done, especially when the story is not bogged down in too many unneeded details.
Dani Pettrey is a pro when it comes to writing a great suspense novel. I really hate to see this series end but I know I can expect another great book from her soon. If you are a suspense lover and haven’t discovered Dani Pettrey’s books, please give them a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Final Countdown to Stop an Imminent Attack Has Begun.
Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.
Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target’s latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.
Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he’s back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.
Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist’s next mark?
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey Photography
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.
