Contemporary Fiction | Daysong Reflections

Finding Love in Eureka, California by Angela Ruth Strong

by admin | Jan 4, 2018 | Books, California, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

“Finding Love in Eureka, California” was a thoroughly enjoyable novel that had both light-hearted and thoughtful moments. I loved the fact that both primary characters had flaws which made them all the more life-like and easy to identify with.

Heroine Genevieve is a feisty young woman with many good character traits but because of her background she is afraid to love. Her crush on pilot Matt Lake seems safe enough – until she gets to know him better. Matt is practically engaged to a beautiful woman who is near perfect but tries to ignore the fact that he really doesn’t enjoy her family’s lifestyle that is so important to her. When he finds Genevieve constantly on his mind instead, Matt must make some difficult choices about what is most important to him.

The story-line is wonderful with a vast array of interesting characters, some of whom have disabilities that are not usually featured in the books I often read. This author is not afraid to push the envelope by featuring people who are frequently overlooked and helping her readers to actually see past outward appearance to the inner person. I particularly liked Rosie’s character and the wisdom she had developed as a result of her own struggles.

At times poignant but often laugh-out-loud funny, “Finding Love in Eureka, California” was a joy to read and filled with surprises. I love the way Strong manages to weave so many different elements together to create an entertaining novel that leaves her readers with plenty of food for thought. If you have not read anything by Angela Ruth Strong, I heartily encourage you to do so.

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:

Raised in a family of six adopted siblings, Genevieve Wilson fights to keep her dysfunctional brothers and sisters together, but everyone still seems to leave. If she’s not good enough to prevent her birth parents or siblings from abandoning her, then there’s no way she would ever be enough to have a lasting relationship with the successful pilot from work…which is exactly what makes him a safe subject for her daydreams.

Matt Lake is dating the perfect woman and working a great job. Life is easy until he starts to enjoy hanging out with the airline employees more than with his girlfriend—one redhead in particular. He tells himself he’s only intrigued by Gen’s quirkiness, but nobody else makes him smile the way she does.?

Can Matt give up the flawless life he’d planned in exchange for the messiness of love? And if so, will Gen risk her heart on reality when it’s never paid off in the past?

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.

The Baby Assignment by Christy Barritt

by admin | Jan 4, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

“The Baby Assignment” is a fast paced mystery/suspense that kept me engaged to the very end. When a hero and heroine who were previously engaged agree to help protect a baby left at the Houston FBI office, their lives become connected again. Despite danger at every turn and a mystery to solve, Tanner and Macy manage to rediscover the spark between them but is it strong enough to keep them together this time?

I enjoyed this book with multiple plot twists and surprises sprinkled throughout. Dialogue was excellent and helped keep it interesting. Loved how quickly Macy became attached to the baby and how protective Tanner was of them both. A major plus was that I didn’t have it all figured out before I was halfway through the story.

As always, this novel by Christy Barritt was entertaining yet contained a faith-filled thread that was encouraging to this reader. I recommend “The Baby Assignment” to anyone who enjoys a short but action filled suspenseful read.

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:

Tasked with figuring out who left a baby at the Houston FBI office, Special Agent Tanner Wilson has only one clue — his ex-girlfriend’s name written on a scrap of paper. But Macy Mills doesn’t recognize the little girl, and soon someone’s dead set on abducting her…even if it costs Tanner’s and Macy’s lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren

by admin | Dec 28, 2017 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I MUST obtain each and every one of Susan May Warren’s books as soon as it is available and if at all possible, I love to have an advanced reader’s copy. I love her books so much that she would have to be superhuman to write them fast enough for me. I was blessed to receive and early copy of “Troubled Waters” which totally reinforced my love of her writing skills. I am in awe! If only I could write a review that does it justice.

I am certain that most readers who have been following the entire Montana Rescue series have been eagerly awaiting this book, hoping to finally find out what happens between Ian Shaw and Sierra Rose. The wait is over and in my opinion it was well worth it. Mysteries were solved and secrets revealed along with nail-biting adventure filled with extreme danger and exciting rescues. And of course we finally found out the rest of Ian and Sierra’s story but you need to read that for yourself.

“Troubled Waters” was so good that I’d love to go back to read it again if my review schedule would allow. Meanwhile it will hold an honored spot on my bookshelf waiting for me to find that chance. I loved catching up with the rest of the PEAK rescue squad, especially Pete and Jess. I am looking forward to reading their story next. In my opinion, “Troubled Waters” may have been the most suspense filled novel from this author yet. It certainly held my attention. I really love reading these exciting suspense filled stories that are so filled with a strong Christian message and quotable lines.

If you are not already a Susan May Warren fan, you need to give her novels a try. “Troubled Waters’ might be a good place to start but I would advise at least beginning with the first book of the series and carry on from there. You may just become a fan like me.

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:

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants–except a happy ending. Or at least that’s what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra’s relationship.

Read an excerpt from “Troubled Waters” HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Wild Montana Skies, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.

Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue by Joanie Bruce, Alexa Verde, & Denise Weimer

by admin | Dec 11, 2017 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

“Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue” is the perfect companion for one of those cold winter evenings prior to Christmas when your shopping and baking are done or you just need a little time to yourself to unwind from all the seasonal busyness. The book is comprised of three separate suspense novellas that take place during the Christmas season. Most readers should easily be able to read each novella in one sitting.

As can be expected, these stories move along very quickly with less character development than a full-length novel. Fortunately that did not detract at all from my enjoyment – in fact I found it refreshingly relaxing. Each novella was well written with ample mystery and tension to satisfy most suspense lovers.

Christmas Murder Mix-up was quite suspenseful yet had clever bits of humor woven through the story that kept me entertained as I read. Misunderstandings abound but of course everything works out well in the end.

Holiday Pursuit was an exciting tale that revolved around a dead body found in a stolen car. The spunky heroine found her share of danger and maybe even romance as she attempted to locate her brother who was suspected of the crime.

A Holiday Intruder may not have as much danger and excitement as the first two novellas but it is a satisfying mystery with an unexpected romance.

I would definitely recommend “Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue” for everyone interested in a bit of light and entertaining reading pleasure for the holidays. Be sure and check it out.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Click to purchase

Christmas Murder Mix-Up

“I have to get rid of her now.”

After four months of a blissful marriage, Paige is devastated to overhear her husband, Cooper, say those words to his best friend. Because of a suspicious Christmas gift, a gas leak, and a home invasion, Paige’s love for Cooper is tested to the limit. Will their marriage survive the Christmas Murder Mix-up?

Holiday Pursuit

When Brianna Rockwell’s brother finds himself in danger and disappears three days before Christmas, she does everything to rescue him. Brianna dodges bullets, escapes fire, and even turns to her longtime crush for help. But the closer she gets to solving the mystery and finding her only sibling, the more desperate someone gets to silence her forever…

A Holiday Intruder

Kelsey Jordan prefers upcycling junk and refinishing antiques for her store in a Georgia mountains town to being the center of attention. When a robbery and an unknown benefactor shove her in the middle of a decades-old mystery, and a real estate developer and a former baseball star compete for her attention, Kelsey isn’t sure who to trust.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

As an avid reader, Joanie Bruce welcomed the transition from reading to writing and considered it a wonderful new experience to please others with her words. She has three published Christian suspense novels, and enjoys writing from her home in the country. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write, draw and paint, Joanie strives to use them to encourage others and to honor Him in all her accomplishments.

Alexa Verde penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has a bachelor degree in Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules.

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. An associate editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Denise is the author of The Restoration Trilogy, The Georgia Gold Series, romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, and ACROSS THREE AUTUMNS: A Novella of The Backcountry Brides Collection through Barbour Publishing (May 2018). This wife and swim mom of two daughters always pauses for coffee, chocolate, old houses, and to write any story God lays on her heart.

BLOG STOPS:

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 4

History, Mystery & Faith, December 4

Zerina Blossom’s Books, December 5

proud to be an autism mom, December 5

Mommynificent, December 6

Inklings and notions, December 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 6

Allofakindmom, December 7

Blogging With Carol, December 7

Blossoms and Blessings, December 8

Have A Wonderful Day, December 8

Janices book reviews, December 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Carpe Diem, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

A Baker’s Perspective, December 11

Daysong Reflections, December 12

Avid Reader Book Reviews, December 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13

Remembrancy, December 13

Multifarious, December 14

Margaret Kazmierczak, December 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 15

Pursuing Stacie, December 15

Vicky Sluiter, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/c515

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

by admin | Dec 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Cara Putman during her career as an author that include both historical and contemporary suspense. Although each one has been very good, I believe that this author has excelled with her latest legal suspense series entitled Hidden Justice. “Imperfect Justice” is the second installment of the series and may be the very best one yet.

“Imperfect Justice” offers the reader not one, but two mysteries to help solve (you know we all get that involved with our books). When one of attorney Emilie Wesley’s clients dies after apparently shooting and killing one daughter and injuring the other one, Emilie is not convinced that her client could do such a thing. Working with the client’s brother Reid Billings to find the truth and thus potentially save the surviving daughter, Emilie is also plagued by an unknown stalker whose escalating actions make her increasingly uncomfortable if not fearful.

With almost perfect pacing, the plot of “Imperfect Justice” features vivid characterization and detailed descriptions. Action, danger, and a few surprises blend with a touch of romance to produce a gripping story that managed to hold my attention until I reached the very end. I also enjoyed that fact that Hayden and Andrew from “Beyond Justice” are featured secondary characters. It’s always fun to meet up with characters you loved from a previous book. I look forward to the next book in the series, “Delayed Justice” but it looks like it will be a wait of several months. If you haven’t read the first two books, do yourself a favor and pick up copies to read while waiting for the final book.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

Find out more about Cara at http://caraputman.com.

Christmas Embers by Chautona Havig

by admin | Dec 6, 2017 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction

MY REVIEW:

I cannot say that I particularly enjoyed “Christmas Embers”. I’m not certain anyone would actually “enjoy” it. It is a story filled with hard-hitting truth about adultery and how it affects everyone it touches including family, friends, and even strangers. The emotionally charged plot is sometimes difficult to read because it is so realistic and touches that place inside the reader that tells them “this could happen to anyone – even me”.

“Christmas Embers” is beautifully written and the author does an excellent job of getting her message across. How true that the very ones who believe they would never fall are usually the ones who do. I have seen it happen over and over, even in the church. One thing I have learned is to try not to be too quick to judge lest I fall in the very same trap.

If you are looking for a fluffy, feel-good Christmas story, “Christmas Embers” is probably not for you. But if you would like a novel full of Biblical truth and a bit more “meat”, I would recommend this book. I would also say that it’s not a just for Christmas story but could easily be appropriate for any time of the year.

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:

It’s a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.

Emily Byrne sits in her daughter’s classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergartners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn’t sure where her Christmas project will take her.

Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose–find her son’s father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she’s well aware that the news will cause waves, but what’s a mother to do?

As these women join forces to search for Joey’s father–a Rockland area pastor, no less– Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can’t quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.

Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn’t confident she’ll find the boy’s father in time–if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this–an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.

A mother’s love. A boy’s confidence. A family’s faith. A preacher’s failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?

Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie and Past Forward Series, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert. With dozens of books to her name, Chautona spends most of her time writing, but when she takes the rare break, she can be found reading, sewing, paper crafting, or sleeping and dreaming of finishing the dozens of books swirling in her overly-active imagination at any given moment.

GUEST POST FROM CHAUTONA HAVIG:

Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles

“I think my husband is having an affair.”

An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.

She wasn’t.

It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked “what happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”

I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”

But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.

I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.

Adultery is real. It’s ugly. And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.

And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.

They’re there as a warning.

This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.

Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution. His name is Jesus.