by admin | Sep 19, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Bringing Maggie Home” is another not to be missed book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. A story that spans three generations of women, mothers and daughters, it illustrates the far-reaching effects that one devastating childhood incident had on not only one little girl and her parents but on her descendants also.
When Meghan is injured in an accident, she decides to spend her time off from work at her grandmother’s home. When her mother Diane also shows up Meghan hopes everything will go smoothly because Diane has never gotten along very well with her mother. As the women spend time together, a 70-year-old secret is revealed that slowly leads each daughter to understand the reasons for the actions of her own mother. Of course as a cold case investigator, Meghan decides to discover if her grandmother’s mystery with the help of her partner at work.
I loved “Bringing Maggie Home” and would recommend it to all. It is a sometimes poignant story but it has a few humorous moments as well as a mystery to solve and a bit of romance. Its faith-filled message is one of forgiveness and the conclusion was quite satisfying. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blogging for Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
Read the first chapter of “Bringing Maggie Home” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KIM VOGEL SAWYER is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.
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by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Because I have read and enjoyed several of the author’s self-published novels, I was excited to see that she received a contract from one of my favorite publishers, Bethany House. Rachel Dylan is an extremely talented writer and deserves the attention of a major publisher. “Deadly Proof” is her first book published by Bethany House and it lived up to my expectations 100%.
“Deadly Proof” is a riveting legal thriller complete with a believable plot, just the right amount of pertinent facts, a bit of danger and suspense, plus a touch of romance for good measure. The plot features opposing lawyers who are good friends – at least they were before a major case against a giant pharmaceutical company. Kate is dedicated to helping the victims find justice and is determined to win her case without compromising her values. Ethan, the opposing attorney, is quite ambitious and eager to prove himself to his partners; however he finds himself constantly pressured by the clients who want to win the case no matter what it takes. Landon is the private investigator hired by Kate who quickly determines that Kate requires protection and takes it upon himself to provide it. Several other characters play minor yet crucial roles as the story plays out.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Proof”. The narrative moved along at a steady pace with enough action and mystery to hold my attention and keep me wondering what might happen next. I liked most of the characters, particularly Landon and Kate. I also liked learning more about everything involved in preparing a case for trial without having to wade through the overload of information provided by certain other popular authors. The emphasis on integrity and the importance of faith were also positive factors for me.
Everything considered, “Deadly Proof” is an excellent novel that makes me eager for the next book in the series. I hope others will take a chance on this new book by Rachel Dylan. They might just find a new favorite author.
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:
Standing For What’s Right Could Cost Her Everything
Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.
Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial.
As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?
Read an excerpt from “Deadly Proof” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media, and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.
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by admin | Aug 31, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not ashamed to admit it – I really enjoy Love Inspired Suspense novels even if some consider mass market books to be inferior. I love the way the authors always seem to manage to create interesting characters with whom I can easily connect and also put together a suspense filled romance that keeps me on my toes until it ends. Once again Carol J. Post has met those goals.
It is bad enough when a former classmate is murdered at her ten-year high school reunion but it quickly becomes evident that someone wants a number of the victim’s friends to meet the same fate and that includes police officer Amber Kingston. She and Detective Caleb Lyon, another former classmate, work together to discover who is responsible before more classmates die. Will they solve the mystery on time?
“Reunited by Danger” is a fast-moving, suspense filled tale that I read in one sitting. With the perfect blend of suspense and romance the book is filled with unexpected twists and surprises around every corner and is enhanced by a strong message of faith. This Love Inspired Suspense novel was just the right choice for a relaxing yet entertaining evening. I definitely recommend it and this author’s other books.
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:
CALCULATED REVENGE
When a former classmate is murdered at Detective Caleb Lyons’s ten-year high school reunion, he knows the victim’s old group of friends are keeping secrets. That includes Cedar Key, Florida, police officer Amber Kingston. Back in school, Amber was headed for trouble, but now she’s as dedicated to the law as he is. As he works overtime to get the pretty cop to open up to him, Amber and her friends receive messages threatening payback for past deeds. And her friends keep dying…one by one. But protecting Amber and unmasking a murderer isn’t just the widowed detective’s shot at redemption—it’s his unexpected second chance at love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s résumé reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
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by admin | Aug 28, 2017 | Books, CIA, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Erynn Newman is a new-to-me author. I was uncertain of what to expect from her novel but its description sounded like something I might enjoy. I decided to give it a try.
Overall, “Out of Darkness” is a strong suspense with well-developed characters. Plenty of drama, action, and suspense fill its pages to keep most readers happily turning those pages. It is written from more than one point of view so the reader is given information the other characters do not have. I quickly became concerned that the death of one of the characters might be required to wrap things up neatly and I was not at all happy about that.
As it turns out, the author is pretty skilled at developing a flawless plot that kept me guessing until its dramatic ending. Who would have guessed the real mastermind behind everything? Pick up a copy and see for yourself how everything turns out. I think you might enjoy “Out of Darkness” too.
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
Elisabeth Allen gave her heart to Jesus as a little girl and to Drew Marek as a teenager. When their wedding day finally arrives, it’s the happiest day of her life–until a car bomb transforms her dream come true into a living nightmare.
As Best Man at the wedding, Gabriel Di Salvo promises Drew–his best friend and CIA partner–he’ll look after Elisabeth, but he never dreams it will become necessary so soon. As Elisabeth struggles to put the pieces of her life back together without Drew, Gabe becomes her rock, and as they share their grief and begin to heal, their friendship gradually deepens into something more.
Three years later, Gabe and Elisabeth are planning a future together when he receives a shocking call from the one man who can upend his happiness: Drew. Suspecting someone at the CIA is behind his abduction, Drew refuses to come home. Instead, he asks Gabe to bring Elisabeth to him. Now Gabe just has to figure out how to let her go.
Drew and Elisabeth race across Europe, dodging international arms dealers and attempting to reclaim what was stolen from them. But years of captivity and torture have left their mark on Drew. He is no longer the same boy Elisabeth fell in love with, but he is still her husband, and she’s determined to build something new and leave her relationship with Gabe in the past, if her heart will get the memo.
When their enemies close in and the threat of a terrorist attack escalates, Gabe may be the only person they can trust. Drew, Elisabeth, and Gabe are thrown into a fight for their lives–one that will test their loyalties to God, country . . . and each other.
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erynn Newman is a pastor’s kid, raised in churches all over the Eastern Seaboard. Since earning her degree in Christian Studies, she has traveled the world and served as a missionary, a counselor, an ESL teacher, and a nanny. Though she has never worked with the CIA, her DVR contains a veritable Who’s Who of international spies. She is a Carolina girl, a wife, and Mama to a very busy little boy, two cats, and a gaggle of characters that live inside her head.
20 Facts About Out of Darkness:
- I write novels while the rest of the house sleeps. That’s also when I do most of my editing work and social media stalking. During the day, I get to hang out with an awesome 4-year-old who is the reason I get up in the morning (both because he’s my heart and because he’s staring into my soul asking me to make pancakes).
- I don’t like wine or coffee. My writer fuel is partially frozen Cherry Pepsi.
- It took me a long time to realize I was a writer. I thought that everyone made up imaginary people and back stories for them and imagined the lives they lived and sometimes talked to them in traffic. Turns out no. Fortunately other writers found me and helped me figure it out.
- My greatest nemeses are also my greatest inspirations. Facebook and Netflix. Finding the balance of hanging out with other writers and readers and being inspired by great story telling and actually doing the work is the hardest thing for me.
- I am obsessed with casting characters. Finding the perfect actor/actress or model who embodies my characters is one of my favorite parts of the process. I also do this for every single book I read.
- So, of course now you want to know who I chose for Drew, Elisabeth, and Gabe. I’m glad you asked.
- Drew is based on Matt Bomer’s portrayal of Bryce Larkin in the show Chuck (there are quite a few nods to this show hidden throughout Out of Darkness).
- Elisabeth is partially based on a character from a show I watched when I was in college (also a waitress and artist), but she looks like this model.
- Gabe is based not that loosely on (young) Anthony DiNozzo from NCIS.
- Our house has a really great office with a nice desk and comfortable chair that looks out on our wooded back yard. But I work almost exclusively while sitting on the couch with my laptop propped up on the back of it. My uniform is yoga pants and an old t-shirt. The author life is G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.
- I got my start writing fan fiction. Most of it has been obliterated from the interwebs, but there may still be a few Star Wars stories floating around out there (I owe this to my love for Ewan MacGregor and my hatred of Annakin Skywalker). Fan fiction is also the way I found my very first critique group. And our leader, Susan Kaye Quinn, best-selling author and real life rocket scientist, helped me realize I could be a real author. And later she taught me how to publish. I want to be her when I grow up.
- Speaking of fan fiction, the original idea for Out of Darkness was a fan fiction based on that character from that show I talked about above. The waitress/artist who lost her first love and then fell for someone else. And then when her love returned, he was… recast. And terrible. And she forgot who she was and made every wrong decision. And everyone was miserable ever after.
And I was like, what even IS this show?!?! So I started writing my version of how it should have gone.
But then a surprising thing happened. My characters took on lives of their own, and I fell in love with ALL of them, and I knew I had to tell their story. So I started creating a different back story for them (and I introduced them to Jesus), and then they became their own characters and started telling me what to do. And I’m a little insane now, but I’m not even mad because I love what this story has turned into (and turned ME into).
- I started writing Out of Darkness in its earliest form in 2006. I stopped and restarted several times. I wrote other things that may or may not ever see the light of day. I learned that I was writing all wrong, and I ripped it apart, started over and stitched it back together piece by piece. In fact, my original chapter one is now chapter FOURTEEN. And all of that is after the first fifty pages that now comprise First Light, the prequel novelette that tells the story of how Drew and Elisabeth met and fell in love.
- Of all the exotic locations mentioned in Out of Darkness: Venice, Italy; Paris, France; Cordoba, Spain; Trim, Ireland; and even Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, I have been to two—Baltimore and Paris.
Google Maps Street View and Wikipedia are an author’s best friends.
- Music inspires me to write, but I can’t write to music. I often hear a song that makes me think of a scene or helps me get the emotion right. And I add those to my play list, but when I write, I prefer quiet (or instrumental music).
- I want the Gospel to be front and center in every story I write (including my own), but there were two scenes in particular that I really felt like the Holy Spirit guided me in writing. One is when Drew finds his Bible in the backpack Gabe packed for them, and the other is Gabe’s argument with God when he decides to let Elisabeth go. In both instances, I feel like God really led me to the right Scriptures and gave me the words in a way I didn’t experience with any other scenes.
- The hardest scenes were all of the ones with Drew and the gas. Both because I don’t like to torture my characters (contrary to what you may believe) and because the science behind the weapon is way above my head. I worked with a couple of microbiologists to get it at least to plausible/possible, but I’m sure there are still some issues with my science there.
- I cried several times while writing this book. Elisabeth and I grieve much the same way, so I saw a lot of myself in her moments crying out to God—especially in the ones where she just wanted to feel Him and couldn’t. I cried when Drew fell apart reading his Bible, and I cried at the end when I wasn’t sure who would live or die.
- Gabe was the biggest surprise of the writing process. He was supposed to be out of the picture after chapter sixteen. He was just supposed to be a supporting character in the first half of the book, but at every turn he was tapping me on the shoulder and telling me, “there’s so much more to my story.”
- A few scenes didn’t make it into the final book. Two of them are in the outtakes section of my website, but don’t read those until after you’ve read the book. Seriously.
- After being told by one agent that Out of Darkness would never sell because it didn’t fit neatly into a genre category, I signed with my current agent in 2012, and we submitted it to several publishers. I received lots of compliments on my writing, but ultimately, people didn’t seem to like the fact that both of my leading men were good guys, and there was no one to root against. One even suggested that I make Gabe complicit in Drew’s abduction. And one suggested I kill Drew (again!) so Elisabeth and Gabe could end up together. Both interesting ideas, but neither were the story I wanted to tell. In the end, I decided to indie publish, which has been really challenging, but I’m so happy with the way everything turned out. We all got the ending we were supposed to have.
- Speaking of endings, the one in the final version is very different from the original. I’ll try not to be too spoilery, but let’s just say that the original ending was far less happy, but I felt like it was the only way out. One of my characters made a choice that I couldn’t see any way around. And I thought that a happy ending would be too fake. I didn’t want to tie everything up with a pretty pink bow and say “they all lived happily ever after,” because after everything they’d been through, that wouldn’t be real life. But a very good friend of mine convinced me that I could instead tie everything up with a frayed knot. It’s still messy and difficult and a little raw, but I think it’s real… and full of hope and possibility.
- So what’s next, you ask? There’s more to explore here perhaps, but I honestly don’t know what comes next for these characters. That’s something I’m still thinking about.
The story I’m working on right now also begins in D.C. but takes place mostly in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the story of an ex Army Ranger who has to protect his three little brothers when the youngest witnesses their parents’ murder. And there may also be a girl involved.
BLOG STOPS:
August 17: A Baker’s Perspective
August17: Genesis 5020
August18: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
August 18: Reading Is My SuperPower
August 19: Fiction Aficionado
August 19:Inklings and notions
August 20: Reflections from my Bookshelves
August 20: Blossoms and Blessings
August 21: History, Mystery & Faith
August 21: Blogging With Carol
August 22: Faithfully Bookish
August 22: Mommynificent
August 23: Just the Write Escape
August 23: Moments Dipped in Ink
August 24: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting
August 24: 100 pages per hour
August 25: Carpe Diem
August 25: Christian Bookaholic
August 26: J.E. Grace Bog
August 26: Karen Sue Hadley
August 27: God’s Little Bookworm
August 27: Back Porch Reads
August 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 28: Margaret Kazmierczak
August 28: Daysong Reflections
August 29: The Fizzy Pop Collection
August 29: The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate
August 29: Remembrancy
August 30: Avid Reader Book Reviews
August 30: Henry Happens
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Erynn is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of Out of Darkness, a signed copy of First Light, The Joy Eternal~A Sweet and Bitter Providence CD, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Creme Cookies.!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/beac
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by admin | Aug 25, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ever since I received her very first novel, Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my not to be missed authors. I absolutely love her character Gwen Marcey, a broken but tenacious woman who struggles daily to deal with everything life has dealt her. Somehow she manages to keep going and excels at her job as a forensic artist.
I am fascinated with the details of Gwen’s occupation and the author’s own experiences in the field bring authenticity to the books. “Portrait of Vengeance” is an intense read in which Gwen’s mysterious past clashes with her current case. The similarities are overwhelming and bring forth long buried memories for Gwen. Life threatening events and a police department that obviously is not trilled with her presence only make her work harder to solve her case.
I am hooked on Parks’ Gwen Marcey novels and hope that she will continue the series indefinitely. It’s also fun to see Gwen show up in cameo roles in another favorite author’s books.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An unsolved case. A tempest of memories. The future’s at stake—and time is running out . . .
Gwen Marcey has done a good job keeping the pain of her past boxed up. But as she investigates the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, details keep surfacing that are eerily similar to her childhood traumas. She doesn’t believe in coincidences. So what’s going on here?
No one knows more about the impact of the past than the Nez Perce people of Lapwai. Gwen finds herself an unwelcome visitor to some, making her investigation even more difficult. The questions keep piling up, but answers are slow in coming—and the clock is ticking for a missing little girl. Meanwhile, Gwen’s ex-husband is threatening to take sole custody of their daughter.
As Gwen’s past and present collide, she’s in a desperate race for the truth. Because only truth will ensure she still has a future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.
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by admin | Aug 23, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
“The Legacy” was a fine conclusion to Michael Phillips’ Secrets of the Shetlands series. This particular volume was lengthy and there was some repetition from the previous two books; however it did serve to catch me up on things I had forgotten during the months between reading them. Although mostly a continuation of Loni and David’s story, readers might just find a bonus romantic tale or two within the pages.
As the story bounces between the present with Loni and David and the past with the story of Brogan and Emily, it can be just a bit slow at times but so many questions are answered by the story of Loni’s great-grandparents that everything finally makes sense. “The Legacy” is not a lightweight book that can be easily read in one sitting but is one with plenty of meat to chew on, especially when it comes to matters of faith and what it means to be centered in God. Theological discussions are scattered throughout so those who do not like that should probably avoid this book. I personally reached the end with much to ponder and am quite happy that I had the opportunity to read the entire series.
I enjoyed spending a few hours with Loni, David, and even Hardy as well as going back in time with Brogan and Emily. It was a satisfying read with a strong theme of forgiveness that I will remember for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Dramatic Conclusion to the Secrets of the Shetlands
Loni Ford’s unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate–not to mention a title–in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How can life ever be the same with an outsider–and a woman at that–playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community? But it isn’t just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she’s cut out for it.
Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she’s falling in love–with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?
Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family. How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly thirty more books. Over the past thirty years, his persistent efforts have helped reawaken interest in the writings of nineteenth century Scotsman George MacDonald. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California. Visit Michael’s website at www.fatheroftheinklings.com.
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