by admin | Jul 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
As a lifelong Southern girl who enjoys romantic suspense, I am loving Mary Ellis’ Secrets of the South Mysteries. Even better is the fact that “What Happened on Beale Street” mostly takes place in Memphis, the city with which I am most familiar. I have visited many of the places in this book so it was an especially fun read for me.
I can say that Mary Ellis can definitely construct a mystery that is difficult for me to solve ahead of time. She can really drop some red herrings and take her readers through some convoluted twists and turns along the way. The story has just the right blend of suspense, romance, and humor with a subtle touch of faith. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that helped to ease the tension at just the right times. I loved meeting new characters as well as catching up with those from earlier books in the series.
If you are a fan of Southern mysteries, or just a mystery fan, I can almost guarantee you will love “What Happened on Beale Street”. Be sure to pick up a copy soon.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Happened on Beale Street is an exciting addition to the Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These standalone, complex crime dramas follow a private investigator’s quest to make the world a better place…solving one case at a time.
A cryptic plea for help from a childhood friend sends cousins Nate and Nicki Price from New Orleans to Memphis, the home of scrumptious barbecue and soulful blues music. When they arrive at Danny Andre’s last known address, they discover signs of a struggle and a lifestyle not in keeping with the former choirboy they fondly remember.
Danny’s sister, Isabelle, reluctantly accepts their help. She and Nate aren’t on the best of terms due to a complicated past, yet they will have to get beyond that if they want to save Danny.
On top of Danny’s alarming disappearance and his troubled relationship with Isabelle, Nate also has to rein in his favorite cousin’s overzealousness as a new and eager PI. Confronted with a possible murder, mystery, and mayhem in the land of the Delta blues, Nate must rely on his faith and investigative experience to keep one or more of them from getting killed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
www.maryellis.net
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by admin | Jul 5, 2017 | Anthology, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I was intrigued by the setting of this book because my daughter and her husband recently spent nearly a year working as traveling physical therapy assistants in a small town on the Oregon Coast. Other than some scenic photos and a few conversations about the nursing home where she worked, my daughter didn’t supply me with much information to help me imagine their life there. Through the pages of “Finding Love at the Oregon Coast” I was able to get a bit more insight into life in a small town in coastal Oregon.
The short prologue to the book set the stage with bride Christina who realized at the last minute that she had made a mistake and walked out on her wedding. Each of the following novellas features one of Christina’s bridesmaids and their activities shortly after the derailed wedding, ending with Christina’s own story after she decided to spend her honeymoon alone.
I enjoyed each and every one of the novellas as I read about Christina, Liz, Anabeth, and Kadence and the different men who quickly became important to them. Each story was fun and romantic with plenty of humor and drama that kept those pages turning. In my opinion, all the stories ended perfectly as every young woman found the man God had intended for her. I particularly loved the contrast between Christina’s original intended husband and the man the Lord led her to.
Happy endings for all the young women – now you will have to read for yourself to find out who God had waiting for each of them and all the details of how they got together. “Finding Love at the Oregon Coast” is a perfect book to take along on your vacation, even if it’s only in your own backyard.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a wedding is cancelled, three bridesmaids and a runaway bride contemplate the true meaning of love in four related romance novellas.
By Heather Woodhaven–Finding Love in Lincoln City: Liz feels stuck at her little beach magazine until a handsome rival sparks more than just friendly competition.
By Lisa Phillips–Finding Love in Oceanside: Anabeth is looking to get out of her rut when a fender bender and a bizarre date with a former marine leads her to a life of love she could never have imagined.
By Christina Coryell–Finding Love in Cannon Beach: Kadence feels the pressure to write a perfect love song, but an unexpected meeting with a musician will have her living one instead.
By Angela Ruth Strong–Finding Love in Seaside: Christina plans to spend her honeymoon alone, but when the bed and breakfast owner offers her a position as cook, she starts to feel at home in his kitchen…and in his arms.
Read the prologue HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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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. |
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Heather Woodhaven earned her pilot’s license, rode a hot air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, assisted an engineer with a medical laser in a Haitian mission, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black diamond ski trail in the Aspens and snorkeled among sting rays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. Now Heather spends her days celebrating laughter, adding to her impressive list of embarrassing moments, and raising a family of aspiring comedians who perform nightly at her table. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances–whether running for their lives or battling the insanities of life. |
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USA Today bestselling author Christina Coryell was born and raised in southwest Missouri, where she lives with her husband and children. She had plenty of people tell her that her degree in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing would be useless. They were probably right. Added to her dual major in History, she became the least likely candidate for nearly every career on the planet, save being a writer. That suits her just fine.
Christina has written from the back hatch of an SUV, in a lawn chair while at soccer practice, in the front seat of her car, with kids climbing on her, and often with extremely loud noise in the background. At least half of her books have been written during baseball games.
She believes great fiction mirrors life, and great life contains a little humor, so it’s difficult not to sprinkle a little funny business throughout her work. Oh…and character is everything.
She loves hearing from readers. You can find all the ways to connect with her at www.christinacoryell.com. |
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A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two children–a sparkly Little Princess and a Mini Daddy–and an all-black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator. Find out more at www.authorlisaphillips.com |
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by admin | Jul 4, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What an incredible book! Courtney Walsh has written a novel that nailed so many areas to which so many can relate. The pain of not meeting the expectations of others. The feeling of standing on the outside, always looking in. The fear of speaking out for fear of rejection. Knowing you are different than the others whether physically, mentally, etc. and not fitting in and maybe even made fun of because of it. Lane Kelley had experienced it all but had managed to change her life and was on the brink of achieving her dreams when she is called home after her brother is injured in a terrible accident.
For Lane, home was not a comfortable place. Her family and others in the community had unknowingly hurt her with careless remarks about her weight for most of her life. If she could just be there for her brother a few days and go right back to work where she found her true identity, everything would be fine. Of course nothing ever works out as planned and Lane learns that betrayal can come from unexpected sources and so can love.
“Just Look Up” is a story filled with emotions and truth that touched me deeply. I could go on and on and tell Lane and Ryan’s story but it is one that each reader must discover for herself. I will say that it is a story filled with romance, lessons in forgiveness, and learning to trust friends and family but most importantly to look up to the source of it all.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home – a quaint tourist town full of memories she’d just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work – something her eclectic family doesn’t understand.
Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren’t ideal.
Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can’t find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he’s found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along – if only she’d just look up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing and visual arts studio. They have three children.Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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by admin | Jun 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Under a Summer Sky” is one of those books that one should pick up when in need of a relaxing read. It would be perfect for summer vacation whether at the beach, in the mountains, or in your own backyard. I would probably classify it as a “feel good romance”.
Many of us have been there – stuck in a rut with our lives – maybe because we’ve been hurt, or maybe afraid, or possibly even apathetic or depressed. Whatever the reason, Nicole Anderson found herself is a similar place when her mother arbitrarily arranges for her to spend the summer helping out an old friend in her art gallery in Savannah. It also happens that the trip across the country puts her in contact again with the friend’s two sons who Nicole remembers from vacations the families spent together during her childhood.
With its memorable characters and engaging plot, “Under a Summer Sky” was just what I needed as a break from historical romance and intense suspense novels. It was fun seeing Savannah through Nicole’s eyes and the interaction between Nicole and the other characters was entertaining. It didn’t take me very long to decide which brother Nicole should choose and it became more evident at the story progressed.
Not an overtly Christian novel, “Under a Summer Sky” is squeaky clean and would be appropriate for teens. There are several examples of how to treat others and doing the right thing. I can always count on Melody Carlson for an entertaining read with a few life lessons subtly inserted into the plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s anticipating a quiet summer surrounded by beauty. She never expected a fresh chance at love.
High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn’t long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who’s determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of her childhood friends–who also happen to be brothers–vying for her attention.
With the backdrop of a gorgeous historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to spend the summer surrounded by splendor . . . and tantalizing possibilities.
Read an excerpt from “Under a Summer Sky” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.
For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
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by admin | Jun 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Human Trafficking, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Christy Barritt is a prolific author who excels in writing various types of mysteries that range from humorous cozy mysteries to serious suspense-filled novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. “Distorted”is one from the latter category and could easily be a story from current newscasts.
Mallory Baldwin, once kidnapped and held as a slave by a twisted man, thinks she has moved on with her life and spends her time attempting to help other women who have been victims of similar crimes. The man who rescued her, Tennyson Walker has been assigned to be her bodyguard after signs that Mallory is being stalked. The man who held her captive is dead but why does she think she sees him around every corner?
“Distorted” gets off to a quick start and moves from one scary scene to another as the suspense escalates. The plot twists are crafty with several surprises in store. Then as most readers might suspect, the author has managed to introduce a strong romantic thread right into the center of the treacherous situation. With their lives in peril, Mallory and Tennyson must place their trust in God to see them through to the end.
Once again Christy Barritt has captured my attention and imagination and held it from the first to last page. Not only is “Distorted” entertaining but it opened my eyes to the very real dangers of human trafficking that seems to be growing rapidly in our world while offering a real hope at the same time. I highly recommend this novel and suggest you pick up your own copy as soon as possible!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory Baldwin is a survivor. A former victim of human trafficking, she’s been given a second chance, yet not a night goes by that she doesn’t remember being a slave to weapons dealer Dante Torres. Despite being afraid of the dark and wary of strangers, Mallory is trying to rebuild her life by turning her tragedy into redemption.
To former Navy SEAL Tennyson Walker, Mallory seems nothing like the shattered woman he rescued two years ago, and he can’t help but be inspired by her strength and resilience. So when a stalker suddenly makes Mallory vulnerable once again, Tennyson steps up as her bodyguard to keep her safe.
Mallory and Tennyson’s mutual attraction can’t be ignored, but neither can Mallory’s suspicion that Tennyson is keeping a terrible secret about her past. As the nightmare closes in, it’s not only Mallory and Tennyson’s love that comes under fire but their very lives as well. Will their faith sustain them? Or will the darkness win once and for all?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.
Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She has more than fifty books published with over one million copies sold.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
How can I even begin to write a review that is good enough for this incredible book? With its perfectly down-to-earth, normal characters (at least most of them) and a plot that covers the reality of life and its heights and depths, “True to You” is a book I will remember for awhile.
Nora Bradford is the middle of three sisters and has always felt somewhat lacking compared to the other two. After a crushing breakup, she decided she didn’t need romance in her life and buried herself in books and her work. After a few years Nora was becoming a lonely soul but had no idea how to turn her life around. Her historical village should be enough for her – shouldn’t it?
On the surface former Navy Seal John Lawson seems to be the exact opposite of somewhat quirky Nora. He is a serious businessman invested in up-to-date methods and technology. But Nora is uniquely qualified to help John in his search for answers about an inherited disease and surely spending a little time with her can’t hurt.
I was enthralled with “True to You”. Each poignant scene, every romantic scene, and all the humorous ones worked together perfectly for a natural story that touched my heart. I loved the conversations between John and Nora as I watched them slowly drawn closer to each other and I loved seeing into their hearts and their caring natures. I laughed and I cried and it was all good.
What a perfect story about learning to trust God during the good times and the bad times. “True to You” is an absolute work of art and I eagerly await book two in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.
John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Emilie Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.
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