by admin | Feb 13, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Katie Ganshert is an author who is unafraid to tackle the difficult issues of life and she does so with such finesse. In “Life After” she plumbs the depth of her characters’ emotions as they work their way through grief and guilt in the aftermath of a tragic train bombing that left only one survivor. I found it extremely easy to become involved emotionally with the characters, especially Autumn and Paul. I was also prompted to consider my own possible reactions if confronted with a similar situation.
How many of us have ever really wondered about those left behind after a devastating tragedy other than a passing thought or two or perhaps a pause to pray for the families of the victims? The author apparently asked herself those questions and developed them into a book that dares to ask “What If?” and “Why?” She also boldly portrayed both the relief and subsequent guilt of one character who lost a spouse. I was impressed by the perceptive and sympathetic understanding of her characters as she dug deep to bring them to life.
“Life After” is a poignant yet rich novel that clearly presented that faith and hope really can emerge from tragedy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It could have been me.
Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.
A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.
Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.
In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Award finalist, Katie Ganshert is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. She lives in Iowa with her handsome husband, their dinosaur-loving son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption, which she and her husband hope to complete sometime before they are fifty.
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by admin | Feb 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy
MY REVIEW:
One thing I have learned from reading most of Billy Coffey’s books is that when I open one I can expect the unexpected. Not only does this author have a brilliant mastery of words but his imagination is extraordinary.
I am finding it somewhat difficult to know what to say about this amazing novel without spoilers. “Some Small Magic” is about what might be called a journey of faith with three unlikely characters. This journey takes them through some very dark places as well as danger. As the reader gets to know these characters and their circumstances, the unbelievable somehow becomes plausible and anything is possible. Although a bit confusing at times, all the loose threads are woven together for a satisfying ending.
This poignant story is filled with quotable lines and left me with much to ponder about life and death and how we live our lives. I hope other readers will give this fine author a chance and read “Some Small Magic”.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She whispers, I’m supposed to take you home. Not yet, Abel says. Please, just not yet.
All Abel wants is a little bit of magic in his life. Enough money so his mom doesn’t cry at night. Healing for his broken body. And maybe a few answers about his past.
When Abel discovers letters to him from the dad he believed dead, he wonders if magic has come to the hills of Mattingly, Virginia, after all. But not everything is as it seems.
With a lot of questions and a little bit of hope, Abel decides to run away to find
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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by admin | Feb 3, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Angels Unaware” is a easy-to-read book that many should easily be able to read in one sitting. The story features Mark Daniels, a well liked and personable young man who tries to ease his grief and guilt over the deaths of his wife and child by doing kind things for his neighbors. Little does he expect what might result from his actions toward a particularly grouchy neighbor and a down-on-his-luck old man. Could there be angels involved?
Although on the surface, “Angels Unaware” seemed like a simple story, it packed a lot of Biblical truth and wisdom into its pages. It is a beautiful tale of redemption and forgiveness that extends to not only accepting forgiveness from the Lord but learning to forgive oneself.
I mostly enjoyed this book but a bit more dialogue and development of the featured romance would have made it even better.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Sometimes God sends angels into our lives…
Chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to make friends. At least, Mark Daniels thinks they are. He hopes to forget his painful past and start over in new neighborhood. Everyone is warm and welcoming—everyone that is, but the dragon lady next door. She rebuffs all overtures of friendship and declines Mark’s invitations to church.
Jasmine Avery doesn’t trust men, especially not handsome ones who come bearing gifts. She’s been badly hurt and has walled herself off from love. Reluctantly, she agrees to attend church with Mark on Easter Sunday, not realizing how it will change her life and her future. But soon after she discovers the secret to a happy life, her whole world turns upside-down. Will these unexpected changes prove Mark can’t be trusted either? Or can she and Mark overcome their past heartbreaks to forge a new life together?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness.She is also the author of the Sisters & Friends Amish series and the Amish Quilts Coloring Book. A former teacher and librarian, she has more than 2300 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pen names. Rachel also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. She loves reading (of course!), traveling, and spending time with her five children and three grandchildren.
GUEST POST FROM RACHEL J. GOOD:
One of the important lessons in ANGELS UNAWARE is looking beyond the surface, seeing with new eyes. In the story, Mark has many opportunities to do this. When he first approaches Jasmine with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, she’s unwelcoming and prickly:
The door opened a crack. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Mark turned. The woman’s narrowed eyes and belligerent stance made him quake. He took a step back. “I…um…here…” He held out the plate of cookies.
“What’s that?”
Mark took a deep breath and regained his composure. He smiled and started his usual spiel. “Hi, I’m Mark Daniels, and I just moved into the neighborhood—”
“I know.” She didn’t sound too pleased. “That’s not what I asked. What’s that in your hands?”
“Oh, these? I baked chocolate chip cookies and thought I’d share some with you.”
“Do you know what sugar does to your system?” she demanded. “I never touch sugar.”
That explained why she was so thin. So much for cookies then. Mark wracked his brain for another offering. “A meal perhaps? I make great spaghetti and meatballs.”
She drew back. “A meat eater? It figures.”
Oh, terrific. Mark cringed at the acid in her tone. He’d just offered a meat dish to a vegetarian. So much for his diplomacy mission.
After a start like that, many people would have given up. But Mark feels led to share God’s love with this neighbor, and he tries again and again. Eventually he discovers she’s hiding some deep personal pain. His persistence brings unexpected rewards to both of them.
I wanted to write this story because we usually avoid people who criticize us or hurt our feelings. Yet, often those who are unkind are actually aching inside. And they need God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, because only God can heal their pain and suffering.
After God touches Jasmine’s heart, Mark can see her softer, kinder side. And she’s proof of that saying, “An angel resides in every heart.”
Could your grouchy neighbor or critical boss be an angel in disguise? Maybe these annoying people have been sent into our lives to help build our character or to teach us a lesson. The Bible warns us to be hospitable to everyone, because we never know when we’ll come upon an angel “unawares.”
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2 KJV
Each person you meet has been sent into your life for a reason. Sometimes these angels come into our lives in unlikely disguises. We don’t always realize their purpose until much later. Looking back, though, we can see God’s hand in the encounters.
Other times, we discover – like Mark did – that we’re supposed to be angels to those who are unkind to us. We may be the only ones who have ever touched their lives with God’s light.
Who in your life needs God’s love? Can you be an angel to that person?
BLOG STOPS:
January 24: Blossoms and Blessings
January 25: autism mom
January 26: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 27: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 28: A Greater Yes
January 29: Carpe Diem
January 30: Petra’s Hope
January 31: A Baker’s Perspective
February 1: Christian Bookaholic
February 2: Karen Sue Hadley
February 3: Quiet Quilter
February 4: Daysong Reflections
February 5: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 6: His Grace is Sufficient
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away:
Grand Prize:
- Angel bookmark
- Battenberg lace angel pin
- Trio of jade angels
- Prayer angel with a “Worry” poem to remind you to pray about your problems
- ANGELS UNAWARE ebook
- Newest AMISH QUILTS COLORING BOOK (large print edition)
2nd – 4th Prize:
One copy of the ANGELS UNAWARE ebook
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af23
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Maybe It’s You” is one of those medical suspense novels where the reader can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. Primary character ER nurse Sloane Ferrell thinks she has left her past behind – a stepfather in prison who she can’t forgive and an ex-fiance whose questionable dealings have put her in danger. But a campaign to improve the hospital image may just undo everything even if she manages not to lose her heart to handsome Micah Prescott, the hospital marketing expert. When her past and present converge, Sloane finds herself in danger for her life and learns some very valuable lessons about love and forgiveness.
Not only is “Maybe It’s You” an enjoyable romantic medical suspense but it also tackles some pretty weighty subjects such as alcoholism and sex trafficking. The suspenseful plot escalates with each chapter but is relieved at just the right times by a bit of romance or humor. Sloane was such a caring person despite her own problems that it was easy to like her character and Micah just improved with every chapter. I loved how he gently led Sloane to faith. This novel left me with plenty to think about. I would recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past – new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?
Read an excerpt from “Maybe It’s You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!
A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second book in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, “Fatal Accusation” takes up the story shortly after “Trial and Tribulations” ends. Attorneys Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter have barely had time to catch their breath before another attack is launched by the New Age groups. This time the stakes are even higher and the battle is fierce. Many lives are at risk and only prayer and the power of God can prevail.
Once again, I was pulled right into the story as I experienced good against evil and learned more of the enemy’s schemes. As a reader who devoured Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”, I love finding another author who is bold enough to delve into the supernatural realm and spiritual warfare. Rachel Dylan has done an excellent job thus far with this series. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. I love the fact that even though their faith is strong or developing, they still have frequent moments of doubt and questions. Situations are realistic and I like getting glimpses of what is really going on in the spiritual realm.
I highly recommend both books of the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. You could read “Fatal Accusation” alone but would gain so much more insight if you read “Trial and Tribulations” first. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life will get back to normal after a hard fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up their pursuit to win the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge.
An embezzling scandal breaks that rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case that she is called to defend.
The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. She also writes the Danger in the Deep South series and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist. Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She 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.
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by admin | Jan 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was so eager to read “If I’m Found” after reading the first book of the series “If I Run”. It was difficult to wait because I wanted to know what would happen next to Casey Cox and how Dylan Roberts would handle his pursuit of her. I am happy to say that I was not at all disappointed. Once again, my only complaint is that it ended much too soon.
The story is a unique one in which the man hired to find and arrest Casey suspects her innocence and stays just close enough on her trail to protect her from the true murderers and keep them thinking he hasn’t caught up to her. There are plenty of close calls, often because Casey just can’t keep herself from helping others which frequently places her in danger. I like both Dylan and Casey more with each book. Their integrity and faith are strong in the face of nearly hopeless circumstances.
Terri Blackstock is one of the best when it comes to riveting mystery and suspense. I loved “If I’m Found and can’t wait for the final book in this series but will certainly be sorry when it is over.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Is Dylan hunting Casey to prosecute her or protect her?
Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.
As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormentors. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.
In this riveting sequel to the USA Today bestseller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows . . . but there is light shining in the darkness. Is Dylan a provision from the God who loves her, or another heartache yet to happen?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com
Facebook: tblackstock
Twitter: @terriblackstock
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