by admin | Oct 4, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with Alison Stone’s novels when I agreed to review “Pointe and Shoot” but its description sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try. I was pleased to find it to be a well-written book that held my attention throughout with its fast moving and suspense filled plot. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more books by this author.
I particularly liked Jayne, the primary character. Her devotion to her family, especially her mother, was admirable. Giving up on a career she had dreamed of in exchange for helping her mother with her dance studio was a pretty big sacrifice. I also thought that Danny was a good match for Jayne and enjoyed reading about how their relationship grew from a renewed friendship to love. When one of the dance instructors dies in a mysterious car crash, Jayne suspects it was more than an accident and is determined to prove it despite the doubts of nearly everyone else. Even Danny is unsure of her suspicions but because he cares, he tries to help. Adding the perpetrator’s thoughts to the story was a brilliant idea that gave me some insight into the warped mindset of the killer without giving too much away. By the end, I did have an inkling of who this person was but was never 100% certain.
Lots of danger, mystery, and suspense as well as plenty of personal insight fill the pages of “Pointe and Shoot”. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about the dance school. I also found the subtle message of faith to be just the right touch. I would recommend this novel to all who enjoy a good contemporary suspense.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jayne Murphy has always put family first. That’s why she abandoned her dream of joining the police force to run her ailing mother’s dance studio.
When one of the studio’s most talented instructors dies in a car crash, Jayne isn’t convinced it was just an accident. Relentlessly pursuing her hunch, she teams up with Officer Danny Nolan, the best friend and partner of her brother Patrick, who died in the line of duty. Haunted by Patrick’s death, Danny has begun to question whether he should still be a cop at all.
As Jayne digs deeper, suspects emerge, including the victim’s clingy ex-boyfriend and a jealous foe from the cutthroat dance world. Her evolving insights into the case rekindle Jayne’s passion for police work. Danny, too, feels a renewed sense of purpose…and a definite attraction to his unofficial partner, which seems to be mutual. Now, if Jayne can only keep herself out of harm’s way, she and Danny both might get a second chance—with their careers and each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a degree from Georgia Tech, Alison Stone was an engineer in several industries before trading her corporate career for motherhood shortly after the birth of her second child. She became a novelist in a roundabout way, first trying her hand at writing children’s books and articles for local publications before eventually discovering her love of romantic suspense. Stone lives with her husband of twenty-plus years and their four children in western New York, where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a good book—or writing one.
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by admin | Sep 19, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Prince Edward Island, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Where Two Hearts Meet” is the second book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to return to Prince Edward Island and find the Red Door Inn up and running with Caden Holt as executive chef. I loved the opening scene in which Caden displayed a hint of the true personality she usually kept hidden from others even though she ended up embarrassing herself just a bit.
The story is jam-packed with the type content that keeps me reading. The plot is fueled by misunderstandings, humor, and of course romance. I particularly enjoyed the give and take between Caden and Adam and loved that despite his own hangups, Adam recognized Caden’s true worth. I just wish that all young women with less than perfect bodies could have an Adam in their lives to help rebuild the self-esteem others have torn down with “helpful” remarks.
“Where Two Hearts Meet” is such a lovely novel with an exceptional theme. Johnson’s vivid descriptions of the location makes me long to pay PEI a visit. That probably won’t ever happen but at least I can visit there in the pages of the first two books and at least one more installment to this series. Can’t wait for the next one!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In her kitchen at Rose’s Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen–and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.
Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He’s also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he’s falling in love with the island’s red shores and Caden’s sweets.
When Caden discovers Adam isn’t who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he’s writing could do more than ruin the inn’s chances for survival–it might also break her heart.
Read an excerpt from “Where Two Hearts Meet” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is a full-time marketing specialist for a Nashville-based publisher. She has been a freelance writer and editor for several publications, including CBA Retailers+Resources, Christian Fiction Online magazine, and Storytellers Journal. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is the author of several books, including The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (an ACFW Carol Award finalist) and A Star in the Night, which was part of the New York Times and ECPA bestselling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
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by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Catching Heat” is the explosive conclusion to Janice Cantore’s Cold Case Justice series. It is a page-turner with unexpected twists and surprises almost to the very end. I was impressed with how the author handled the fact that the investigating team was pretty sure about the guilty party in more than one case and how they went about collecting the evidence to prove it. It didn’t hurt that a bit of romance developed along with the evidence.
“Catching Heat” features Detective Abby Hart and PI Luke Murphy who are working together on a task force created to solve cold cases. In their spare time, Abby is determined to prove once and for all the person responsible for the murder of her parents and Luke’s uncle. Luke helps as much as he can but he worries that Abby has become obsessed with finding the killer.
Cantore’s books always seem so realistic – partially because she is a retired police officer and because of the way she interjects unexpected events into the plot in just the way they might turn up in real life. One example in “Catching Heat” is the extra case added to their duty as a “favor” that blew up in their face without warning. That almost made the other cases tame by comparison. Eventually cases were wrapped up satisfactorily and so was the romantic thread.
I am definitely a Janice Cantore fan and look forward to her next series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart’s parents, she’s desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind-the governor’s wife-behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.
Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.
Read an excerpt from Catching Heat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned six novels, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, and Critical Pursuit. Drawing Fire is the first book in the Cold Case Justice series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
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by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Hauck’s books are always on my must read list and I NEED to read her books as soon as they are released. I love it when I am fortunate enough to receive a review copy but if I don’t I will always preorder so I can get a copy ASAP. “The Wedding Shop” is her latest offering and I can truthfully say that I loved it. Of course that was no surprise to me.
Often our idea of success is different from what God intends for us. I believe that “The Wedding Shop” is a beautiful illustration of the Lord’s definition of success, especially the story of Cora and how she used her shop to minister to young women in her community. It was so fitting that some of those same women were used years later to help Haley reopen the shop.
Two stories of two women from different generations yet somehow connected, “The Wedding Shop” is so infused with Holy Spirit moments that some might describe it as magical. It is a story filled with unexpected romance yet it is so much more. It is a story of faith and forgiveness and moving on with life past disappointments and mistakes.
I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and I also loved the way Rachel tied this story together with the first two books. To me that made it even more special. Do yourself a favor and read “The Wedding Shop” and don’t forget “The Wedding Chapel” and “The Wedding Dress“. I guarantee you will be in for a special treat.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase.
Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.
It’s the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt’s wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.
More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart’s Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.
When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.
As Cora’s and Haley’s stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck
Guest Post from Rachel Hauck
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share The Wedding Shop with you. This book is one of my favorites.
While all books are my “babies,” this one found a special place in my heart.
This standalone novel is part of the Wedding Collection – The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel – and it came to life when I discovered the story of Cora Scott, a 1930s wedding shop owner.
At 30, she’s an old maid, but the best “bride’s maid” in fictional Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. But she’s in love with a charismatic, charming river boat captain.
The contemporary heroine, Haley Morgan, is a retired Air Force captain returning to Heart’s Bend to restart her life. She’s recovering from a broken heart. The handsome, dynamic, charming man she loved was nothing but trouble.
Returning home, Haley is set on keeping a childhood promise she made with her best friend—to open the old wedding shop.
The shop is legend in Heart’s Bend. Haley grew up with stories of Miss Cora and the shop, hearing the town’s mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers reminiscing about their “day in the shop,” walking down the grand staircase in their wedding gown.
But in 2016, the shop is dilapidated, neglected and in need of more money than Haley possesses.
While writing this story, I had to ask a lot of questions. Why reopen the old shop? Why not just open a new one?
Haley was a combat veteran, deployed to Afghanistan twice, why would she want to open a wedding shop?
I also investigate the meaning of the shop to the town? To Cora? To Haley?
As I developed the backstory for the characters, the shop and the town, Cora’s came to life. She fascinated me. I admired this fictional woman. She exuded ingenuity, courage, and deep, deep devotion.
On the other hand, Haley was a bit of a mystery but from the start, she saw value in something no one else did.
What if we all saw value in people or places others wanted to reject?
Isn’t that what Jesus does for us?
The heroes of the book, Birch and Cole, are just stellar guys. Princes among men. I love writing about slightly wounded but strong and tender men.
The theme of family and community populates the story. Also, how misconceptions and preconceived ideas often ruin relationships.
Booklist gave The Wedding Shop a Starred Review and called it, “Spellbinding.”
There’s a lot of fun drama in this book! I hope you enjoy spending time with Cora and Haley, the men they love and the shop they bring to life.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me at www.rachelhauck.com.
BLOG STOPS:
September 13: History, Mystery & Faith
September 13: A Holland Reads
September 14: Giveaway Lady
September 14: Daysong Reflections
September 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
September 15: Bibliophile Reviews
September 16: Bigreadersite
September 16: The Scribbler
September 17: Books,Dreams,Life
September 17: ASC Book Reviews
September 18: Book Babble
September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 19: Pause for Tales
September 19: Book by Book
September 20: The Power of Words
September 20: Lighthouse Academy
September 21: Proverbial Reads
September 21: Splashes of Joy
September 22: Faithfully Bookish
September 22: Singing Librarian Books
September 23: Tell Tale Book Reviews
September 23: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 24: Quiet Quilter
September 24: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 25: For The Love of Books
September 26: His Grace Is Sufficient
September 26: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away her Wedding Collection Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a366
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by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Hunted” is one suspense filled page after another and I had great difficulty putting it down for even one minute until I reached its end. It is a story of the lengths one man will go to to get revenge and illustrates the toll that quest for revenge can take on ones very soul. It is also a story of how far another man will go to protect the woman he loves but most importantly it is a story of God’s protection of those who follow him.
I enjoyed “Hunted” very much. The plot was well written and I found the characters to be well-rounded and realistic. It was easy for me to relate to Sloan’s feelings about Colt’s dedication to his work because I have a husband who was once married to his work. This story was filled with lots of danger and suspense with one twist after another. I found myself holding my breath at times – afraid of what might happen next. This is a real page turner that I would recommend to all who enjoy a good Christian suspense.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After over one hundred documented missions as Gray Feather, the elusive military sniper, Colt Hanson is trying to put his former life behind him. However, a mission he carried out in Africa against the rebel leader of The Leopard Army still haunts his dreams because the shot that ended the life of the sadistic killer also brought about the failure of his marriage. Now after five years, members of The Leopard Army have come to America to sell a diamond that will enable them to buy guns to carry on their rebellion, and they are seeking vengeance on Colt for killing their leader. But they also have targeted Colt’s estranged wife Sloan, and the two find themselves thrown together again as they become the prey of the vicious hunter known as Nimrod. If Colt is to save Sloan’s life, they must put their differences aside and work together as they begin a cross-country journey trying to elude Nimrod who has vowed he will not stop until Gray Feather and his woman are both dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town where she grew up. Until a few years ago she was working as an elementary school principal, but God opened the door for her to become a full-time writer in the Christian market. When asked what she writes, she replies, “Christian fiction–Southern Style.” Her books in both romantic suspense and historical romance with settings in the South have been recognized in the Daphne du Maurier Contest for excellence in writing mystery, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for writing romance, the Holt, and the ACFW Carol Awards.
Sandra enjoys hearing from her readers. To find out more about Sandra and her books go to http://sandrarobbins.net or send her an email at sandra@sandrarobbins.net
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by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love discovering new authors and I love romantic suspense novels so it was a no-brainer to agree to participate in the blog tour for “A Memory Worth Dying For” by Joanie Bruce. To my surprise and delight, Joanie also included a copy of her first novel, “Alana Candler, Marked for Murder”. I read and enjoyed both books and hope to find time to review the other one in the near future.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” has an unusual plot with both primary characters suffering from some degree of amnesia. Marti Rushing cannot remember anything concerning the events surrounding a tragic auto crash that killed her sister-in-law, her husband and Marti’s unborn baby. Angry because he believed a drunken Marti was responsible for the accident, her husband divorced her. During the three years following the crash Marti has moved from place to place because of a stalker and threatening communications but when she receives a letter begging her to return to Texas, she feels she has no choice but to do so.
Although some of what happens in this book is a bit of a stretch, I personally enjoy having my imagination challenged. The plot built upon itself as one dangerous incident after another menaced Marti and more than one possible perpetrator looked suspicious. Multiple plot twists and major surprises popped up along the way but were all resolved satisfactorily by the conclusion.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” is an enjoyable read with a theme of forgiveness and restored faith. I believe that those who do not tend to over analyze plot details but just love a good romantic suspense would enjoy this one.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
“Do Not Return To Texas!” Marti Rushing gets the message, loud and clear. If she returns to Texas, her life is in danger. If she stays in Tennessee, she’s safe. But when she receives a letter telling her that Daniel, her ex-husband and the love of her life, is dying, she knows she has to defy the stalker and return to Texas to see him. Three years ago, Daniel accused her of things she couldn’t remember doing. Without waiting for an explanation and after four wonderful years of marriage, Daniel kicks her off of his family’s Quarter Horse ranch. Now, three years after their separation, he walks into her art reception in Tennessee and acts like he doesn’t remember her. Does the memory loss have anything to do with the letter she received, or is Daniel pretending? Is he the one stalking her, or is it someone with a deadly, sinister motive? Ignoring the deadly warnings, she leaves for Texas, but on the way there, the attempts on her life begin. Will she be able to evade her pursuer’s attacks? Or will Daniel’s face be the last one she sees?
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.
GUEST POST FROM JOANIE BRUCE:
Hello everyone. My name is Joanie Bruce, and I’m happy to visit with you today and tell you a little about myself and my book, “A Memory Worth Dying For.”
The idea for this book actually started from a simple memory. Years ago, I watched a movie about a woman whose father-in-law ruined her marriage. That thought raised a question in my mind: What would happen if a married woman was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law, and her husband never stood up for her against his father?
Many questions and solutions emerged from that one idea, and the brainstorming began… One answer lead to another problem, and the answer to that problem produced another question. When all was done, the plot for this book emerged.
After adding suspense, mystery, love, and a growing spiritual aspect to that one idea, I was able to combine them to form an interesting plot. Finally, after several months of work, “A Memory Worth Dying For” was born.
I love this story because it shows forgiveness at its highest peak. Marti and Daniel have a wonderful marriage, but because of greed, selfishness, and a colossal misunderstanding, that marriage is dissolved. Even though they are separated, the love they feel for each other never wanes. Marti’s love for Daniel throws her into a dangerous situation, but that same love also gives her the perseverance and determination to stay in Texas and fight for the happiness of the man she loves even though her life is threatened if she does. I’m sure you’ve all read the Bible verse Joel 2:25a. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” That verse is the one Marti clings to throughout the story.
As I do my writing each day, I pray that God will teach me something. Writing this book taught me so many lessons. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but with the idea of practicing forgiveness in my own life. It also reinforced the knowledge that I should never jump to conclusions and get the facts before I make decisions. In this book, Daniel jumped to a conclusion and listened to gossip which caused the break-up of his marriage and unnecessary stress in his life.
Years ago, one of my Sunday School students gave me a book for Christmas called “In His Steps.” If you remember, that book started the campaign that encouraged you to ask “what would Jesus do?” before every action. I was convicted while reading that book because I knew I wasn’t doing things in my life for the Lord’s glory. So the next Sunday in church, I dedicated my life back to the Lord, and I began praying He would use me in whatever way He chose.
After those sincere prayers, the Lord began showing me how I could use my life and the talents He gave me for Him. It was shortly after that prayer I found out I had the ability to paint portraits, and not long after starting my art career, my first attempt at writing was accepted for a publishing contract. I realized then that following the Lord’s leading in my life and an attitude of gratefulness and obedience all worked together so the Lord would bless my efforts.
If you take anything away from this post, I hope it will be that the Lord can use anyone who is willing to be used. If you surrender your talents to him, no matter what your age or limitations, God can still use you for His glory.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I hope and pray that God blesses each of you in all of your accomplishments.
BLOG STOPS:
August 30: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
August 30: Cassandra M’s Place
August 31: Petra’s Hope
September 1: A Reader’s Brain
September 2: Quiet Quilter
September 2: Splashes of Joy
September 3: History, Mystery & Faith
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 5: Carpe Diem
September 6: Pause for Tales
September 7: Blogging with Carol
September 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 9: A Baker’s Perspective
September 10: bigreadersite
September 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
September 11: Daysong Reflections
September 12: just the write escape
September 12: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire and her books! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a29f
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