by admin | Jul 30, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love this series! I enjoyed the first two so much that I couldn’t wait to read “Magnolia Moonlight”. As a lifelong Southerner it was fun reading about locations that I am at least somewhat familiar with, especially the Memphis area. The stories are all the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, humor, and romance. Throw in a strong message of faith and I am a happy reader.
“Magnolia Moonlight” introduces a couple of new detectives at the Price agency. Beth Kirby and Michael Preston are left with what seems to be a simple case in Natchez, Mississippi while their boss Nate Price and his wife Isabelle take a belated honeymoon in Bay St. Louis after two years of marriage. Sparks fly between Beth and Mike but not necessarily the romantic kind. It will be a miracle if the pair will be able to work together long enough to solve their case. Meanwhile, Nate and Isabelle find themselves embroiled in a case of their own that involves her ex. Things aren’t looking so hopeful for a relaxing and romantic honeymoon after all.
Mary Ellis has created some very entertaining yet down-to-earth characters for “Magnolia Moonlight”. I found it easy to empathize with each one of them (except one police officer that I disliked) and hated to put the book down for even a few minutes.The plot was imaginative and moved along at a steady pace with a few surprises along the way. At times I found Beth to be a little bit testy but Mike’s good disposition and charm made up for it and eventually I liked Beth also. It was fun to catch up with Nate and Isabelle again but I did miss Hunter and Nikki. Maybe they will make an appearance in the next installment.
It was with regrets that I reached the end and will find it difficult to wait until April for a chance to read Sunset in Old Savannah to learn what happens next for Beth and Mike. Lovers of Southern novels, cozy mysteries, or both definitely need to run to the nearest bookstore for copies of the entire Secrets of the South Mysteries series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Sinister Secrets Lurk in the Shadows of Yesterday?
Natchez, Mississippi—Private Investigator Nate Price and his new wife, Isabelle, need a vacation. Their coworkers generously team up to surprise them with a belated honeymoon…but the happy trip turns sour when Izzy spies her ex-husband, who appears to have taken up his gambling addiction once again.
While the boss is away, Price Investigations remains in the hands of Beth Kirby, a former police officer, and Michael Preston, a former forensic accountant. Hardly a dream team, as Beth resents working with a man who has no experience in his new job.
But Beth and Michael must move past their differences if they hope to uncover the truth behind a beloved Southern preacher’s demise. The preacher’s widow suspects foul play, despite the evidence indicating suicide.
With tension escalating between these investigators and local law enforcement—and new threats arising on all sides—how will Beth, Michael, and Nate hold on to faith and bring the truth to light?
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
A Word from the Author
“The next in my Secrets of the South Mysteries, Magnolia Moonlight, took me to Natchez and Bay St. Louis, both in Mississippi. Natchez in a lovely town sitting high on a bluff above the Mississippi River, and Bay St. Louis is a vacation destination along the Gulf Coast. Price Investigations hires two new PI’s to investigate the suicide of a Baptist minister after his wife suspects murder. When Nate and Isabelle leave on their honeymoon, everyone ends up with more than they can handle in my brand new romantic suspense.”
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by admin | Jul 30, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
What perfect timing for Kellie Coates Gilbert’s latest page turner! With elections and political shenanigans foremost on the current evening news, “What Matters Most” gives readers a behind-the-scenes peek into how politics really works. It’s just too bad that there are not more honest and upright people in the business who will stand up for truth and justice like the principal characters of this novel. I enjoyed reading this novel very much. I had previously read the previous novels in this series so my expectations were pretty high. If anything, “What Matters Most” may be the best one yet. Kellie has a true gift for taking me right into the heart of her stories and making me care about her characters.
Both Leta and Nathan were exceptional people who tried to make the best of circumstances life had thrown at them. Leta had sacrificed so much to care for her mother but was finding it difficult to keep her in a quality medical facility. A new higher paying job seemed to be the answer to her problems but as time went by, she was forced to choose between the job and doing the right thing. Nathan’s heart was in providing better care for aging dementia patients but agreed to run for governor in order to make needed changes in the Texas government. His encounters with Leta grew into a special friendship that left them both wanting more but were they working at cross purposes?
“What Matters Most” is a very relevant story that should give each of its readers something to ponder. As we read about Leta and Nathan and the choices they make, each of us can decide what really matters most in our own lives. I cannot recommend this novel (or any of Kellie’s other books) enough.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Just when she can’t take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break. But when things seem too good to be true, they often are.
Finding her dream job went right out the window when Leta Breckenridge had to quit school to help care for her mother suffering from dementia. When a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta is thrilled to land a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her seemingly ideal job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition organization–and that the research she’s been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she’s swiftly falling in love with.
Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He’s already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician’s wife, but he’s never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty woman hold the key to his heart–and his future?
With emotional depth and keen insight into what drives us, Kellie Coates Gilbert offers a salient story that calls us to consider what we value most in this life.
Read an excerpt from “What Matters Most” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, and the author of A Woman of Fortune and Where Rivers Part. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.
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by admin | Jul 28, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Through Raging Waters” was action packed from the very first pages. As if severe thunderstorms compounded with spring snow melt threatening to destroy the town of Timber Springs were not enough, personal health crises, a nearly impossible rescue effort, and a dangerous hostage situation complicate matters for everyone involved. The story moves along at a speedy pace that leaves very little room for the reader to catch her breath.
Most of the narrative revolved around the Fitzgerald family and those closely associated. It was evident early on that the Fitzgeralds had some serious problems among its members that played out often through their angry outbursts. Melissa Hampton, a close family friend, had her own issues. She was determined to prove herself and frequently made impulsive decisions that put her own life and those of others in serious danger.
On one hand, I enjoyed reading about life in Timber Springs and how the townspeople worked together to save it. Blare’s descriptions of the terrain and life in the area were intriguing. On the other hand, I never could develop much of a connection with any of the characters. The relationship between Paul and Melissa lacked something vital – I simply couldn’t seem to care one way or another if they got together. Hopefully some of the family issues will be resolved in a sequel to this novel. There were a few signs that was beginning to happen but I did not discern any actual resolution.
Overall, the author handled a very complicated story well. I did like the way her characters grew in their faith as they met nearly insurmountable odds. “Through Raging Waters” would be a good read for those who enjoy fast action and adventure.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Mother Nature has her way, Timber Springs will never be the same…
A warm spring and early rainstorms melt the snowpack. Spring runoff compounded by the storm of the century sends Timber Springs into a tailspin.
Tossed into the role of rescuer, local pharmacist Paul Fitzgerald must face his past before the whole world falls apart. While he fights to contain the beast around him, he finds his steadfast control slipping through his fingers. And life…everyone’s life…hangs by a thread…once again.
She isn’t a hero. Melissa Hampton has her own demons to battle. After she learns of her mysterious beginnings amidst her mother’s keepsakes, she faces more than just the river rushing outside her door. Now, she must discern friend from foe…but as waters rise and tension climbs within Timber Springs, she needs to rise to the challenge or lose the only man she’s ever loved.
Can two people find each other through raging waters?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renee Blare’s nose has been buried in a book for as long as she can remember. Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, she started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.
Nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains, she lives in Wyoming with her husband, crazy dogs, and ornery cat. She serves her beautiful small town as a pharmacist while penning her stories about struggling Christians as they travel along the journeys of their lives. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.
Blog: Renee’s Inspirational Moments
Group Blog: The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction
Website: Renee Blare|Christian Author Website
GUEST POST FROM RENEE BLARE:
I Wrote a Book
Five years ago, I wrote a book…and then I wrote another and another and another. Many said that the words flowed like a river onto the page. Or I painted a picture with letters. As for me? I simply write what I see so you can see it too. What about you? Do you want to write a book?
If so, there’s one thing I’d like you to know. A book’s like a child. It starts out small or simple with garbled language…often repetitive and indistinguishable. Kind of like when a baby babbles “dada” over and over. And then that moment comes when you rejoice because you hear him say “mama.” That’s the growth every book…writer…reader…yearns for.
Different stories float around inside an author’s mind, flowing in a way much like labor. Some authors plot, others don’t. And still others combine the process in a convoluted method. But like birth, no matter how the words eventually find their way to the page, the development of a book doesn’t stop with its first dawn. It takes time, energy, and growth.
Take my first release, To Soar on Eagle’s Wings. Five years ago, I wrote it, my very first book, in three months. And it was awesome! I couldn’t believe it. God brought the plot together in a phenomenal way. But publication wasn’t the next step. I had a lot to learn before that could happen.
My latest release, Through Raging Waters is the example of a writer’s growth, but also her soul. I learned that I had to leave more than my knowledge and my heart on the page. I needed to leave a piece of my soul. When you read Paul’s struggles, you read mine. Melissa’s fear and confusion? Yes, they’re mine. The anger, the pain . . . the trials, the lessons learned are scriptural but also first-hand, taught by my Father.
Writing is more than a job. It’s more than a hobby. It’s sharing your knowledge, your hope with the world. So if you want to write a book. Do it. Then take that next step, and the next. You’ll get there. Oh, and I can’t wait to read it!
BLOG STOPS:
July 19: Pause for Tales
July 20: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
July 21: Captive Dreams Window
July 21: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 22: Singing Librarian Books
July 23: A Reader’s Brain
July 24: A Greater Yes
July 24: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog
July 25: bigreadersite
July 25: Cassandra M’s Place
July 26: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 26: Splashes of Joy
July 27: Blossoms and Blessings
July 27: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
July 28: Daysong Reflections
July 29: Quiet Quilter
July 30: Texas Book-aholic
July 30: Lights in a Dark World
July 31: Bukwurmzzz
July 31: Through the Open Window
August 1: Carpe Diem
GIVEAWAY:
 |
To celebrate her tour, Renee is giving away a wonderful package that includes a $20 Cabelas gift card, a set of her series paperbacks (books 1 and 2), and fleece blanket.
Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9f08 |
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by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Nikki Boyd usually investigates missing people but when two murdered bodies are discovered in a house and the homeowners are missing, she is called in to help with the case. As she searches for clues to the missing couple, she is drawn into a dangerous situation involving more murders with evidence that could point to a good friend.
“Missing” is one of those page-turners that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. I really have a big problem putting down a book as suspense filled as this one. I am tempted to let everything go – the housework, the laundry, meal prep, and even sleep. I’m glad my husband is pretty tolerant of my reading addiction.
With just the right combination of well-developed characters, danger, drama, suspense, and a developing romance, the plot of “Missing” moves along at a rapid rate. Frequent plot twists and surprises kept me on edge and guessing all the way to the end. I love it when I don’t guess the perpetrator too soon. The only problem I can find with “Missing” is that it left me impatient for the next installment of The Nikki Boyd Files.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nikki Boyd isn’t usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she’s ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant–and another dead body–Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business–including Nikki.
Christy Award-winning and bestselling author Lisa Harris puts you right into the action in this fast-paced thriller.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
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by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Evil Forebodings” is what I would consider a supernatural/paranormal suspense with a bit of romance. I’ll admit that I had a hard time getting into it at first, probably because there were several different characters which left me feeling somewhat confused. Eventually everything came together and I was able to see a method to the madness. The author just had to lay some foundation so her readers could get to know each character individually before they began to work together. So, if you have the same problem, just be patient. It will soon make sense.
This is a pretty wild and crazy story with even a couple of pets taking on major roles when evil stalks the streets of Newville. Four unlikely people are brought together by the mysterious events in their town – a young woman who can understand animals, a police officer, a reporter, and a diner owner. Each of them plays a major role as they work to bring an end to the malevolent danger. The question is “will their faith be strong enough or will they all die?”
Overall, this story has a good premise and I enjoyed it. I personally would have preferred a stronger example of spiritual warfare but that is just my own preference. “Evil Forebodings” is certainly a novel that will make its readers think and hopefully consider their own faith.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tiffany Rodgers is the kind of danger that she never dreamed could happen to her in the quiet little town of Newville. She is being stalked and having strange visions. The animals even seem different of late, somehow affected by the changes in the air. Officer Allen Lawrence is drawn to Tiffany, but he has reservations. Is she losing her mind, playing games, or are the things that she is seeing more than just evil forebodings?
Purchase your copy of Evil Forebodings here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carol E. Keen currently resides in Alabama with her husband and family. She spends her time writing, reading, working on photography, and working with her much loved critters. She started creating stories to share with others at the age of two years old. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses. She is overjoyed to be publishing her fiction to share with you now. Carol currently has more books in the “works”. Please feel free to follow her for updates.
On a personal note: Carol really enjoys coffee and a good book!
Guest Post from Carol E. Keen:
Well, I know it isn’t lady like or proper to squeak or go “Eeeeeee!” with excitement, but it’s so hard not to do so. I’m past excited to be on this tour with Celebrate Lit! First I have to say, these are wonderful folks who I’m so very blessed to get to work with!
Now, today I’m doing happy dances over your being here for the kick off for my book, Evil Forebodings. It’s my second published book, and my first full-length fiction novel. This book took eight, yes that is 8, long years to complete. What on Earth could take me that long to write one book?
It started with my first event called, NanoWriteMo. In my case, it was NanoWrite-less! Who had the “brilliant” idea to have a huge writing contest smack over Thanksgiving and two major birthdays in our family? It was a disaster. It was as bad as saying a night person like myself has to function at 8:00am and be good at it. I was alone in my endeavor and didn’t get far at all.
A few years later, I went back to working on this book. This time I had a huge emotional backset from an incident that was just traumatic. I was told, in essence, that I wasn’t good enough to write for a career, and that my focus was on all the wrong things in my life. This came from a published author, who really didn’t know me. I was weighed and judged unfairly, and it was devastating. I learned a great deal though, and pretty much gave up on doing things the way I had been.
Forging ahead anyway, my first book, Beauty For Ashes, was published. Then I got to work on Evil Forebodings. This story and its characters have never left me, and I knew I had to finish this book. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, and I hope that you will enjoy it. While I believe all authors put some of themselves into their work, this book had a heavy dose of my heart infused into it in several places.
Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure, and please feel free to ask questions!
Blessings, Carol ?
Blog Stops:
July 26: Daysong Reflections
July 27: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life!
July 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 29: inklings and notions
July 30: A Reader’s Brain
July 31: Mary Hake
July 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 1: Through the Open Window
August 1: Cassandra M’s Place
August 2: Bukwurmzzz
August 3: Karen’s Krayons
August 4: Petra’s Hope
August 5: Carpe Diem
August 6: Singing Librarian Books
August 7: For the Love of Books
August 8: Books! Books! Books!
To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away three copies of her new book with a bookmark. Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9f31
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by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Deadly Encounter” may be one of my favorite novels by DiAnn Mills to date. From the discovery of a dead man and an injured dog at the very beginning all the way to its exciting conclusion, I had difficulty putting the book down.
The sometimes fast but always steady paced plot contained plenty of danger and excitement which included dead bodies, mysterious illness, military drones, and so many possible suspects it was no wonder even the FBI had trouble solving the case. The romantic element was subdued and for the most part took a back seat to the action and suspense. I liked the primary characters, especially the extremely gifted Whitt who tried to steal the show from Stacy and Alex. Woven into this wonderful tale is a thread of faith as Stacy and Alex realize they need to return to theirs and Whitt’s fear that God might just be like his own abusive and negligent father.
You can’t go wrong with any of DiAnn’s novels and “Deadly Encounter” would be a great one to start with if you’ve never read any of them.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.
Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms
listed at her website.
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