by admin | Jun 17, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In the third and final book of Varina Denman’s Mended Hearts series, readers become more acquainted with Lynda Turner, a character from the previous two books who was not always shown in a positive light. As I got to know her better in “Jilted” I felt that I understood her struggles and could both empathize with her and applaud her strength in view of the difficulties she had faced all her life. I also got to know Clyde a bit better and learned to like him too.
“Jilted” is one of those books that grabs you and won’t let go. There was a lot going on as this series worked its way toward a conclusion with unanswered questions solved and characters who were finally able to put the past behind them and move on with their lives. A mysterious discovery at the lake had more significance than anyone could have imagined and would impact Lynda’s life considerably. Then there is the character who is a fine example of the effect buried guilt can have on a person.
A well-written story with well-rounded characters, “Jilted” is a story of abandonment, betrayal, love, hope, loyalty, and redemption. I enjoyed the entire series and look forward to whatever this author will offer her readers next.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can all things really work together for good, and can the joy of living be found once again? Don’t miss one woman’s story in book three, Jilted, of Varina Denman’s Mended Hearts series.
Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.
Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.
Find out more about Varina at https://varinadenman.com.
Celebrate the release of Varina’s Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
- A $50 Kohl’s gift card to make your summertime sweet
The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina’s website.
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by admin | Jun 14, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Amish Firefighter” might be one of the best Amish books I’ve read in quite awhile. Oops, I just looked back at my review for “The Postcard” and I began exactly the same way. Looks Like I definitely need to add Laura Hilton to my must read list.
I particularly liked how down-to-earth the characters were. They struggled with life and faith just like the rest of us. And what fun to see the bad boy from “The Postcard” become the Hero of “The Amish Firefighter”. Such a turnaround in his character that others recognized and approved. I also liked that the author did not hold back on the strong attraction felt by Abigail and Sam. Their romantic encounters were spicier than what is usually found in Amish fiction but as far as I’m concerned did not cross into objectionable territory.
The story itself was excellent with a strong plot filled with mystery, danger, suspense, and romance. Both Sam and Abigail had hurdles to overcome in their lives and for some reason God placed them together to help each other find the truth. This is such a beautiful story of repentance, God’s forgiveness, and restoration. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit and The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.
A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.
A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.
Purchase your copy of The Amish Firefighter here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Birdhouse concluded Laura’s 2015 series, The Amish of Jamesport, includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.
For more about Laura, her latest book, the books she’s written and those she’s reviewed:
Laura Hilton’s Website: www.lauravhilton.blogspot.com.
Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton
Unlike some authors, I am not a planner. I have a very vague idea of the story, of the series, and as soon as the characters step forward and introduce themselves I dive in and start writing. When I first began writing this series – New Beginnings in Jamesport – I knew Sammy Miller was going to be the hero. Readers started asking for Sammy’s story as soon as they read The Postcard where Sammy was the villain. Ouch. I’d never considered writing a story about a former villain. But just as David in The Postcard was reader requested, Sammy would be.
Sammy is a very strong character and I knew he had to have a strong female lead character, one that wasn’t afraid to stand up to him and keep him under control. He is a leader, an EMT studying to be a paramedic, and a volunteer firefighter. The female lead, Abigail, is thrown into Jamesport without warning. Her step-father takes her to the bus station and sends her away and she doesn’t even know why! When she is met at the bus station by an aunt and uncle she didn’t even know existed, she is thrown into the middle of several mysteries, including barn fires set by arsonists. And she is the main suspect.
The whole New Beginnings in Jamesport series, while considered a continuation of The Amish of Jamesport series due to Sammy being the hero, is set around Amish starting over in Jamesport. The second book The Amish Wanderer is about a former resident of Jamesport hitchhiking across the country to get to his Mennonite uncle’s house in Pennsylvania. Silas is desperate to escape from his dysfunctional family for several reasons. But he cannot stay in Jamesport because someone is out to kill him. When he stumbles upon another mystery within hours of his arrival, what choice does he have but to stick around for awhile?
God gave me the verses for all three books in the Amish of Jamesport series The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer and the yet untitled third book (My books all stand alone) before I started writing them, which is unusual. He usually reveals these things slowly to me, as I need to know. The verse for The Amish Firefighter is Isaiah 43:2-4 and the verse for The Amish Wanderer is Romans 8:38-39. The third book’s verse is 2 Corinthians 4:8. It is tentatively titled The Amish Accountant, but most people think accountants are boring, and his real profession is a clockmaker. But The Amish Clockmaker has already been taken by another author. So we shall see what the wonderful Whitaker House team will come up with. It is about another young Amish woman, Lydia, who needs a “safe haven.” So her parents send her to live with her Mennonite aunt and uncle in Jamesport. It doesn’t exactly work out as planned, as the aunt and uncle leave for a foreign mission trip immediately, leaving Lydia acting manager of a gift shop and living in an all electric apartment. Before her aunt leaves, she tells Lydia’s secrets to her best friend. But did she tell all of them or some of them? And the best friend’s son, Caleb (the clockmaker) is acting as accountant for the gift shop. And what about Caleb’s carefully kept secret? When Lydia’s past catches up with her, will it destroy all she’d begun to imagine as she dreamed of starting over in Jamesport?
Next after that is The Christmas Challenge which is also set in Jamesport.
I don’t have official release dates for The Amish Wanderer or the other books yet. But as soon as I know, I’ll share.
Coming next? Who knows? I have two ideas warring for attention—but which one gets told first, I don’t know! I lean toward one, then the other. They both want to be told.
And now, I must get back to work. Thank you for visiting today and thank you so much for supporting my books. I do hope you’ll enjoy The Amish Firefighter!
Happy Reading!
Because of Him,
~ Laura ~
BLOG STOPS:
June 9: Quiet Quilter
June 10: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 10: Jeanette’s Thoughts
June 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
June 11: Blogging With Carol
June 12: Cassandra M’s Place
June 12: Splashes of Joy
June 13: Babs Book Bistro
June 13: bigreadersite
June 14: Daysong Reflections
June 14: Rockin’ My Mom Jeans
June 15: Singing Librarian Books
June 15: Blossoms and Blessings
June 16: Reading Is My SuperPower
June 16: The Power of Words
June 17: Two Girls and a Book
June 17: A Greater Yes
June 18: Texas Book -aholic
June 18: Through The Open Window
June 19: For the Love of Books
June 19: Petra’s Hope
June 20: Running Through The Storms
June 20: Simple Harvest Reads
June 21: A Holland Reads
June 21: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 22: Pause for Tales
June 22: KarensKrayons
June 23: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a basket that includes a Kindle Fire and a complete set of her books! Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9bed
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by admin | Jun 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
It takes a pretty talented author to pull off such diverse genres as A. H. Gabhart has written but she is definitely up to the task. Her latest cozy mystery series set in Hidden Springs is both fun and suspense filled as all cozy mysteries should be. In the second book of the series, “Murder Comes by Mail”, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is faced with yet another case to solve in his small hometown that used to be quiet and peaceful. Why can’t things stay that way?
When Sheriff Keane stops a man from leaping to his death off a bridge near town, the last thing the man tells him is that he will be sorry he stopped him from jumping. When photographs of a dead girl show up in his office mail and the jumper disappears from the hospital, it is a foregone conclusion that the jumper must be the murderer. Then why is it so difficult to locate the man? With more deaths and indications that the murderer is taunting him, Michael is desperate to protect the people he loves. Can he solve the case before anyone else dies?
“Murder Comes by Mail” is a bit grittier and darker than the first book of the series “Murder at the Courthouse” but even so there is still no graphic violence to disturb the reader. Once again the pages are filled with the lovable and quirky residents of Hidden Springs, a lot of mystery, a little humor, and even a touch of romance. I love trying to figure out “whodunnit” and wondering what role a pet will play this time in the story. I did wonder about a certain character from the first time he appeared in the story because he was just so weird but there was never any real evidence against him.
All-in-all, “Murder Comes by Mail” was a fun and satisfying read that held my attention until the end.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Doing a good deed never felt so bad
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn’t particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses–a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn’t last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs’ concerned citizens.
Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves–because the killer could be targeting one of them next.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Memories by Chris
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
by admin | Jun 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Medical Judgment” is yet another of Dr. Richard Mabry’s suspense-filled novels woven around the medical profession. It always surprises me how well this author can write from a female protagonist’s viewpoint but he pretty much nails it every time. Dr. Mabry grabbed my attention with this one from page one and held it all the way to the end. I read the book in one evening because I couldn’t put it down.
The plot moved along at a steady clip, driven by plenty of action, suspense, and soul-searching. Spiked with just the right touch of romance and faith, “Medical Judgment” was an extremely satisfying read. Each of the primary characters was well-rounded with both positive and negative traits which made them all the more authentic. I particularly liked how difficult it was to decide just who was harassing Sarah Gordon during the entire book. Several possible culprits were presented, all with feasible motives. Even her good friends and pastor were suspect! This novel just goes to prove that not all murderers have rational motives so it can be very difficult to pin them down. I was completely surprised by who the guilty party turned out to be. I had no clue!
If you enjoy medical mystery/suspense novels, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “Medical Judgment” asap. I don’t think you will regret it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.
After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.
Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.
With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?
Click here to learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com.
ENTER TO WIN:
Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Medical Judgment
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.
by admin | Jun 4, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As I have read the earlier books in Raney’s Chicory Inn series, Bree has been present but has only played a small part in the stories of members of the Whitman family. In “Close to Home” readers finally get to read her story.
As the young widow of the oldest Whitman son Tim, Bree has spent the five years since his death close to his family. Although she is beginning to feel that she may be ready for another chance at love, she fears how that could affect her relationship with the family she has grown to love as her own. A new relationship offers possibilities and challenges that leave Bree confused about her future. Then she meets another man who changes everything. Could this be love?
I enjoyed spending time with the Whitman family again and it was both fun and frustrating watching Bree’s efforts to navigate the deep waters of romance again. As in the previous books, I was struck by the intense Whitman family loyalty, their faith, and the way they all worked together to take care of their own, not to mention how easily they welcomed new people into their ranks. I also loved Grant’s term for his son-in-laws – “the sillies”. I love reading about this wonderful family and am looking forward to the next book of the series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn’t born into Grant and Audrey’s family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim’s family keep her ties to him strong–in the same way she keeps Tim’s memory alive for them. But it’s been almost five years, and she can’t hang onto the past forever.
Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can’t help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man–a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero’s very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name . . . a woman he might just love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deb’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita. Visit Deb on the web at DeborahRaney.com.
by admin | Jun 4, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Dectective, Mystery, Suspense
ABOUT THE BOOK:
MY REVIEW:
“Sister Eve and the Blue Nun” is the first book I’ve read by Lynne Hinton. I was uncertain what I could expect and it took me a little while to become fully engaged with the book even though it began quickly with a murder to solve. However, once I became better acquainted with the motorcycle riding, jeans wearing nun who doubles as a detective, it was easy to jump in and let the story pull me along for the ride.
I liked how Eve tended to be a bit of a lone ranger but also had a tendency to jump into things too quickly and make a mess of them. Her belief in her friend’s innocence was admirable as was her determination to prove it. Unfortunately that led her to make dangerous decisions that jeopardized her life. The way the legend of the Blue Nun played into the story was fascinating and I learned about a spiritual gift recognized by Catholics called biolocation that I had never encountered before.
All-in-all, I enjoyed reading about Sister Eve’s adventures in helping to solve another case enough that I will absolutely be open to reading more books by this author.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
After a murder at the monastery, Sister Eve may need a miracle if she is to prove a dear friend isn’t a cold-blooded killer.
Sister Eve, a motorcycle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middlesworth—a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th-century’s revered “Blue Nun”—and a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all evidence seems to point to the victim’s brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynne Hinton is the “New York Times” bestselling author of “Friendship Cake” and “Pie Town.” A native of North Carolina, she received her undergraduate degree from the U.N.C. at Greensboro and her Masters of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. She also studied at Wake Forest University and the NC School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking. She has served as a chaplain with hospice and as the pastor of Mount Hope United Church of Christ and First Congregational United Church of Christ, both in North Carolina. Lynne is a regular columnist with The Charlotte Observer. She lives with her husband, Bob Branard, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Find out more about Lynne at http://www.lynnehinton.com.
