by admin | Jan 27, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I don’t think I have ever read a novel by Johnnie Alexander but I can guarantee that “Where She Belongs” will not be the last one. I did not expect the wonderfully complex plot filled with mostly lovable characters. Naturally, there were a couple of them I did not like at all but even one of them gradually changed his stripes before the end.
I loved the small town setting where everyone knows everyone else but secrets are held closely. I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between AJ and Shelby grow as she finally realized he was not the enemy she thought he was.
“Where She Belongs” is a wonderful mixture of family, romance, secrets, and faith that held me captive until the very last page. A sneak peek included at the end informed me that the next book will feature one of those characters I did not like very much. I can’t wait!
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can love redeem a broken past?
Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s homestead, Misty Willow, so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she has her work cut out for her.
AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby’s family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he’s let it fall into ruin. AJ’s more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can’t get her off his mind.
With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home–and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Jodie Westfall Photography
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.
by admin | Jan 27, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Thin Ice” is another page-turner from Irene Hannon that kept me awake much later than my normal bedtime. The plot is fast-paced and is filled with complex characters, action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. The second book in Hannon’s Private Justice series, this one features FBI agent Lance McGregor who is assigned to help Christy Reed locate the sister who is believed to have died in a fire but has since contacted Christy.
Although both Christy and Lance are working together to find Christy and to discover the warped mind behind threats against Christy, any reader of Hannon’s novels will know that a romance will develop between the pair even if they attempt to keep the relationship professional.
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense and “Thin Ice” was no exception. I found the inside look at an FBI investigation to be interesting and also liked the author’s emphasis on the importance of faith in the character’s lives.
I always look forward to Irene Hannon’s books and am happy to say that once again her latest novel met all my expectations.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave?
After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again–until an envelope addressed in her sister’s handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.
FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.
Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Jan 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It was with mixed feelings that I closed the final pages of Susan May Warren’s final book in her wonderful Christiansen Family series. I was happily satisfied to see the conclusion of Owen’s story resolved so well yet I was also sad to know that I had reached the end of time spent with this special family (unless I go back and read the series again).
Susan writes stories with characters and situations that are so realistic that the reader can easily identify. Many of her characters are people with whom I would probably enjoy spending time. One thing I like about them is that they are not perfect – they make mistakes (sometimes big ones) like the rest of us. And sometimes it takes them some time to own up to their mistakes and make things right.
Of all the Christiansen family, Owen was probably the most stubborn and rebellious. The funny thing was that although he had run far away from family and friends, he was totally unaware of his all-time biggest mistake. I loved how Owen met his match in Scotty, an equally wounded soul and how each of them eventually found the forgiveness, healing, and restoration needed to move forward in their lives. It was also a bit ironic how Casper, the brother Owen thought could do no wrong, was the one who ended up with BIG problems in this book. But family ties are strong and despite the conflict between the two brothers, Owen stepped up and did everything he could to prove Casper’s innocence.
As I stated earlier, I really hate to see this series end but also eagerly look forward to whatever Susan has planned next for her readers. If you have never read one of her books, by all means start with this series. You could read “You’re the One That I Want” as a stand alone but it would be far better in my opinion, to start at the beginning and work your way through it.
This book was provided for review by the Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.
Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.
But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.
Read an excerpt from “You’re the One That I Want” here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
by admin | Jan 17, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Mississippi Nights” is a gritty and down-to-earth story that probes some pretty deep emotional waters. The family bond between the two Boyette brothers is broken when David cannot forgive Jeremy for letting his fiance die in a fiery accident. Jeremy cannot forgive himself and has returned home after several years away with a secret. Pastor’s daughter Maggie becomes an important person in Jeremy’s life but is her love enough to free him from his personal demons?
Not only is this book an emotional roller coaster ride, its quickly moving plot is also filled with lots of action and surprises. At times it was difficult to read because the anger between the brothers was so realistic but I appreciated the way they showed their anger without profanity. Several tense scenes had me holding my breath and hoping for a positive outcome. Character development is so natural that I found myself often disliking David and Jeremy while rooting for them at the same time.
Some tough subjects are covered including child neglect and alcoholism in all its ugliness. Despite all its gritty reality, “Mississippi Nights” is a clean and redemptive tale that left me with a positive feeling at its end. It is a story that will stay with me for awhile. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two brothers, one death–the bond of brotherhood faces its greatest challenge against resentment and guilt. Can the love between two brothers eventually win against pain and guilt?
When Firefighter David Boyette’s fiancée perishes in a car fire, he blames his brother, Sgt. Jeremy Boyette, for her death.
Three years later, David returns home with a dark and devastating secret. With the help of family, a woman’s love, and a small child’s devotion, can David overcome insurmountable odds as he and Jeremy face the bitterness that enslaves him?
Together the brothers must decide if the bond of brotherhood is stronger than resentment and hate.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Daphne Self, writing as D.M. Webb, is the author of 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir (2013), Mississippi Nights (2012), and I Lost My Hat (2009). Her children’s devotional, Balaam and the Donkey, appeared on www.devokids.com (April 2013). Between her writing the next novel, marketing her published works, and reviewing books on her blog, Rebel Book Reviews, she volunteers as an ACFW judge for First Impressions, Genesis, and Carol Awards. Her travels and life with her family makes life interesting and provides plenty of material for storylines.
by admin | Jan 16, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Colleen Coble’s books since I picked up the first one. I really didn’t think it could get any better but she seems to up the ante with each novel. Believe it or not, I think each and every one of them is the best yet until the next one is released and “Mermaid Moon” doesn’t veer from the pattern.
“Mermaid Moon” is the perfect story for its setting along the rugged shore of the area of the country known as Downeast Maine. Residents must be pretty tough to survive the isolation and sometimes harsh conditions. Kevin O’Connor and Mallory Davis must meet those standards to find her father’s killer and live to see justice served. The task will be complicated by Kevin and Mallory’s past history as well as the fact that Mallory still feels responsible for her mother’s death fifteen years ago. Why should God forgive her if she can’t even forgive herself?
Well-defined characters populate the pages. Some of them are very important to the plot, others might just be a distraction. “Mermaid Moon” is skillfully crafted and takes the reader exactly where the author wants her to go. With unexpected twists, danger, and romance, Coble has woven a plot that moves at such a perfect pace that it is difficult to find a stopping point. I did not want to put it down but was sad to reach the end much to quickly. This is one book that I could have read for several more hours.
If you are already a fan of Colleen Coble’s novels, “Mermaid Moon” is a don’t miss read. If you have yet to read any of her books. give this one a try. I can pretty much guarantee it will be the last of her books you will read.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”
Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.
Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago.
When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.
As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Jan 15, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Native American, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Over the course of the past year or two I have added Lisa Carter as a “must have” author. I have no intention of letting any of her novels slip by me if I can avoid it. “The Stronghold” is another of her riveting modern suspense novels that feature strong Native American characters who defy tremendous danger as they strive to solve crimes and rescue those at great risk.
The book’s title is so appropriate on more than one level. Not only does Pilar have emotional strongholds from her past to overcome but she and her ex-fiance Alex must risk everything to breach the mountain stronghold of the madman who is responsible for the disappearance and deaths of several young teens.
“The Stronghold” is brilliantly written with a swiftly moving plot and strong characterizations. I didn’t want to put it down before the end and as a result was a slacker of household chores and missed some sleep as well. All in all, the book met all my expectations with the exception of the cover art that I felt did not live up to the gorgeous scenic covers of previous books. But the story line and characters were excellent so I really can’t complain. Once again, Lisa Carter has come up with a winner!
This book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Drug violence, revenge killings, and kidnapping are nothing new along the U.S.-Mexican border. But now teenage girls are disappearing from the Apache reservations of Arizona and New Mexico.
Apache tribal cop Pilar To-Clanny and FBI Special Agent Alex Torres have a long and tumultuous history. When someone close to them disappears, Pilar and Alex must risk everything to rescue the child, including facing the unresolved issues of the past, and venture into the no-man’s land of the drug cartels.
Can Pilar and Alex work together to stop a sadistic killer before he strikes again? On a quest to rescue those they love, who will rescue them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
