by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Desperate Measures” is the third and final book in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series. As the series title suggests, there has been a multitude of secrets including why a mysterious plant is so important that someone is willing to kill for it. Then there are some personal secrets – secrets that have evolved from past hurts and the inability to trust others – and a determination to take care of matters independently.
As the conclusion to the series, “Desperate Measures” answers many of the questions that went unanswered in the first two books. It also built to a final and dramatic finale with a satisfying resolution both to the mystery and to the on-again-off-again relationship between Tom and Kate.
Plenty of action, danger, mystery, and suspense drove the plot and the interaction between strong, interesting characters kept me involved. I enjoyed this entire series and look forward to Sandra’s next novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate won’t be safe until all of Port Aster’s secrets are revealed
Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed “miracle plant” that tore apart her family years ago. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. She’s willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.
What people are saying about the Port Aster Secrets series
“Romantic suspense maven Orchard plunges readers into the fray immediately. The writing is über-dramatic and the action hectic.”–Publishers Weekly
“I couldn’t put it down.”–Margaret Daley, author of the Men of the Texas Rangers series
“A fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance.”–Lisa Harris, Christy Award-winning author of Dangerous Passage
Read an excerpt from “Desperate Measures”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Summer’s List” is a contemporary romance that somehow has the tone of a fairytale. This novel was a unique read for me but it would be difficult for me to express exactly why. Perhaps it was the unusual dialogue in certain scenes that almost made it seem otherworldly. Regardless of why I found it unique, I did enjoy the time I spent within its pages.
The story itself is about Summer Snow, a young woman who has sacrificed her younger years to take care of her parents. Any romantic relationships have not worked out and she has recently ended one that should have been every woman’s dream – it just was not the right one for her. Summer’s grandmother breaks the sad news that her life could end soon due to the deteriorating condition of her heart. She presents Summer with a list that she wants Summer to complete and even stipulates that she wants Snow to follow the list with a friend from Snow’s childhood that she hasn’t seen in twenty years. As any reader of romance novels can probably guess, there just might be a romance in store for Summer but what roadblocks might stand in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Summer’s List” and its somewhat unusual cast of characters. There were moments of true joy and whimsy as well as others that were dark and filled with grief. A family mystery and conflict was resolved with healing for those involved due to the fact that one person involved followed the lead of the Holy Spirit and showed unconditional love despite being rejected and mistreated by others.
I always enjoy Anita’s books and “Summer’s List” was no exception. I hope others will enjoy it also.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.
Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Anita’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Fatal Trauma” is a fast-paced medical suspense that held my attention throughout its pages. Once again, Richard Mabry has written a novel that severely interfered with getting my household chores taken care of. I was pretty much useless until I finished reading it. The story immediately jumped into suspense mode on the very first page during a scene in the ER and the tension had very little relief until final resolution.
ER doctor Mark Baker finds himself in big trouble after the deaths of two members of a dangerous drug cartel. Not only is the cartel out for revenge against him and other ER staff, but the police suspect he is responsible for another subsequent death. Time is at a premium as Mark attempts to prove his innocence at the same time he is in fear for his life.
Numerous plot twists and surprises and excellent writing kept me turning the pages. Just the right amount of medical details were included to keep it interesting without overwhelming me with unwanted facts. I liked how the author worked a bit of romance and faith into the story without lessening the suspense.
I enthusiastically recommend “Fatal Trauma” as well as any book by Richard Mabry, M.D.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.
When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.
Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com/.
Thrilling New Read from Richard Mabry | ‘Fatal Trauma’ and the Perfect Prescription Giveaway
Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won’t want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry’s new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.
by admin | Jun 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson, so I looked forward to reading “Once Upon a Summertime”. Overall it was an enjoyable, light romance that is perfect for reading on the beach, at the lake, or even a lazy summer afternoon or evening.
While Carlson’s talented style is quite evident in this book, the story itself was fairly predictable, especially once Anna was actually in New York. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story ended rather abruptly with all the potential conflict neatly wrapped up in a tidy package.
One aspect I have always enjoyed about Melody’s books is that I can usually count on a strong spiritual message or lesson. Unfortunately in “Once Upon a Summertime” the romance between Anna and Sean seemed to have a much stronger focus than their faith.
Nevertheless, fans of Melody Carlson should still find this novel entertaining, especially those who love happy-ever-afters.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.
Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises–not the least of which is discovering that Sean O’Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position.
This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City–and into the depths of the human heart.
Read an excerpt from “Once Upon a Summertime” HERE.
Endorsement:
“A hard-working girl finds her happily-ever-after ending in Melody Carlson’s heartwarming tale. Readers will cheer Anna’s journey as a summer of new beginnings becomes a summer of unexpected love.”–Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.
For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Jun 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLondon TidesDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2015)byCarla Laureano
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I studied literature and criticism at Pepperdine University and earned a degree in English in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different industries as a salesperson, marketing manager, copywriter, and small business consultant. In addition to my work for corporate clients, I wrote for publications produced by the World Health Organization.
I love the history, culture, and mythology of Ireland and Scotland, which form the settings for most of my work. I also enjoy incorporating my background in martial arts and fencing into the action elements of my stories.
I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. My debut novel, a contemporary romance entitled Five Days in Skye, was released by David C Cook in June 2013 and went on to win RWA’s 2014 RITA Award for Inspirational Romance. My three book young adult fantasy series, SONG OF SEARE, is being released from NavPress in 2014 and 2015.
I live with my husband and two sons in Denver, Colorado.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.
She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace … only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together … or tear them apart for good this time?
If you would like to read the first chapter of London Tides, go HERE.
by admin | Jun 6, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I elected to review “Wilderness Rising” I did not realize it was a sequel to “The Church Builder”. Since I had not read the first book, I decided to pick up a copy to read while I was waiting for this one to arrive. I am so thankful that I did. I would have been mostly lost if I had not already read “The Church Builder”. The series is about a centuries-long battle between two opposing groups, the Wilderness and the Garden. One group is composed of atheists and the other of supposed believers. Unfortunately, in their ongoing war, both sides are often less than ethical and casualties are just part of the battle.
Bethany Barclay has unwittingly become the central focus of the battle after being set up by one of the groups who hope she can find the ancient relic her best friend had possibly found before her own death. With the FBI and other law enforcement agencies determined to find her because they believe she is a terrorist, Bethany has followed her friend’s trail to England in hopes of finding the Pilate Stone. With both the Garden and the Wilderness after her as well as other unknown parties, Bethany’s life has become surreal with never a moment to feel safe but she is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery because another young person’s life is also in danger.
There is so much going on in both “The Church Builder” and “Wilderness Rising” that I was often confused. I decided that the author probably planned it that way to give the reader a sense of Bethany’s confusion and desperation as she raced against time for her own life as well as Janice’s. Jam-packed with action, danger, and suspense, “Wilderness Rising” raced to a strong finish with plenty of surprises along the way.
I enjoyed both volumes of the Church Builder series and would recommend them to all who enjoy suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat and never sure what will happen next. Both are lengthy novels but I found myself unable to put them down.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From A. L. Shields-pseudonym for New York Times best-selling author Stephen L. Carter-comes the thrilling sequel to The Church Builder.
An age-old struggle between the enemies of God and the champions of faith.
A rumored relic that could prove Christ performed miracles-or declare him a fraud.
A woman on the run from international authorities.
Bethany Barclay is fighting to outwit the Wilderness, an ancient and powerful cabal bent on destroying Christianity. Its members murdered her best friend, framed her for acts of terrorism, and captured the brilliant teen hacker she vowed to protect. To ransom the girl, Bethany must find the Pilate Stone-a mysterious first-century artifact that might not even exist.
But she’s not the only one looking for the stone. In an international landscape of double agents, Bethany finds it impossible to tell friend from foe. The Garden, a secret group of powerful intellectuals sworn to save the Church and help Bethany, is collapsing under the rising power of the Wilderness. And an ocean separates her from her only proven ally-the lone wolf Ray Fuentes, who has battles of his own to fight.
A sparse trail of breadcrumbs takes Bethany across Europe into a labyrinth of academics, art historians, and followers of a reclusive monastic order. As her quest transforms into an ever more complex and dangerous game, unlikely actors in the drama emerge. Some are ruthlessly devoted to preserving a world where faith is possible. Others aim to brutally, and finally, undermine belief.
Including her own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A. L. Shields is a pseudonym for Stephen L. Carter, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale, where he has taught for thirty years. He is also the author of seven acclaimed works of nonfiction and five best-selling novels. His first novel, The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002), spent eleven weeks on the New York Times best seller list.
