by admin | May 4, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Sandra Bricker has been one of my go-to authors when I was in the mood for a fun and light-hearted read. Her latest novel, “On a Ring and a Prayer” definitely has its share of fun and amusing scenes but in some aspects, this one seems to have even more substance than usual.
“On a Ring and a Prayer” is populated with strong characters who I enjoyed getting to know. I quickly found myself wrapped up in their lives and had to keep turning those pages in order to learn what would happen next. Naturally I hated what had happened to Jessie and admired how she responded to her less-than-perfect change of lifestyle. I found myself rooting for her and Danny to connect but really didn’t see how that could happen. Of course, Sandra found a way to deliver the perfect yet believable happy ending.
As expected, I enjoyed Sandra’s latest book and would recommend it and any of her other novels. I sincerely hope that I will find myself reading a future novel that features some of the great characters I met in this one.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twelve years of marriage, 4,000 square feet of dream house, and a handsome husband. Jessie Stanton has it all… until one fateful afternoon when she notices her BMW bouncing by the window behind a tow truck. Her husband has gone, and he’s taken it all. The whirling tornado that cuts down the life she’s built drops Jessie onto the sandy beach of Malibu with a thud, penniless and alone. When all she’s left with are the designer labels in her closet and the dreamy Neil Lane rock on her finger, Jessie tries to make ends meet by pawning her prized ring to fund a new business venture: a small shop where her designer duds and shimmering accessories are temporarily leased out to Southern California women with champagne tastes but root beer realities. As Jessie tries to rebuild, she realizes she can’t move on, not without answers. Reluctantly, Jessie turns to beach bum/private investigator Danny Callahan for help. But is she staking her future success and happiness…on a ring and a prayer?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. “I’m a Christian woman, first and foremost,” she says. “So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line.”
Sandie’s real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor’s proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects … and still pursue my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
And one of the author’s pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy — a red-haired collie with “killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown.”
by admin | Apr 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Janice Thompson scores another winner with “Every Bride Needs a Groom”! Often humorous and sweetly romantic, this novel nevertheless delivers when it comes to practical and spiritual wisdom. Janice is a pro when it comes to turning serious matters of faith into an enjoyable confection that is easy to digest!
At first glance, Katie Fisher seems to be the typical young woman whose life revolves around planning her dream wedding. The groom may just be a required component in order to make the event complete. Convinced that her long-time beau is about to pop the question, Katie enters and wins a contest for a designer gown. That’s when her love life takes a decided downturn. Needing some space, Katie follows through with fittings for the dress. She wants to do the right thing but is prevented from telling the truth at every turn.
The characters in “Every Bride Needs a Groom” were perfect for the story but at the same time, none of them were perfect. Many of them had very human faults and hiding the truth was a prevalent one. Even Katie’s sweet grandma Queenie had unresolved issues that came to the surface before the story was done. Now Brady was almost too good to be true – dedicated to his mama and sweet and understanding with Katie. But – – what gal wouldn’t love to snag a guy like him ( if such a person actually exists)?
“Every Bride Needs a Groom” is a fun-filled story that is just right for a relaxing afternoon read. Humor abounds and may even reach near slapstick levels a time or two. The romance is sweet and most issues are resolved satisfactorily by the conclusion. It is a great story about the power of forgiveness and trusting God to guide your life.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding–the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn’t managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she’s sure he’ll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn’t just fall out of the sky right when you need it.
But when Katie’s boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her–on the very same day she wins her dream dress–her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop–yeah, you read that right–discover her humiliating secret if she does?
“Every Bride Needs a Groom is one to savor over and over. This compelling tale keeps you hooked and ignites your heart. What an intriguing way to visit the culture of a small central Texas town.”–Eleanor Clark, award-winning author; motivational speaker; and Fairfield, Texas, resident
“Thompson launches a new bridal series with a contemporary, joyful Cinderella story that is filled with good humor and old-fashioned Southern style. Readers will fall in love with Katie and the rest of the well-drawn Fisher clan. This swoon-worthy tale will appeal to aficionados of humorous romances by Rachel Hauck and Lisa Wingate.”–Library Journal
Read an excerpt from “Every Bride Needs a Groom” HERE.
Where to Purchase
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.
by admin | Apr 24, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been an avid fan since I read my very first book by Colleen Coble. To date, I have read most, if not all of her novels with intentions to do so if I happened to miss any of them. I can honestly say that “The Inn at Ocean’s Edge” may just be the best one yet.
In “The Inn at Ocean’s Edge”, Coble weaves a story with so many unique twists and turns that one could easily get lost along the way. I loved the way she launched yet another surprise just when I thought I had everything all figured out. As always, the story is beautifully written with complex relationships that are challenged by traumatic circumstances but often tempered by faith and forgiveness. The pages are filled with action, drama, danger, romance, and suspense with an added plus of a baby orca that plays a major role in the story.
“The Inn at Ocean’s Edge” is a fine example of why Colleen Coble’s books have a permanent spot on my have-to-have book list. This is one not-to-be-missed novel for lovers of Christian romantic suspense.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.
In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.
But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.
Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.
With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.
Learn more and purchase a copy at the Thomas Nelson website.
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.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light. Colleen Coble’s new book, The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, is a must-read for mystery and suspense readers. As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.
Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!
by admin | Apr 22, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Inspirational, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Over the years I have found that Love Inspired Romances are the perfect choice when I want to relax with a good, clean, and inspiring novel that can be read quickly and will uplift my spirit. The May offerings for 2015 meet those requirements as expected. Each book has a unique story with characters from many different walks of life. Some include children and some feature widowed or divorced characters. At least one of the books contains a touch of mystery. The one thing that each book has in common is faith.
Most of us know that initially all Love Inspired books will include a romance. The thing that makes these books different is their focus on Christian morals and each one often includes opportunities for the characters to practice or renew their faith – often through forgiveness. I believe that most readers will find the characters and circumstances in these books to be realistic and easy to relate to.
For anyone looking for a good, clean romance that is also uplifting, Love Inspired books are available both in stores and online. If you’ve never read one, take advantage of the coupon below and join me and many others who have learned how good these little books can be.
By the way, I was not required to read all six books for this review, but I couldn’t stop with just one – I read them all!
Be sure and check out my contest HERE for your chance to win all six of the May 2015 books.
These books were provided for review by FlyBy Promotions.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
6 new heartwarming and inspirational reads are available every month!
Love Inspired® books offer wholesome, faith-based entertainment for women that nourishes the soul as it affirms the values of devotion, hope and love. Books are available online and in-store.
Love Inspired readers believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
Click HERE to receive a $1.00 coupon to use towards the purchase of a Love Inspired book.
Purchase these books as well as other Love Inspired books HERE.
Connect with Love Inspired Books:
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The Rancher Takes A Bride by Brenda Minton
His Secret Daughter
Duke Martin is a father! The former army medic is stunned when old love Oregon Jeffries tells him the news. Given his troubled past, the hardworking rancher and diner owner understands why Oregon kept his daughter a secret for twelve years. But now Duke desperately wants to make up for lost time. As he sets out to be a true father to Lilly, he soon realizes his feelings for Oregon are growing stronger. When Oregon’s health falters, he’s ready to care for her and prove that he’s worthy of her love. Could this be Duke’s second chance with the woman he never should have let get away?
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The Doctor’s Second Chance by Missy Tippens
The Bachelor’s Baby
Jake West’s troubled cousin leaves him with a most unusual parting gift—her newborn baby girl! And now the small-town contractor is forced to seek help from the very woman he resents—the new big-city pediatrician who practically stole his uncle’s practice, Violet Crenshaw. Violet knows she shouldn’t be consorting with the enemy. But she can’t resist the adorable baby and her handsome new caretaker. Violet traded her chance at motherhood for her career years ago. But raising a family with Jake could be everything she’s ever wanted.
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The Single Dad Finds a Wife by Felicia Mason
The Doctor’s New Family
Doctor Spring Darling has everything she needs. A wonderful family and a busy job helping the children of Cedar Springs, North Carolina. She’s given up on adding love to that mix. Until the moment David Camden and his adorable son appear in her exam room. Spring assumes David is another down-on-his-luck single parent at the free clinic—but looks can be deceiving. Because David has a job—he’s the architect proposing a new development in the middle of Spring’s land! When the truth is revealed, can Spring find a way to keep both her home and the blessing of new love?
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Winning the Teacher’s Heart by Jean C. Gordon
A Hometown Reunion
Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn’t been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes. Her children’s welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don’t approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart…and her home.
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Bachelor to the Rescue by Lorraine Beatty
Building a Romance
Young widow Lainie Hollings will do anything to protect her daughters—even if it means accepting help from Shaw McKinney. Though she blames Shaw for her husband’s death, he’s the only one she can turn to when a robbery forces her to take shelter in his home. Soon she’s surprised by the handsome contractor. He’s kind, charming and determined to protect her and her girls. Being with Lainie makes Shaw want to give up his bachelor life and become a family man. But he’ll need to win over the pretty librarian and prove to her he’s the right man for her future.
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A Firefighter’s Promise by Patricia Johns
A Hero for Her Son
When the baby he rescued seven years ago returns—with his widowed adoptive mom—Deputy Fire Chief Matt Bailey can’t turn them away. Desperate to escape the reminders of his failure in the line of duty, Matt is close to leaving town. But one look at Rachel Carter and her son, Christopher, has him second-guessing his plans. Rachel is a mom in need of a hero for her son. But as much as she wants the two to bond, she’s determined to keep her distance from Matt. After losing her husband on the job, she promised never to love another fireman. Yet somehow she finds herself drawn to the one man she should avoid.
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“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
by admin | Apr 22, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDouble CrossTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015)byDiann Mills
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.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Double Cross” is an apt title for the newest romantic suspense from DiAnn Mills. When the man FBI agent Laurel Evertson sent to prison agrees to help solve a current case, she is afraid to trust him. Both she and the Houston Police Officer helping with the case are just a bit wary that they could be victims of a double cross. As the story progresses, it becomes difficult to determine just who is double crossing whom.
Plenty of action, danger, faith, and romance fill out the plot of this exciting novel with realistic characters and setting. The lengths the scammers were willing to go and the way they targeted elderly victims suffering from dementia could easily be found in tomorrow’s front page news. In addition to primary characters Laurel and Daniel, I found Daniel’s grandmother Abby to be a major competitor for center of attention. What a brave and spunky woman who was not willing to give up easily.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Double Cross” and highly recommend it as well as any other novel by DiAnn Mills.
by admin | Apr 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Legacy” is a thoughtful and well-written novel that flows so that it can be read quickly. It is filled with such wisdom about family dynamics that the reader not only has an enjoyable book but could glean some helpful tips for his/her own life along the way.
Another story about the Anderson family, this installment features Doug. Living away from home for college, Doug has made some lifestyle choices that he knows would not be pleasing to his family or God. Guilt and shame as well as a certain amount of rebellion has reduced Doug’s contact with his family to a minimum. Naturally, his parents are very concerned and often do not handle their communication with him very well. The story is reminiscent of the parable of the prodigal son and in fact refers to that scripture frequently.
I love how these authors are able to work together to weave Smalley’s professional expertise into a true-to-life novel that could potentially have more personal impact than non-fiction for certain readers. I am actually passing on my copy to someone I know who is concerned about her own son’s lifestyle choices as a university student in hopes that it will be of benefit to their family.
I highly recommend “The Legacy” and the earlier books in this series. Each one is thought provoking and filled with wisdom.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence
For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn’t true. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you’re ready to grow up.
Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug’s life takes a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina–whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance. Will Doug’s crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?
The emotionally gripping conclusion to the series critics are calling . . .
“Captivating.”–RT Book Reviews
“Emotional.”–Booklist
“Uplifting.”–Library Journal
“Satisfying.”–New York Journal of Books
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.
Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.
