by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJadedDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2015)byVarina Denman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An avid reader and blogger,
Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series,
Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.
Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.
Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.
Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Having spent most of my life in rural communities and small churches, the story told by Jaded rings true to me. I personally have never witnessed a situation quite like the one experienced by Ruthie and her mother but I can recognize the potential of something similar happening if circumstances played out just right.
Jaded is beautifully written and I immediately connected with its characters. It is a sobering tale of how much destruction and pain that gossip and lies can cause. It is also a glorious story of the beauty and freedom gained by the truth and forgiveness.
I very much enjoyed my first book by Varina Denman and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
by admin | Apr 9, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
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.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Mar 19, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Path Made Plain” is the second novel in Sowell’s Seasons in Pinecraft series which offers an entirely different look at the Amish than is usually presented. Some might even think “What happens in Pinecraft stays in Pinecraft!” That would not be quite in the vein of what happens in Vegas but for the Amish, the more casual lifestyle that includes cell phones, flip flops, and three-wheel bicycles is certainly a change.
This novel features Betsy Yoder who was a somewhat irritating character in the first installment of the series. As the story begins, Betsy must adjust to the fact that Jacob, the man she wanted, has married another and she must make other plans for her life. What she really wants is to open her own bakery in Pinecraft rather than return home to Ohio.
Thaddeus Zook, who has left the Amish to work as a frowned upon pastry chef, shows up in Pinecraft after the death of his boss in the midwest. He is obviously not Amish anymore with his Englisch clothing, tattoos, and a motorcycle, but there is something about him that appeals to Betsy. Determined that he has left the Amish life behind, Thaddeus attempts to deny his obvious attraction to Betsy.
With a bit of suspense, other drama, some humor, jealousy, gossip, and of course romance, “A Path Made Plain” was fun to read. I enjoyed the change in pace from the usual Amish fiction offerings.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will the warm sun of Pinecraft thaw Betsy Yoder’s heart or lead her to greater heartache and danger?
Betsy Yoder lives with her great aunt in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, far from her family in Ohio. Heartbroken by a man who left her—and the Order—to marry someone else, Betsy instead pours her time and energy into her bakery, offering the village of Pinecraft delicious desserts from her Amish heritage, and is content in her hard-working yet peaceful life.
Enter the formerly Amish Thaddeus Zook, a pastry chef who has moved to Pinecraft after working in restaurants among the Englisch. While Betsy nurses a hesitant heart, Thaddeus shows a similar hesitancy about rejoining an Amish community. Though neither can deny the attraction between them, Thaddeus is hiding a past that could threaten their future together. Betsy has lost one love already; dare she risk loving another who has adopt Englisch ways? Or will Thad listen to the call of the open road and move on again . . . without the love of his life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Sowell is the Carol Award-winning and ECPA best-selling author of more than twenty titles. When she’s not crafting stories, she works as a freelance news reporter and columnist for her local newspaper. She makes her home in Copperas Cove on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She hangs out on Facebook at facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor and blogs at lynettesowell.blogspot.com.
by admin | Mar 19, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Set in the make-believe kingdom of Brighton, “How to Catch a Prince” is Hauck’s third novel in the Royal Wedding Series. Very much a modern fairytale, this novel is filled with romance and whimsy but also some cold, hard looks at reality. The fact is, no one is exempt from heartache and tragedy, not even royalty or the wealthy. Each person must deal with whatever life hands out and this book is a fine illustration of how much more successful one can do so by trusting in the Lord’s help.
I have been a huge fan of Rachel Hauck’s book since the very first one I opened. I have enjoyed the Royal Wedding series very much and found “How to Catch a Prince” to be a wonderful addition to the series. Each of the previous books has had special touches of the supernatural woven into the story but I think Hauck took it a step further with her inclusion of Adelaide and Brill who just might have been guardian angels.
“How to Catch a Prince” is a story complicated by miscommunication, imagining how another would respond if told the truth, and wrongly applied guilt. It is a story about a family nearly destroyed by grief and a man who has wrongly blamed himself for the deaths of others. But most of all it is a story about the redemptive power of the God who loves His children and is ready to restore their hearts in order that they might fulfill the plans He has for their lives.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.
New Book from Rachel Hauck | ‘How to Catch a Prince’ and Royal Giveaway
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?
Enter to win a “royal” prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
- 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
- The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Mar 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Promise” left me with somewhat mixed emotions. As expected, it was beautifully written and easy to read as are all books I have read by Beth Wiseman. Based on a true story, it depicts scenarios that should serve as warning to its readers.
I did not particularly care for Mallory, the primary character, who was naive and shallow in many ways. Although her intentions may have been noble, she pretty much went off half-cocked with no regard for anything but her notion that she had to save someone’s life. The danger that she placed herself in was unnecessary and the grief she caused those who loved her was cruel.
The story itself moved at a good pace and the characters were well fleshed out. I gained a pretty good overview on the life of some Muslims, both in the U.S. and Pakistan. It did lend me a little understanding on why some of the characters behaved in the manner they did.
The main idea I came away with from “The Promise” is how impossible it is to try to do heroic things under our own strength and that the Lord cares for us so much that He will often rescue us despite ourselves.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to faraway place. But there she finds heartache and betrayal. Can the only man she’s ever loved rescue her before it’s too late?
Tate Webber has loved Mallory Hammond for years. He plans to marry her someday, but not until he has his career and life in order. Mallory is in love with Tate, but his unwillingness to commit has created a rift between them. So when Mallory’s new boss introduces her to his cousin, she’s surprised by his charming, exotic ways and delights in his attention. This exciting stranger begins to sway her thinking about her lifelong dreams and her religious beliefs.
As their online relationship develops, he invites her to visit his homeland in the Middle East, promising her a traditional life based on commitment to family-something she’s never had and always wanted. In a bold move-and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her-Mallory decides to leave the only life she’s ever known to meet this man on the other side of the world.
Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend is not who he says he is. Tate must risk his life to rescue the only woman he’s ever loved. Can he reach Mallory . . . before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s The Promise is inspired by a true story.
by admin | Mar 13, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The gorgeous cover of “Ashes in the Wind” opens into a suspense-filled story that begins with a bang and continues full throttle until the very end. I found the book to be very well written for a first novel and I was held captive until I read the last word.
Sara Jennings, widow of a DEA agent, has been living under protection for two years after an attempt on her life shortly after her husband’s death. When her location is discovered, Sara decides to go back to her home and face the threats head-on. She is determined to clear her husband’s name as well as find the guilty parties. Although the DEA has had some success in shutting down drug traffic into Phoenix, it has become obvious that someone within their organization is playing both sides. Once they have a suspect, they cannot act without concrete evidence. The question is – can they stop him before anyone else dies?
“Ashes in the Wind” is non-stop action with scenes that had me holding my breath as Sara found herself in one life-threatening situation after another. Although there is a touch of romance, this story is primarily built on suspense and should appeal to both male and female readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will keep my eyes open for Peggy’s next novel. In my opinion, “Ashes in the Wind” can easily stand beside some of my other favorite suspense novels.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
DEA Agent Greg Jennings is dead—and now they’re saying he was dirty, on the take. His widow, Sara, hiding out in the Witness Protection program after an attempt on her life, refuses to believe it, though everyone else seems to have accepted it as truth. Everyone, that is, except Drug Enforcement Administration Agent James (Mac) MacIntyre, Greg’s best friend. When yet another attempt on Sara’s life drives her out of the Wit Sec program and back home to Phoenix, Mac makes it his personal mission to protect Sara and, in the process, to clear her late husband’s and his best friend’s name. With a ruthless drug cartel hot on their heels and a mole in the agency undermining their every move, Mac and Sara find themselves literally running for their lives—even as romance tugs at their hearts. Will they unearth the truth and outrun the danger in time to carve out a future for themselves?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peggy Levesque grew up in Minnesota as the second of eight siblings. In addition to her background in business, over the years she has led women’s Bible studies, served on church boards, coordinated volunteer assistance efforts into the community, freelanced the writing/editing/production of several publications, and has contributed to three anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and Tuesday’s Children, a weekly writing critique group. A recent widow, she lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with her children and grandchildren nearby. Follow her on Facebook at Peggy Levesque.
Learn more about Peggy at her website http://www.peggylevesque.com
An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.
As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.
