by admin | Feb 20, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed the books I’ve read by Christy Barritt so I jumped at the chance to review “Dubiosity”. Although it was a more seriously toned story and did not have the humorous content I have found in previous novels by Barritt, I thoroughly enjoyed “Dubiosity”.
Take a young woman who has hidden herself from the world due to undeserved guilt over the deaths of loved ones and a still grieving young man determined to discover who murdered his wife, add in several mysteriously missing people, a so-called attempted suicide, and even murder and you will find a thoroughly engrossing tale that will keep those pages turning. A terrific whodunnit with enough twists and surprises for the most discriminating mystery reader, “Dubiosity” is the kind of novel that keeps me returning to read more of an author’s offerings.
I loved “Dubiosity” and hope you will give it a chance.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes. As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust? As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her. Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life–and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
by admin | Feb 17, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWisdom TreeWhite Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012)byMary Manners
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus – the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.
I’m a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.
I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you’d like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That’s where you’ll find everything there is to know about my books.
I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.
Carin O’Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love…especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.
But when Corey’s antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.
————– Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional —————
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wisdom Tree, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Wisdom Tree is a story of three people who have something in common – each of them has recently suffered the tragic loss of close family members and each is dealing with the loss in a different manner. Jake and Corey have lost their parents in a terrible accident and older brother/pastor Jake is finding that his best efforts to raise 13-year-old Corey are not even close to adequate. After the deaths of her mother and younger brother as well as the betrayal of her fiance, Carin has left her home in Nashville to teach Middle School in a small Tennessee mountain town. Her attempts to help her student Corey bring her in frequent contact with Jake whose calm demeanor and faith begin to affect Carin’s life in a positive way.
Wisdom Tree is a very readable book with a faith-filled, genuine plot. Characters are down-to-earth and well rounded. It was easy to identify with each of the characters and their struggles. The romantic angle is sweet and progressed naturally. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
by admin | Feb 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Once again Kellie Coates Gilbert given her readers an inside peek at the story behind the story. In “Where Rivers Part” Dr. Juliet Ryan is in charge of quality control for a water bottling company, a job that is important to her because of her dedication to food safety. A success in her field, Juliet nevertheless still feels she has something to prove to her estranged father who is also involved in the oversight of food safety. When an ecoli outbreak spreads through San Antonio, Juliet soon finds herself and her father on opposing sides.
The plot of “Where Rivers Part” moves along at a good pace and is filled with strong characters, drama, love and betrayal, emotional scenes, grief, forgiveness, and redemption. There were times I wanted to tell Juliet that she was being played and used by a certain character. For an intelligent lady, she was often a bit naive. My frustration with some of her choices is probably because I connected with her character and wanted things to work out for her. I was happy with the ending and was glad that her relationship with her father was finally restored.
Kellie Coates Gilbert has written a strong story that grew out of her personal experience as a legal investigator. “Where Rivers Part” rings true on every level. If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a nod to actual events, you should enjoy “Where Rivers Part” and her previous novel from the Texas Gold series, “A Woman of Fortune”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Success too often comes with a price. Juliet never imagined it could be so high.
Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her considerable scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions–and affording her plenty of perks along the way. It’s not the path her estranged father would have her take, but then Juliet finds it difficult to maintain respect for a man she cannot trust. She’s on her way up in the world, and she’s not going to let anything drag her down.
But when a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal, lives are at risk–including those of some of the people closest to her. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with the one who has hurt her most in order to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.
Like a mighty river with twists and turns and hidden rocks, this engrossing story will sweep you relentlessly along as it fearlessly explores the seduction of success, the fear of giving up control, and the redemptive power of learning to forgive.
Read an excerpt from “Where Rivers Part” HERE.
Praise for A Woman of Fortune
“Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters.”–LifeIsStory.com
“This tale of family and faith brings to light what truly matters in life and the desperate struggle to hold on to it.”–RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
“Well-drawn, sympathetic characters and graceful language make this an engaging choice for readers.”–Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider’s view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of relationships in her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances. The author of Mother of Pearl, she currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.
by admin | Feb 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDevotionHarbourlight Books (September 19, 2012)byMarianne EvansABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the author:
My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford “from the City” (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?
Now, I’m called to write ‘Faith-affirming fiction’ (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.
This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series…and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my ‘best seller’ portfolio. What a blessing!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that’s what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
‘Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Devotion, go HERE.
by admin | Feb 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although “The Dandelion Field” is a story built around some difficult situations, it is an extremely readable book. Kathryn Springer has a way with words that made me want to keep reading even when other things demanded my time and attention.
Thankfully, I have never had to deal closely with a teen pregnancy but everything about the one covered in this book rang true to life. The reactions of everyone involved seemed to be 100% realistic from Evie, the mom who discovered that her perfect role model son Cody and his “questionable” girlfriend Raine were going to have a baby to Gin, the single mother of the pregnant girl who overcame her instincts to run in order to support her daughter. Then there was Dan, best friend to Cody’s deceased dad who had always been available to support both Evie and Cody but found himself protective and attracted to Gin.
“The Dandelion Field” has its share of emotional ups and downs, conflict, humor, and a touch of romance. The plot was deftly written and not heavy handed. I really liked the way Dan and Gin tried to support the young couple without condemnation. There are several lessons to be learned within the pages of this book as well as some encouragement and spiritual guidance. I enjoyed “The Dandelion Field” and hope to read more books by this author in the future.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
Find out more and purchase a copy at Kathryn’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Find out more about Kathryn at http://www.kathrynspringer.com.
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer’s The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn’t believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning?
Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- The Dandelion Field
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with the author, I decided to take a chance and request this book to review. I am so glad I did! Carrie Stuart Parks can definitely write a story to hold my attention.
The plot moved along at nearly breakneck pace with plenty of action, drama, danger, mystery, suspense, and touches of humor. Murder, conspiracy, religious cults, and home grown terrorists populate the pages of “A Cry From the Dust”. Gwen Marcey is a protagonist to love. A forensic artist who usually worked with law enforcement, Gwen’s work in Mountain Meadows reconstructing the faces of three massacre victims, Gwen finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. Although she is a recent cancer survivor who has also had to deal with divorce and a rebellious teen, Gwen refuses to give in.
Parks has deftly woven Mormon history into a modern story of murder and revenge. The page-turning suspense is tempered with a bit of levity from Gwen’s best friend who loves to use unusual words, Gwen’s huge Great Pyrenees, and Gwen’s own wry sense of humor. Unexpected twists and surprises are scattered throughout and the suspense increases with each page.
It looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “Must Read” list. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, “The Bones Will Speak”.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A secret from a grim page of American history threatens to destroy thousands of lives.
Gwen Marcey was tops in her forensic field. Then cancer struck, her husband left, and her teenage daughter engaged in active rebellion. Gwen’s best chance to start a new life was a temporary job in Utah reconstructing faces from an 1857 massacre site.
The Mountain Meadows Interpretative Center asked Gwen to reconstruct the faces of three intact bodies that were discovered from the wagon train massacre of more than 120 people by Mormon fanatics calling themselves Avenging Angels. But just as she is nearing completion on her reconstructions, things around the center turn deadly.
Gwen discovers the ritualized murder of a young college student with a stolen identity and is called on by the local police to use her forensic art skills to aid the investigation. Soon she discovers an uncanny resemblance between one of her reconstructions and the death mask of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church. And realizes that she’s the next target of the recreated Avenging Angels who believe she has an icon from the grave.
Gwen must weave through a labyrinth of Mormon history, discovering secret societies and festering grudges in a race against time.
Will she be able to stop another massacre?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer.
