by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
At first glance, the dusty little New Mexico town of Last Chance would seem to live up to its name for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, the warm and loving residents of the community, especially Elizabeth Cooley, have helped a few people find a future and a hope even when things looked pretty hopeless for them.
Third book in the A Place to Call Home series, “At Home in Last Chance” features Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden. Kaitlyn has made some huge mistakes and bad choices in her life and sees no hope in overcoming her past. Back in Last Chance with her brother and the daughter she left behind, Kaitlyn is often tempted to run again but this time she just cannot bear to abandon her daughter. Steven has also returned to Last Chance, hoping to prove to his family that he can be responsible and dependable. He too has a history of running from his troubles and this time his love for his grandmother keeps him in Last Chance. Although both Kaitlyn and Steven have been warned about each other, as they become better acquainted, they find an empathy and understanding that draws them together. Can either of them trust the other – or even their own hearts?
Strong characters and a realistic plot held my interest in “At Home in Last Chance”. I have particularly enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Cooley in this and the previous books in the series. Her love and wisdom has played a pivotal role in the lives of Kaitlyn and Steven as well as the lives of the primary characters in the other books. It was also fun to catch up with the other familiar faces in Last Chance. A strong theme about letting go of the past and letting the Lord have the future was predominate.
I have enjoyed my time spent in Last Chance and would love for the series to continue for several more books. “At Home in Last Chance” can easily stand on its own but would be even more enjoyable if read after the previous two books. They are all worth the time.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when the life you’re running from won’t let go of your heart?
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going–out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don’t even trust themselves?
With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Lady Luck’s a Loser” was a fun-to-read and witty romance. With primary characters somewhat older than the usual ones found in most romance novels, it certainly had its appeal for this older lady. The unique plot was one that could easily find a place among reality based television series.
I enjoyed watching the “game” play out and how each participant revealed more about themselves as the story progressed. I loved the way some of the women became friends as they got to know each other. I also admired the integrity shown by both Dub and Marge that also won the hearts of others.
For readers looking for something a little bit different, “Lady Luck’s a Loser” is a sure bet!
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wealthy recluse W. G. Preston is looking to choose a wife and devises a Survivor-style game where the winner gets possibly the love of her life. The rules are never simple and one lady is sent home each month until only Mrs. Right re- mains. Will Lady Luck choose practical Audrey, who lied on her application; or Charlotte, the Southern Belle who knows all about antiques and how to please a man? Or graceful Virginia who has a secret, quiet little Natalie, or redheaded Holly with her Dolly Parton chest? Or Marge, the oldest who does her best to keep the peace between an ex-Miss America finalist and Vicki, the beautiful, daring vixen?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl has always loved to write and has published several books including the three novels of the Texas Romance series. For every good blessing – including 10 children (4 by birth, 6 by marriage) and 14 grandchildren – she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her husband of forty-six years and four grandsons, outside Clarksville, Red River County Seat, located in far Northeast Texas
by admin | Jan 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
While not the most suspense-filled or romantic of the Quilts of Love books I have read, “A Stitch in Time” certainly had its moments. The characters were genuine and small town life was represented quite well. Primary character Thea’s frustrations with her co-chairperson and the general lack of help from the other committee members was so reminiscent of real-life situations – sad and humorous at the same time.
The plot moved along at a steady pace with a few surprises along the way. The discovery of one particular clue was somewhat unique in my opinion. I would have liked just a bit more interaction between Thea and Cole. I was never quite sure if there was any true romance between them. I did like how the relationship between Thea and her best friend was resolved.
Overall, “A Stitch in Time” was a good fit for its genre and should be enjoyed by most who prefer cozy mysteries. I hate to see this series come to an end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thea’s first quilt show is coming apart at the seams!
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.
Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?
When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
Find out more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love Books website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author and speaker Cathy Elliott nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures.
Find out more about Cathy at https://cathyelliottbooks.wordpress.com/.
New from Quilts of Love | A Stitch in Crime Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Enter to win a Kindle HDX!
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Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog February 9th.
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by admin | Jan 29, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Stitch in CrimeAbingdon Press (January 20, 2015)byCathy ElliottABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer who lives in northern California and whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from playing her fiddle with friends to antique collecting and quilting. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antiques and is several years into recovery from her eBay addiction. UPDATE: She backslid a while back, enticed to bid on a 1945 Singer Featherweight. (She won.) But now she’s back on the wagon. Except for the recent crazy quilt pillow purchase. She also leads music at church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch in Crime, go HERE.
by admin | Jan 24, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again Susan May Warren has proven to me why she remains in the top five of my favorite authors list – and those five authors are actually probably all tied for first place. I just can’t choose one over the others. That being said, “Always On My Mind” may have been one of the most difficult yet inspiring plots I have encountered in quite some time.
Casper Christiansen ran to Honduras after learning the woman he loved had also been involved with his brother. Hoping to unearth buried treasure and make a name for himself, Casper not only failed at that but also failed to forget the lovely Raina. Realizing that he still loved her, Casper returned home to tell Raina how he felt but found her pregnant with another man’s child. When Raina refuses to consider Caspar’s help, he retreats to the family resort where he attempts to help his brother with the upkeep while working at a job in town that bores him. Raina wants to do the right thing but is confused about what is really best for her. As they frequently find themselves in each other’s company, she and Casper begin to rebuild their friendship but can it ever develop into what Casper dreams?
“Always On My Mind” is an emotional and sometimes convoluted story that made me want to talk some sense into Raina more than once. It was so easy to see that the other guy she dated was not a good person and all wrong for her. I loved reading more about Darek and his family as his own struggles also formed an integral part of this story. A central theme of the book was how Casper, Darek, and Raina each felt they had something to prove yet all they really needed was to find their worth from the Lord.
I know my review is probably superficial but I am finding it difficult to fully express my feelings as I read it. It is a story that really delves into the inner conflicts of several characters and encourages the reader to look at herself in the same manner. Contemplating the valuable lessons hidden within a wonderful novel could very well lead to a bit of our own restoration. I highly recommend this novel as well as anything and everything Susan May Warren has written.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.
Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts-and the future of the resort.
Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?
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.
by admin | Jan 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris, the third installment of the Southern Crimes series completes the series with answers to questions posed in the two earlier novels. Readers will quickly discover what really happened to Hunt brother Michael who apparently died in an explosion. If anyone guessed (or hoped) from the subtle hints in Fatal Exchange that the next book would feature Michael, then they have an adventure in store.
Michael’s grieving family believe that they buried him after a deadly explosion several months earlier. An undercover police agent, Michael’s luck has run out and he is just hours from real death at the hands of the leader of the drug cartel he has infiltrated. His hope of escape is nearly gone when he is rescued by none other than the son and daughter of that very man. What ensues is a breath-taking story as the trio flee from both the cartel and Michael’s own police department who seem to believe he has gone rogue. Is it possible that Olivia’s father will stop at nothing, including the deaths of his own children?
Hidden Agenda can easily stand on its own but is a satisfying conclusion to the series. I personally enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with Michael’s family members and other primary characters from the previous books. Characters are strong. Some like Michael and Olivia have strong convictions and unshakeable integrity. Some others are obviously and believably evil. Harris has penned a story that could easily take place in any location in our country. Events described are those that I would rather pretend couldn’t happen in my neighborhood but are nevertheless frighteningly realistic. I liked the strong spiritual theme that wound unobtrusively throughout the story, especially the strong faith of both Olivia and her brother.
This is the perfect book for those who enjoy fast-paced romantic suspense but also prefer novels that are free from explicit violence and intimate scenes. I enjoyed the entire series and look forward to what Lisa has in store for her readers in the future.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
His cover is blown. Now his enemies are on his heels and closing in.
Michael Hunt is alive–and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he’s been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is Olivia Hamilton–the daughter of the man who wants him dead.
This nonstop chase from Christy Award-winning Lisa Harris will leave you breathless.
Praise for Lisa Harris’s Southern Crimes Series
“Readers looking for a strong female protagonist and a unique murder mystery will find much to admire in Harris’s work.”–Publishers Weekly on Dangerous Passage
“Harris takes you on a trail that leads straight to the worst kind of evil–and the lives of those who are determined to stop it.”–bestselling author Lynette Eason on Dangerous Passage
“A thrill ride from start to finish. Full of twists and turns, this exciting story will keep readers enthralled.”–RT Book Reviews on Fatal Exchange
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
