by admin | Jan 22, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingBlind TrustRevell (June 17, 2014)bySandra OrchardABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense with Revell Publishing and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time . . . when not doting on her young grandchildren.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Blind Trust, go HERE.
by admin | Jan 13, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
From their very first somewhat explosive encounter, PJ McKinley and Cole Evans are destined to strike a few sparks but not only the romantic kind. They soon learn that they are in competition to be awarded a historic home and both of them are depending on winning because neither can afford to finance their dream without it. When the owner decides to give them a year in the house as co-tenants to prove which of them deserves to win, the stakes are raised and it is open season. As any reader of romantic fiction can guess, the setting is perfect for a romance between the competitors. PJ and Cole find themselves helping each other out and even liking each other despite their rivalry.
PJ and Cole are both endearing characters who think they have something to prove to themselves or others but really just need to turn it all over to the Lord. The story moved at a perfect pace with just the right amount of drama, humor, and surprises along the way. Of course the romantic tension was just right also. I liked the way PJ and Cole’s attitudes changed during the course of the book and the examples of self-sacrifice shown by both of them.
You can never go wrong with a novel by Denise Hunter and I suggest that readers grab “The Wishing Season” as well as the other Chapel Springs novels.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program
of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She daydreams of whipping up sauces and soufflés in her own restaurant. His heart is set on helping foster children. Both dreams are at stake. So are their hearts.
With grand plans to open her own bed & breakfast in Chapel Springs, PJ McKinley can’t afford the most crucial part: the brick and mortar. But when the owner of a local historic home announces a contest and promises her property to the worthiest candidate, PJ makes a fervent wish and tosses her name into the hat.
Cole Evans is cool, confident, and successful, but he’ll never forget his roots. He’s thankful for how far he’s come and knows his life could have turned out drastically different. If he can win the stately old mansion, he’ll turn it into a home for children aging out of the foster system.
When the eccentric house owner narrows the entries down to only two applicants, she extends the contest, giving PJ and Cole one year to prove which one of them can make the best use of her beloved home. As the pair competes in close proximity, something deeper than rivalry sparks between PJ and Cole. And in this battle, they’re likely to lose their hearts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling novelist Denise Hunter has received the Holt Medallion Award, Reader’s Choice Award, Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. She lives in Indiana with her husband and their three sons.
by admin | Jan 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Brush With Love” is a prime example of why Rachel Hauck is listed among my favorite authors. Every time I open one of her books, I find a well-written story with real-to-life characters who have the same flaws and pain many of us experience. No model perfect heroes or heroines with perfect lives but men and women in need of God’s love, encouragement, and forgiveness.
Ginger Winters is the perfect representative for many women who for one reason or another feel less than adequate and hide behind whatever walls they have built to protect themselves from being hurt by others. Like Ginger, most of us fail to look to the Lord for our affirmation but give up when we realize we may not receive it from the people around us. Tom Wells was a wonderful hero who continuously attempted to encourage Ginger as he gently pushed her toward the Lord.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ginger and Tom’s story. I always appreciate Rachel’s strong message of faith that is included in each book as well as the depth and realism of her characters. Although I acknowledge that “A Brush With Love” was necessarily short due to its format, I would have liked to spend much more time with these characters.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love.
Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big city salons to traveling the world as personal stylist to a country music sensation, success was almost enough to make Ginger forget her she would never be one of the beautiful people.
Almost. Now that she’s back home in Rosebud, Alabama and running her own salon, the truth remains: Ginger is still that girl, forever on the outside looking in. But she needs her confidence this weekend. She’s the acclaimed “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.
When high-school crush Tom Wells Jr. also returns to town and shows up at her shop looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her locked away from love, Despite Tom’s best efforts, Ginger can’t forget how he disappeared on her twelve years ago and broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?
When Tom challenges her to see her own beauty, Ginger must decide if she will remained chained to the past or move freely into a new, exciting future.
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/.
“Fire” up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck‘s newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel’s blog.
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by admin | Jan 1, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with the author, I took a chance and agreed to review her novel “One Among Men”. I was unsure what to expect when I began to read but soon found an honest and compelling story that grabbed my attention and held on to the very end.
Samantha Hart is a fairly new Christian with a past she would like to forget but its memories continue to plague her. She is convinced that she can never live up to the standards set by her best friend. When Samantha takes a job as resident director of an all male college dorm, she finds herself challenged on every level but her caring spirit and unshaken standards soon earn her the respect of even the most difficult resident. One particular resident, Chris Johnson, challenges Samantha in a totally different area – her heart. Strongly attracted to Chris, Samantha is uncertain whether to trust him because of the mixed messages she picks up from him.
“One Among Men” is a very well written novel that is easy to read. With plenty of drama, humor, romance, and suspense, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and especially liked Samantha, Chris and Preacher. I would very much enjoy another novel featuring these characters.
I can say that I am very happy that I took a chance on “One Among Men” and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary novel with a strong Christian message. I look forward to more novels by Connie Almony.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her job requires she live with 500, hard-partying, college guys. She can handle the 499, but it only takes one to lead her into danger.
Samantha Hart is looking for purpose, like her missionary best friend, but is forced to take a job as the resident director of the all-male party dorm at the major state university where her prodigal past haunts her. She must avert the pitfalls of a woman in her position as well as the dangerous forces that threaten her life.
Chris Johnson, a rock guitarist, has come back to school as a music major, and finds himself in a business relationship with the ruthless supplier of an on-campus drug ring. He’s intrigued by the lady RD, while learning more about his musical gift and the God who gave it to him. Can he manage his two worlds without risking Samantha’s life?
Read an excerpt from “One Among Men” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She’s just a suburb gal from the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis. And that’s what Connie Almony’s fiction is about, a diverse population which is truly, and beautifully, colorful.
Trained as a mental health counselor, she hopes you won’t hold that against her. Though this training helps her delve into the motivations that drive her characters, she promises not to therapize you.
Her favorite things to do include listening to awesome Christian Contemporary music (like Third Day and NeedtoBreathe) and read great stories with colorful characters while spending time with her adoring family. She loves to brainstorm with her almost thirteen-year-old daughter, who writes chapter books on the side, and share peaceful moments with her sixteen-year-old son (who’s like a gentle breeze).
The bantering style of her characters is inspired by her husband’s deep love of mischief, particularly that which craves a sharp response ;o). Still, she loves him anyway … which covers a multitude of sins. She’s been married almost twenty years and counts each one better than the one before.
See more on ConnieAlmony.com
by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Military, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I’ll be honest – my adult son laughed when he saw the title of this book. I will admit, the title gives absolutely no indication of the intense, suspense-filled content within the covers of this novel. I sincerely hope that other readers will not pass it by because they would miss a real page turner.
Imagine if you will that you are kidnapped by a drug cartel along with an extremely deadly toxin that could destroy thousands of people if released – and they want you to develop a means to detonate it so they can extract revenge against a rival cartel. You are all alone in a jungle compound with ruthless men when you discover that your very best childhood friend who you haven’t heard from in a decade has been sent undercover to rescue you. Can you forgive him for his disappearance from you life and allow yourself to trust him to get you out of a hopeless situation?
That is exactly the scenario Jess McCoy found herself in the middle of when Will Gumble suddenly appears as another prisoner of the cartel. As he was forced to help her in the lab, the two of them tried to develop an escape plan. As the days grew short, so did their hope of escaping alive.
“Navy SEAL Noel” has a fast-paced plot with a suspense that keeps building. Although I knew that everything would work out in the end (it almost always does), there were times I had my doubts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Jess and Will and their eventual realization that without God’s intervention they had no hope. Great book about forgiveness and dependence on the Lord.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A LETHAL REUNION
Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy’s orders are simple—release a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she’s desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will’s Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and someone is on to their escape plans. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart. Forever.
Links to retailers carrying the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD
Book Depository
Excerpt From Navy SEAL Noel:
“Jess, calm down. I won’t hurt you.” The words made no sense to her muddled brain, but they continued, quiet and assured. “Don’t scream. It’s all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
It wasn’t the words that made her sink into him, but the voice that, even after all this time, she’d recognize anywhere. Her eyes hadn’t been playing tricks on her that afternoon. Will Gumble was in this compound. In her very room.
“I thought I saw you—I thought that was you, but…” Her words were little more than a whisper despite his assurance that it was safe to speak. Her stomach pitched, fear and relief mingling with alarm and the echo of a remembered betrayal. But dealing with her emotions would have to wait until she felt steadier on her feet. Exhaustion and the ebbing of her fight-or-flight adrenaline rush had left her legs like jelly. She leaned into Will. He held out his arms, as though he knew just what she needed. As though he was still someone who cared about taking care of her, being there for her.
But she didn’t want him holding her. She wanted answers. She wanted to understand what on earth was happening. Most of all, she wanted to silence the little voice in her head that kept saying Will’s appearance was simply a dream or hallucination.
Yanking herself upright at the last possible moment, she shoved his chest with both hands. “You scared me to death! Why did you break into my room? What are you doing here?”
His lopsided grin had always started with a little quirk to the left before spreading across his mouth. And that hadn’t changed, even as he looked down at the tiny black-and-white-checkered floor tiles.
He scraped his fingers over the black whiskers covering his chin. “Your dad sent me.”
“My dad?”
“Well, I couldn’t say no to my new XO, could I?”
“So you’re still in the navy?” Oh, she sounded bitter—so much more bitter than she wanted to. Why couldn’t her words be flippant and nonchalant, as if it didn’t really matter that she no longer knew even the most basic things about him? He’d popped back into her life, and she didn’t want it to matter.
But it did.
Maybe because of the extreme situation.
Sure. She’d just keep telling herself that.
His smile flickered for a moment before he nodded slowly. “I am.”
Forcing a chuckle, she said, “I figured when my dad realized I was missing, he’d send a SEAL team to bring me home.”
“Not a full team—he just sent one.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks and Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.
by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
As a reviewer for the past five or six years and as an avid reader for more years than I can count, I have obviously read many romance novels. Most of the time the primary characters are fairly young, even those who have lost a husband or wife. That is not a bad thing, but in “Love Without End” I enjoyed the story that featured a couple who were just a bit more mature with children in their teen years. As I get older myself, I find I enjoy reading about more mature characters once in awhile.
Both Chet and Kimberly are alone. Chet’s wife walked out on him after their son’s death and Kimberly’s husband died suddenly leaving her in a world of debt. Each is determined to be a good parent to their children and somehow get through life the best way they can. In “Love Without End” Chet and Kimberly find that God may just have other plans for them.
I enjoyed reading about the growth of Chet and Kimberly’s relationship with each other and in their faith. A bonus was reading the chapters that detailed Nana Anna’s history in King’s Meadow and on the Leonard ranch. I loved Anna’s character and how her wisdom and love for Chet, Kimberly, and their children helped each of them to heal from their own pain. A novel that focuses on following God’s plan for your life, “Love Without End” is a worthwhile read. I look forward to future books in the King’s Meadow series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?
Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.
Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.
Learn more at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.
Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher‘s latest offering in the King’s Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.
Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Love Without End and the rest of the King’s Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin’s blog.
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