by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson has another winner with A Sparkle of Silver, the first book in her new Georgia Coast Romance series. With its dual timeline, family secrets, a search for hidden treasure, a fantastic setting, and of course romance, this novel had me quickly turning the pages until I reached the end. It was quite easy to care about the well-developed characters, especially the special relationship between Millie and her grandmother Joy. Millie’s response to her grandmother’s dementia and her determination to take care of her was touching.
I particularly enjoyed reading about life at the chateau during its prime through the journals written by Millie’s great-grandmother Ruth. It offered a look at a slice of times gone by that few experience these days. Ample plot twists held my attention throughout and I was pleased by the way the story ended. An emphasis on the importance of family and trusting the Lord was evident.
A Sparkle of Silver is truly a treasure in my opinion and I hope other readers will love it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future . . .
Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won’t be easy.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. A marketing manager for a Christian film company, she makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Oct 5, 2018 | Books, England, Gothic Romance, Historical, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Sandra Byrd is a master at creating those mysterious and atmospheric gothic style novels that I love so much. I have missed novels similar to those by Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt that I once devoured and am thrilled to see a few Christian authors beginning to publish novels in this style. I have loved each and every one of Sandra Byrd’s previous series and if Lady of a Thousand Treasures is any indication, I will also love her Victorian Ladies series.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures held me spellbound from page one until the end. It was fun imagining what the different treasures looked like based on the author’s detailed descriptions of them but it was even more fun to actually see examples shared on her Pinterest board. This particular story is filled with enough mystery and romance to keep me involved and has plenty of twists and unexpected turns to satisfy the most particular reader. Characters are well-rounded and are quite easy to either love or hate but it is not always simple to decide where a couple of them stand.
This is a lovely, lovely book with beautiful prose and so many facts about art and history that most readers will not only be entertained but educated. And of course a subtle message of faith is deftly woven throughout. This author cannot write quickly enough for me but I will have to be patient and perhaps try to slow my reading speed. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Tyndale House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.
The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.
Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.
With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published fifty books.
Sandra’s delighted to kick off her new historical romance series with Tyndale House Publishers, Victorian Ladies, with Lady of a Thousand Treasures. The three-book Victorian Ladies series follows her historically sound Gothic romances, Daughters of Hampshire, launched with the bestselling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor’s Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, was published in 2017. Check out her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.
Sandra has published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist, with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, and The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional.
Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype.
by admin | Sep 6, 2018 | Books, Historical, Humor, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Any time I could use a good dose of humor I know I can depend on a book by Jen Turano to bring on the laughter. This author has a talent for putting her characters into unusual and often rib-splitting situations. I also believe she has a rare talent for coming up with outrageous names for her characters. Miss Temperance Flowerdew’s name is as uncommon as her temperament! The moniker of her hero, Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is not quite as outrageous but nevertheless somewhat unique. Needless to say, readers will find these unique characters starring in a plot quite as uncommon as their names.
First of all, the dialogue between Gilbert and Temperance can seem to get almost out of hand. Their witty conversations tend to get off track and sometimes even a bit confusing, but that is part of the author’s genius. There is nothing accidental about her tales. It was fun to follow this pair through their adventures filled with danger and mystery. I loved Temperance’s approach to life and the way she seemed mostly unflappable throughout awkward and trying circumstances. Of course everything turns out at the end but what a delightful and sometimes surprising journey to get there.
Caught by Surprise was eveything I expected and more. It is just one more example why I try my best not to miss anything published by Jen Turano.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After years of hiding her true nature, Miss Temperance Flowerdew is finally enjoying freedom outside of the shadow of her relations, so the last thing she expected on her way to work was to be grabbed off the street by a stranger and put on a train bound for Chicago.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend, Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind her abduction, they’re spotted alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Even though Gilbert is willing to propose marriage, Temperance is determined not to lose her newfound independence. But when the misunderstanding in Chicago escalates into a threat on her life, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of ten books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Aug 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of novels by Robin Caroll, I have come to expect a well-planned plot with compelling characters and enough unexpected twists to keep me on my toes. Darkwater Secrets did not disappoint! The story revolves around the murder of a guest at the historic Darkwater Inn in the French Quarter of New Orleans and as evidence is gathered, the number of suspects begins to increase. To make things even more interesting a potential love triangle becomes evident.
As the reader learns more about the victim, she may reach the conclusion that this thoroughly reprehensible man deserved to die – but murder is murder and justice must be served. I was somewhat surprised when the identity of the murderer was revealed and like the primary characters was sympathetic with the motivation behind the crime. I felt that the case was resolved to my satisfaction and that justice was served with compassion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkwater Secrets and look forward to the next installment of the Darkwater Inn series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend–the woman he’s quietly loved for years–kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . because he’s keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
The best-selling author of dozens of novels, Robin Caroll writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance.Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage–two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home–in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dangerous Waters”, the fourth installment in Christy Barritt’s exciting Lantern Beach Mysteries series, takes a sharp turn towards even more danger for Cassidy and Ty. When Cassidy spots someone who looks very much like a dangerous man from her past, his appearance is different enough that she is not certain it is who she thinks it is. But as strange things begin to occur around her and a good friend disappears , Cassidy is convinced it is him.
This book is a definite page-turning, nail-biter. The stakes are high and danger lurks around every corner. A few twists and surprises are in store and all’s well that ends well – isn’t it? I have an idea or two of my own about who the person is who has leaked information about Cassidy’s location. I am looking forward to future installments to find out if I’m correct.
This is a great series. Hope you will check it out.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Danger lurks on the horizon, leaving only two choices: find shelter or flee. Cassidy Livingston’s new identity has begun to feel as comfortable as her favorite sweater. She’s been tucked away on Lantern Beach for weeks, waiting to testify against a deadly gang, and is settling in to a new life she wants to last forever. When she thinks she spots someone malevolent from her past, panic swells inside her. If an enemy has found her, Cassidy won’t be the only one who’s a target. Everyone she’s come to love will also be at risk. Dangerous waters threaten to pull her into an overpowering chasm she may never escape. Can Cassidy survive what lies ahead? Or has the tide fatally turned against her?
Purchase a copy of Dangerous Waters HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In “Storm Surge”, the third volume of Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach Mysteries series, heroine Cassidy Livingston is still hiding out, hoping to keep her identity secret until she can testify in an important trial. It’s not as easy as it seems because things keep happening in the quiet little island town and Cassidy just cannot keep herself from getting involved. She has also found herself more than attracted to her next door neighbor Ty Chambers and although she feels guilty about not revealing her secrets, she fears for his safety if she does. Brief glimpses of Cassidy’s history reveal just how dangerous the people looking for her can be.
“Storm Surge” is another fast-paced mystery with touches of Barritt’s trademark humor scattered throughout. An eclectic cast of characters interact with Cassidy and Ty which helps keep things quite interesting. I actually like the slow development of the relationship between Cassidy and Ty but also look forward to the day she can reveal everything to him. A mysterious boat washed onshore is another irresistible case for Cassidy and once again she finds herself in danger as she locates and attempts to help those who arrived on the boat.
Don’t let the romance and humor fool you for one minute. Barritt is a pro at writing nail-biting suspense and this series definitely has its hooks in me. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar. Laid-back and light: that’s Cassidy Livingston’s new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again. Seeking clues isn’t the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she’s longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence. As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?
Purchase a copy of Storm Surge HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
