by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Like many of Robert Whitlow’s books, it took a bit of persistence to get into it but it didn’t take very long before I was hooked. As always the writing was strong with well developed characters and a plot that reflects current events.
I will reiterate what other reviewers have stated. This is a book that everyone should read – those on both sides of the race issue. By the end, I wanted to stand up and clap. Whitlow clearly stated what our society needs to overcome our differences. If only our citizens could understand.
I particularly liked how several characters changed their entire outlook on the issues before the end of the book and reading about how they reached those conclusions. The theme of forgiveness was strongly woven throughout the story and is something we all need to learn to do.
“A Time to Stand” may be one of Whitlow’s strongest books yet. I know it had a powerful impact on me.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?
Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career. Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital. Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.
As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.
This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow grew up in north Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a BA in history in 1976 and received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979. A practicing attorney, he is a partner in a Charlotte, NC law firm. He and his wife Kathy have four children and three grandchildren.
Robert began writing in 1996. His novels are set in the South and include both legal suspense and interesting characterization. It is his desire to write stories that reveal some of the ways God interacts with people in realistic scenerios.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have always had a love for American history but I now much prefer learning about it through the pages of historical fiction novels. Lori Benton would probably be my go-to author for books about the pre-Revolution years when most of the United States was still a wilderness and heading west meant traveling to Ohio or Kentucky. It was a time of conflict between colonists and the Native Americans who found themselves being displaced from their home territory.
I have read all of Benton’s books thus far and I find that each one seems to get better than the last one. She pretty much proves the old saying that “practice makes perfect”. I can only imagine how good her novels will be in a few years if she continues to write but I don’t know how she could surpass near perfection. “Many Sparrows” not only related the story of Clare Inglesby and Jeremiah Ring but it transported me right into the middle of the action. I experienced the adrenaline from the danger, grieved along with Clare, and rejoiced with her too.
Benton’s characters are so well formed. Clare was an extraordinarily strong woman with an equally strong will. Who else would attempt to birth her own baby then quickly begin a search for a missing child? Jeremiah was also a strong man, well-versed in the ways of the wilderness yet compassionate and gentle when the situation required. I found myself hoping that the two of them would end up together almost from the moment they met.
“Many Sparrows” is a page-turner that kept me reading until all hours of the night. I particularly appreciated the author’s emphasis on trusting God and waiting on His direction.
If like me, you love American history, “Many Sparrows” as well as any other novel by Lori Benton should be on your TBR list. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author after winning an online giveaway. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would…
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son…especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy-nominee The Wood’s Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
I am often a bit apprehensive when agreeing to read a new author’s first book but have added quite a few of them to my must read list. I am delighted to say that after reading “Lady Jayne Disappears” I have added Joanna Davidson Politano to that growing list.
“Lady Jayne Disappears” is the perfect book for lovers of Gothic mysteries like myself. I loved the atmosphere of the old mansion filled with secrets as well as that of the debtors’ prison. It was the perfect backdrop for the haunting tale of a young woman searching for information about the mother she never knew.
This story within a story features Aurelie Harcourt who spent her life in debtor’s prison with her father until his death. Sent to live with wealthy relatives, Aurelie hoped that by completing her father’s serial novel she might discover the truth about her mysterious mother. Numerous surprises are in store for the reader as they begin to love Aurelie and her unassuming and compassionate nature. Dare we hope she finds the truth and perhaps love too?
I liked “Lady Jayne Disappears” quite a lot and eagerly look forward to this author’s next offering to her readers. I would suggest that everyone who enjoys this genre make haste to pick up their own copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lynhurst Manor is a house built on secrets . . . and the arrival of Aurelie Harcourt might reveal them all.
When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies suddenly, he leaves her just two things: his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and his wealthy family–who want very little to do with her.
As Aurelie struggles to find a home with her father’s family and learn the rules of society, she relishes in his parting gift–the beginning of his last story. The story she always wanted to hear, about her mother’s mysterious disappearance from the home where she now lives. To complete the novel, she’ll have to extract clues from relatives–and one enigmatic houseguest–who often seem reluctant to give them up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.
by admin | Nov 28, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dangerous Illusions” is brilliant! When a young widow’s mother dies under her care, she immediately becomes a suspect when it is determined that it was an overdose. Troubling as that is, even more so are the apparent memory lapses Trish Bailey is suffering. Detective Colin Flynn is not comfortable with what he knows about the case and as time goes by the situation becomes even more dangerous. And could Colin be close to breaking the important rule of not becoming too involved with a suspect?
In “Dangerous Illusions” very little is as it seems to be. The plot is particularly challenging with several major surprises along the way. This was one book I definitely did not want to put down for even one minute. I heartily recommend all of Irene Hannon’s books but “Dangerous Illusions” may just be the best one yet.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death–and puts Trish under police scrutiny–her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge–and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps–and figure out what you missed!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and Tangled Webs, as well as the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Nov 25, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed some of this author’s somewhat humorous romantic novels featuring dogs but I am uncertain if I have read one of her Love Inspired Suspense novels. “Cowboy Christmas Guardian” was completely different but in a very good way. In my opinion, Mentink’s ability to write such different genres so well is an indication of her giftedness.
I felt that her characters sprang to life on the pages of this book and they had my full attention as they worked out their differences and struggled to live out their lives as true Christians. As most of us know from experience, it is not always easy to walk the walk – it’s much simpler to tell others how they should behave. It was so easy to identify with Barrett when he was challenged by Shelby for doing that very thing.
Lots of action, danger, and suspense fill the pages of this novel with a few unexpected twists to keep readers engaged. The romance was evident but not in-your-face. I liked the natural way it developed without taking away from the suspense. I thought I had it all figured out but was in for one surprise at the end. I was right about the why but so wrong about who. I love it when that happens.
“Cowboy Christmas Guardian” is a riveting tale with a few breath-holding moments for this gal who would be terrified under similar circumstances. I hope I have awakened your curiosity enough that you will want to pick up your own copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!
BLOG STOPS:
Cordially Barbara, November 16
Genesis 5020, November 16
Have A Wonderful Day, November 17
A Greater Yes, November 17
To Everything A Season, November 17
ASC Book Reviews, November 18
Splashes of Joy, November 18
History, Mystery & Faith, November 19
Red Headed Book Lady, November 19
Remembrancy, November 19
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20
Autism mom, November 20
Singing Librarian Books, November 21
Janices book reviews, November 21
Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22
New Horizon Reviews, November 23
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23
Pause for Tales, November 24
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25
Cafinated Reads, November 25
Blogging With Carol, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 26
Carpe Diem, November 27
Karen Sue Hadley, November 27
Babs Book Bistro, November 28
Bibliophile Reviews, November 28
Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29
The Power of Words, November 29
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3
by admin | Nov 25, 2017 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Charming the Troublemaker” is the first book that I’ve read by Pepper Basham but I guarantee it won’t be the last. In fact I plan to find time to read “A Twist of Fate” as soon as possible since it is already in residence on my Kindle.
Rainey has met Dr. Alex Murdock before and she is less than excited to find out he will be on staff at her university because all that she can see is an handsome but arrogant flirt, in other words, a troublemaker. And Rainey doesn’t need one of those anywhere near her ordered world. Alex considers his new position a come down from his usual position and plans to find a way out of the backwoods of Appalachia as quickly as he can – that is until he encounters Rainey and her five-year-old daughter Sarah. Yeah, romance readers know exactly what will happen by the end of this story. But oh what a delightful and fun time I had on the way to that satisfying conclusion.
Each and every one of the characters was perfectly well-rounded and natural. They could all be someone we know (or wish we knew). Rainey and Alex each had hidden depths beyond the faces they showed the world, buried pain and secrets they guarded at all costs. Yet somehow God had a plan for them to get to know one another and find the healing they so desperately needed.
For a spiritually deep novel, “Charming the Troublemaker” had so many humorous scenes that kept me laughing and smiling between the more serious ones that touched my heart. Who could resist a muddy man in underoos who can also make a verbally abused woman feel beautiful again?
Loved, loved, loved this book. Do yourself a favor and run, not walk to your nearest bookstore or online retailer and grab a copy of “Charming the Troublemaker” for yourself. You might want to pick up a copy of “A Twist of Fate” to save some time because I feel sure you will want it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Troublemaking never looked so good…
When Dr. Alex Murdock is demoted to a university in rural Virginia, the last thing he expects to find is a future. But country charm never looks as good as it does on Rainey Mitchell.
Rainey Mitchell doesn’t need a high-class flirt in her wounded world, but trouble and temptations wafts off the new professor as strong as his sandalwood-scented cologne.
When circumstances thrust them together to save her tutoring clinic, can the troublemaker find the hero inside and encourage the reticent Rainey to open her heart again.
Click here to purchase!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the Inspys, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, The Thorn Healer, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, Just the Way You Are, releases in April 2016. You can get to know Pepper on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, or Instagram.
GUEST POST FROM PEPPER BASHAM:
I have a thing for underdogs.
Misfits.
Lost souls who desperately need to find where they belong.
I can’t help it! Call it a ‘fix-it’ mentality or an awareness that God rescued me and now I want to rescue other people…even fictional characters, but I’m definitely a softy for those characters that people are less likely to root for. Catherine from The Thorn Bearer/Keeper became my first rescue…and I just HAD to find another.
I guess that’s how Charming the Troublemaker came into existence.
Dr. Alex Murdock desperately needed to be rescued.
In a bad way.
If you’ve had a chance to read my first book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series, A Twist of Faith, you’ll know that Alex doesn’t seem to be made up of much hero material. He’s a flirt, a little arrogant, and…well, kind of like a lost puppy.
As book 1 grew and came to a close, I knew Alex and Rainey’s story would be next…but I immediately ran into a real problem.
Who in the world was Alex Murdock? We really didn’t get to know him very much in book 1. He zoomed in a few times, ruffling feathers and then finally showing off some interesting kindness/compassion in the end, but…he was still a big-time flirt.
So the question emerged: Can a flirt be a hero?
What is Alex hiding behind that ready smile and sense of humor? Why does he seem so lost?
The answers were surprising!! Just wait.
The Mitchell family draw him right in, as they did with Dee, and his world is forever changed.
And then there’s Rainey. Strong-willed and independent, she is deeply wounded by her ex-husband’s betrayal. Though she gives off all these ‘confident’ vibes, she hides her insecurities behind a tough exterior in a desire to keep people at a distance – well, everyone except her family.
Alex rocks her world with his ready charm.
And she sees beyond the plastic grin to recognize another wounded soul.
Throwing them together into a book has been a hilarious and heart-stirring adventure, I wasn’t prepared to encounter. They’re so much fun!
AND…he’s ADORKABLE!! Seriously!! He is SUCH a dork, but makes me grin. And…he looks like Armie Hammer ?
Let me just give you a hint to some of my favorite scenes:
Anything with Sarah!
Underoos
All of the scenes in Rainey’s house
And those in Mama Mitchell’s
Okay, I like the WHOLE STORY…and I can’t wait to see what you think too.
BLOG STOPS:
By The Book, November 14
Just the Write Escape, November 14
Avid Reader Book Reviews, November 15
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 15
Moments Dipped in Ink, November 15
Fiction Aficionado, November 16
autism mom, November 16
Fiction, Faith, and Fun, November 17
Inklings and Notions, November 17
Faithfully Bookish, November 18
Radiant Light, November 18
Reflections From My Bookshelves, November 19
The Power of Words, November 19
Cordially Barbara, November 20
Red Headed Book Lady, November 20
Smiling Book Reviews, November 20
Kat’s Corner Books, November 21
A Greater Yes, November 21
100 Pages per Hour, November 22
Splashes of Joy, November 22
Carpe Diem, November 23
Bookworm Mama, November 23
A Baker’s Perspective, November 24
The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 24
Daysong Reflections, November 25
Rachel Scott McDaniel, November 25
Remembrancy, November 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, November 27
Karen Sue Hadley, November 27
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away a grand prize of a paper copy of A Twist of Faith, a mug from the Blue Ridge Parkway, one driftwood scented candle, one mango scented candle, and a Troublemaker snickers ? highly appropriate. Chocolate with a nutty personality :)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f1
