by admin | Jun 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Human Trafficking, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Christy Barritt is a prolific author who excels in writing various types of mysteries that range from humorous cozy mysteries to serious suspense-filled novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. “Distorted”is one from the latter category and could easily be a story from current newscasts.
Mallory Baldwin, once kidnapped and held as a slave by a twisted man, thinks she has moved on with her life and spends her time attempting to help other women who have been victims of similar crimes. The man who rescued her, Tennyson Walker has been assigned to be her bodyguard after signs that Mallory is being stalked. The man who held her captive is dead but why does she think she sees him around every corner?
“Distorted” gets off to a quick start and moves from one scary scene to another as the suspense escalates. The plot twists are crafty with several surprises in store. Then as most readers might suspect, the author has managed to introduce a strong romantic thread right into the center of the treacherous situation. With their lives in peril, Mallory and Tennyson must place their trust in God to see them through to the end.
Once again Christy Barritt has captured my attention and imagination and held it from the first to last page. Not only is “Distorted” entertaining but it opened my eyes to the very real dangers of human trafficking that seems to be growing rapidly in our world while offering a real hope at the same time. I highly recommend this novel and suggest you pick up your own copy as soon as possible!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory Baldwin is a survivor. A former victim of human trafficking, she’s been given a second chance, yet not a night goes by that she doesn’t remember being a slave to weapons dealer Dante Torres. Despite being afraid of the dark and wary of strangers, Mallory is trying to rebuild her life by turning her tragedy into redemption.
To former Navy SEAL Tennyson Walker, Mallory seems nothing like the shattered woman he rescued two years ago, and he can’t help but be inspired by her strength and resilience. So when a stalker suddenly makes Mallory vulnerable once again, Tennyson steps up as her bodyguard to keep her safe.
Mallory and Tennyson’s mutual attraction can’t be ignored, but neither can Mallory’s suspicion that Tennyson is keeping a terrible secret about her past. As the nightmare closes in, it’s not only Mallory and Tennyson’s love that comes under fire but their very lives as well. Will their faith sustain them? Or will the darkness win once and for all?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
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.
Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She has more than fifty books published with over one million copies sold.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
How can I even begin to write a review that is good enough for this incredible book? With its perfectly down-to-earth, normal characters (at least most of them) and a plot that covers the reality of life and its heights and depths, “True to You” is a book I will remember for awhile.
Nora Bradford is the middle of three sisters and has always felt somewhat lacking compared to the other two. After a crushing breakup, she decided she didn’t need romance in her life and buried herself in books and her work. After a few years Nora was becoming a lonely soul but had no idea how to turn her life around. Her historical village should be enough for her – shouldn’t it?
On the surface former Navy Seal John Lawson seems to be the exact opposite of somewhat quirky Nora. He is a serious businessman invested in up-to-date methods and technology. But Nora is uniquely qualified to help John in his search for answers about an inherited disease and surely spending a little time with her can’t hurt.
I was enthralled with “True to You”. Each poignant scene, every romantic scene, and all the humorous ones worked together perfectly for a natural story that touched my heart. I loved the conversations between John and Nora as I watched them slowly drawn closer to each other and I loved seeing into their hearts and their caring natures. I laughed and I cried and it was all good.
What a perfect story about learning to trust God during the good times and the bad times. “True to You” is an absolute work of art and I eagerly await book two in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.
John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Emilie Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Robin Caroll’s novels since I first discovered them through a Love Inspired books subscription. Those novels were enjoyable so I was happy to see her later novels released in trade fiction format. When “Weaver’s Needle” showed up in my Amazon Vine queue it was a no-brainer to request it immediately.
“Weaver’s Needle” is a modern suspense novel based upon the legend of the lost Dutchman’s gold mine believed to be located somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. Two recovery specialists are hired to find a stolen map believed to lead to the mine by the widow of the man who owned the map. There is one catch though. The only one who will be paid is the first to find the map. Both Landry Parker and Nickolai Baptiste are good at their jobs and they both desperately need the $40,000 offered by the client. Which of them will prevail?
As is always the case with Caroll’s novels, I found myself immediately snared by the story. It was exciting to read about the individual progress Landry and Nickolai made in their quest for the lost map as the competition grew more heated. Several surprising twists kept me engaged and the Indian lore that was inserted occasionally into the narrative made it all the more interesting. There was never a time that I had it all figured out and I love it when that happens.
Strong characters, a well-planned plot, and plenty of drama, danger, and romance combined with a strong message of faith worked together to earn “Weaver’s Needle” a permanent space on my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.
Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.
After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.
Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding?
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.
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.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Cinderella Texas” is a contemporary western romance with an unexpected twist. Imagine if you will an extremely wealthy Texas ranching family who have decided to forego all the modern trappings of electricity, cell phones, television, etc. except for what is required for business – and that at a different location than their home. Then imagine a 100% citified young woman accepting a job as teacher to two young children of the rancher but doesn’t realize how they live until she arrives at the ranch. Uh-huh, makes a pretty interesting scenario, doesn’t it.
Needless to say, the scene was obviously set for some humor, especially when heroine Alyson seemed to be somewhat accident prone. Of course a little romance would also be expected. Rancher Quatro Greene was pretty appealing despite his somewhat antiquated living conditions and he found Alyson equally attractive. This always entertaining novel was laced with conversations about faith which led Alyson and Quatro to greater understanding of each other.
I particularly liked that each of them was willing to not only listen to the other but to learn from each other as well. As a result, positive changes were made by both without compromising their beliefs.
“Cinderella Texas” is a fun book with plenty of “meat” to chew on. I recommend it to those who enjoy westerns but also for those looking for something a little different.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Opposites attract. Or do they? Alyson Spencer hoped to teach school in her beloved Dallas and didn’t particularly like cowboys or a rural lifestyle. The last thing she expected to do was accept a teaching job homeschooling the children of widower, Robert Lee Greene IV, called Quatro, a handsome rancher and one of the richest men in Texas. Sparks fly when daily life on his cattle ranch is not what a city-girl like Alyson expected. She is unwilling to admit that a mutual attraction has developed between her and Quatro and plans to quit her job. How can they find love and a lasting marriage when their goals in life are so different?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Molly’s father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
www.mollynoblebull.com
http://writersrest.blogspot.com
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by admin | Jun 7, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Peace in the Valley” is one of those books that really tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself tearing up over and over but not for sad reasons. I was so touched by the relationship that developed between Trey and Lucy’s children and the love and trust they had for him.
Trey Stafford is the kind of man most women dream about but not for the obvious reasons. Trey is a man who has known tremendous success and has been living his dream. He is also a man who has known tragedy from a very young age when he lost both parents and has also lost his wife – all to drugs. Through it all he has maintained his integrity and faith and is dedicated to doing the right thing.
Lucy Carlton is a woman who has known nothing but hardship. She left her childhood home with a self-centered father and entered a marriage to a man who turned out much like her father. Now a widow with three children, Lucy is barely making ends meet but believes that hard work might just take care of her beloved children. A close call places her in the position of having to accept help from Trey and the much despised Sam Stafford. Frequent contact with Trey and his family begins to change Lucy’s opinion of them and puts her heart at risk.
I have very much enjoyed each and every one of the books in this series but “Peace in the Valley” is one that will remain in my memory for awhile. A beautiful story of faith, trust, love, and emotional healing, this book is one I will want to read again. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy soon. It is now available in stores where mass market novels are sold as well as the usual online vendors and the price is right.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blogging for Books. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford—the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death. Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life. Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain.
Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.
As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he’s sought for so long?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With more than half a million books in print, RUTH LOGAN HERNE is the popular author of fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels, three self-published novels and contributed to two novella collections. She lives on a farm in upstate New York with her husband and has six adult children.
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by admin | Jun 7, 2017 | Books, Canada, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“On Love’s Gentle Shore” is the third and final book in Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dreams series. I have been privileged to read and review each of the books and loved them all. It would be difficult to choose which one I enjoyed the most but if I had to choose I would probably choose this one. There is just something about stories about the reunion of past love. And no, I don’t think that is a spoiler. All of us who have read numerous romance novels know how a book will usually end. It’s the pages in between the beginning and the end and how it all comes about that keeps us reading. Natalie and Justin getting back together is a given but how it all transpires is the mystery. And what a story it is!
Fifteen long years of hurt feelings and misunderstandings stand between Natalie and Justin. Natalie was content with her life in Nashville and never planned to return to Prince Edward Island but somehow found herself agreeing to having her wedding in her hometown. Her fiance books an entire summer at the Red Door Inn so they can plan and facilitate the wedding. When the inevitable happens and Natalie and Justin can no longer avoid each other, each must come to grips with their past and find healing (and love).
This was a beautiful story and I was rooting for Justin from the beginning. It was easy for me to see that Russell was absolutely not the right man for Natalie. I really found it difficult to like him at all. He was way too self-centered from the beginning – love himself way more than he loved Natalie.
Liz Johnson writes so naturally that the entire story flowed. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down to take care of mundane tasks. I didn’t want to miss a minute of the story but of course the end came much too quickly. One of these days I may be able to learn to slow down and savor a story but there are still so many books to read and my time grows shorter by the day. It is a blessing and a curse that my favorite authors just keep cranking out books. I’ll never catch up but I’ll keep trying!
Loved “On Love’s Gentle Shore” and look forward to whatever Liz Johnson has to offer her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O’Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose’s Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can’t possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane–the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.
Justin’s never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He’d been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He’s done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him–but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he’s been missing.
After Natalie’s reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin’s property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness–and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is a full-time marketing specialist for a Nashville-based publisher. She has been a freelance writer and editor for several publications, including CBA Retailers+Resources, Christian Fiction Online magazine, and Storytellers Journal. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is the author of several books, including The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (an ACFW Carol Award finalist) and A Star in the Night, which was part of the New York Times and ECPA bestselling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
