by admin | Aug 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have previously enjoyed Christy Barritt’s books so it was an honor to become a member of her influencer team for “Disillusioned”. I’ll admit I did not expect this novel to be the intense page-turner it proved to be. Wow! What a story!
What could be more intriguing than a plot where the protagonists are on the run as they try to prove a recently released military prisoner is not the terrorist he is accused of being. Unfortunately the evidence keeps piling up to prove otherwise and even his sister and best friend find themselves doubting his innocence – at least part of the time. The action barely stops for an occasional breather and the tension keeps rising. Nikki is beginning to lose hope and her trust in God is stretched thin but Kade, the man who hurt her in the past, is the one who now encourages her to return to her faith.
“Disillusioned” is an action-packed thriller that could easily be taken from today’s news. Filled with suspense, danger, as well as numerous twists and surprises, it moves along at a fast clip yet also allows time for a romance to reignite. Strong characters are so real that I found myself right in the story with them. The spiritual content is strong but natural and not invasive.
I consider myself to be fairly open-minded toward others but “Disillusioned” opened my eyes to some of my own prejudices. Like many, I was skeptical when Bowe Bergdahl was returned to the U.S. and suspected that he could actually be a traitor. Now I’m not so sure. Since reading “Disillusioned” I plan to make much needed adjustments to my tendency to judge. It became quite evident during the course of the story that often nothing is as it seems and it is too easy to jump to hasty conclusions.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Disillusioned” and heartily recommend it to those who are suspense fans. I love Christy Barritt’s novels. I just need to find more time to read them all.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal.
But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust Kade? After all, the man who broke her heart eight years ago is anything but safe…
Hiding out in a farmhouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Nikki finds her loyalties—and the remnants of her long-held faith—tested as she and Kade put aside their differences to keep Bobby’s increasingly erratic behavior under wraps. But when Bobby disappears, Nikki will have to trust Kade completely if she wants to uncover the truth about a rumored conspiracy. Nikki’s life—and the fate of the nation—depends on it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. 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. She’s only won one contest in her life–and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Over and over I have found Robert Whitlow’s books to live up to the promotions that compare them to those of John Grisham. Personally, I prefer Robert Whitlow. He is a wonderful storyteller who is able to mix legal details, suspense, faith, and even romance in such a way that I look for excuses to keep reading rather than perform those daily tasks I need to attend. I particularly like the manner in which Whitlow shares just enough legal details to inform the reader without boring me to tears or putting me to sleep.
“The Witnesses” may be one of Whitlow’s finest to date in my opinion. The story features a young man and his grandfather, both endowed with a prophetic gifting that sometimes allows them to see glimpses of the future. Grandfather Frank (Franz) used his gift to aid Nazi Germany against its enemies and has lived with regrets for most of his life. Grandson Parker is a young lawyer at the beginning of his career and it remains to be seen how he will choose to use his gift. In a tale where the past intersects with the present, even Frank must choose a path for the rest of his life.
I appreciated the way spiritual truth and faith were woven throughout the story, especially the way Frank began to understand his gifting from a Biblical viewpoint. I also thought that Frank’s strong friendship with his fishing buddy Lenny was another special touch. There is so much I could say about “The Witnesses” and its powerful story of redemption and second chances but I feel it would be best for you the read it yourself. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.
Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.
While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.
Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Historical, Key West, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Honor Redeemed” was one of those books that made me wonder continuously how everything would eventually be resolved. For most of the story, it certainly looked like Prosperity might choose the doctor although her heart was still tender toward her former fiance. Then it would look favorable for David for awhile and change yet again. My goodness, I was second-guessing that girl through the entire book!
Christine Johnson’s writing is superb! I could literally feel the intense heat and heavy, humid air of the Florida Keys and hear the crashing waves and sea birds. Her characters were deftly drawn with both good and not-so-good characteristic that made them all the more believable. David’s mistakes were unfortunate and made me think of warnings to young men from the book of Proverbs. Surprisingly, I found David easier to relate to than Prosperity (great name, by the way!) but was never certain quite why that was.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Honor Redeemed” and my return visit through its pages to the Florida Keys. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.
But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion. In fact, he is married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship–and the affection–of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?
With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.
Read an excerpt from “Honor Redeemed” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
© E.A. Creative Photography 2013
Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Facebook Party
Sam Stoltzfus left the Amish community and followed his older brother into the Englisch world, walking away from a chance for love. Is there more to Sam’s leaving the Amish community than what he says? Find out in Barbara Cameron’s new book, Seasons in Paradise.
Join Barbara and other readers on Facebook on August 16th for a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Barbara will be chatting about Seasons in Paradise, answering your questions about the book and all things Amish fiction, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways and prizes too!
Get your copy of Seasons in Paradise so you’re ready for a fun book discussion. You can order your copy and find out more about the book here.
We hope you can join the fun. Bring your friends who love to read and who love Amish fiction!
Hope to see you on August 16 for Barbara’s Seasons in Paradise Facebook Party!
by admin | Jul 30, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love this series! I enjoyed the first two so much that I couldn’t wait to read “Magnolia Moonlight”. As a lifelong Southerner it was fun reading about locations that I am at least somewhat familiar with, especially the Memphis area. The stories are all the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, humor, and romance. Throw in a strong message of faith and I am a happy reader.
“Magnolia Moonlight” introduces a couple of new detectives at the Price agency. Beth Kirby and Michael Preston are left with what seems to be a simple case in Natchez, Mississippi while their boss Nate Price and his wife Isabelle take a belated honeymoon in Bay St. Louis after two years of marriage. Sparks fly between Beth and Mike but not necessarily the romantic kind. It will be a miracle if the pair will be able to work together long enough to solve their case. Meanwhile, Nate and Isabelle find themselves embroiled in a case of their own that involves her ex. Things aren’t looking so hopeful for a relaxing and romantic honeymoon after all.
Mary Ellis has created some very entertaining yet down-to-earth characters for “Magnolia Moonlight”. I found it easy to empathize with each one of them (except one police officer that I disliked) and hated to put the book down for even a few minutes.The plot was imaginative and moved along at a steady pace with a few surprises along the way. At times I found Beth to be a little bit testy but Mike’s good disposition and charm made up for it and eventually I liked Beth also. It was fun to catch up with Nate and Isabelle again but I did miss Hunter and Nikki. Maybe they will make an appearance in the next installment.
It was with regrets that I reached the end and will find it difficult to wait until April for a chance to read Sunset in Old Savannah to learn what happens next for Beth and Mike. Lovers of Southern novels, cozy mysteries, or both definitely need to run to the nearest bookstore for copies of the entire Secrets of the South Mysteries series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Sinister Secrets Lurk in the Shadows of Yesterday?
Natchez, Mississippi—Private Investigator Nate Price and his new wife, Isabelle, need a vacation. Their coworkers generously team up to surprise them with a belated honeymoon…but the happy trip turns sour when Izzy spies her ex-husband, who appears to have taken up his gambling addiction once again.
While the boss is away, Price Investigations remains in the hands of Beth Kirby, a former police officer, and Michael Preston, a former forensic accountant. Hardly a dream team, as Beth resents working with a man who has no experience in his new job.
But Beth and Michael must move past their differences if they hope to uncover the truth behind a beloved Southern preacher’s demise. The preacher’s widow suspects foul play, despite the evidence indicating suicide.
With tension escalating between these investigators and local law enforcement—and new threats arising on all sides—how will Beth, Michael, and Nate hold on to faith and bring the truth to light?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
www.maryellis.net
A Word from the Author
“The next in my Secrets of the South Mysteries, Magnolia Moonlight, took me to Natchez and Bay St. Louis, both in Mississippi. Natchez in a lovely town sitting high on a bluff above the Mississippi River, and Bay St. Louis is a vacation destination along the Gulf Coast. Price Investigations hires two new PI’s to investigate the suicide of a Baptist minister after his wife suspects murder. When Nate and Isabelle leave on their honeymoon, everyone ends up with more than they can handle in my brand new romantic suspense.”
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by admin | Jul 30, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
What perfect timing for Kellie Coates Gilbert’s latest page turner! With elections and political shenanigans foremost on the current evening news, “What Matters Most” gives readers a behind-the-scenes peek into how politics really works. It’s just too bad that there are not more honest and upright people in the business who will stand up for truth and justice like the principal characters of this novel. I enjoyed reading this novel very much. I had previously read the previous novels in this series so my expectations were pretty high. If anything, “What Matters Most” may be the best one yet. Kellie has a true gift for taking me right into the heart of her stories and making me care about her characters.
Both Leta and Nathan were exceptional people who tried to make the best of circumstances life had thrown at them. Leta had sacrificed so much to care for her mother but was finding it difficult to keep her in a quality medical facility. A new higher paying job seemed to be the answer to her problems but as time went by, she was forced to choose between the job and doing the right thing. Nathan’s heart was in providing better care for aging dementia patients but agreed to run for governor in order to make needed changes in the Texas government. His encounters with Leta grew into a special friendship that left them both wanting more but were they working at cross purposes?
“What Matters Most” is a very relevant story that should give each of its readers something to ponder. As we read about Leta and Nathan and the choices they make, each of us can decide what really matters most in our own lives. I cannot recommend this novel (or any of Kellie’s other books) enough.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Just when she can’t take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break. But when things seem too good to be true, they often are.
Finding her dream job went right out the window when Leta Breckenridge had to quit school to help care for her mother suffering from dementia. When a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta is thrilled to land a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her seemingly ideal job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition organization–and that the research she’s been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she’s swiftly falling in love with.
Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He’s already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician’s wife, but he’s never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty woman hold the key to his heart–and his future?
With emotional depth and keen insight into what drives us, Kellie Coates Gilbert offers a salient story that calls us to consider what we value most in this life.
Read an excerpt from “What Matters Most” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, and the author of A Woman of Fortune and Where Rivers Part. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.
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