by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Lethal Harvest” is one of those novels that will make you think and will challenge your beliefs. As a fast-paced medical suspense the story seems to move at breakneck speed at times only to slow down just enough to try the reader’s patience. I honestly believe there was purpose behind that method because it certainly kept me turning the pages.
In a time when medicine is advancing quickly and technology has opened even more possibilities, the question of ethics should be considered. Just because something is now possible, is it appropriate? That is exactly the scenario that takes place in “Lethal Harvest”. A brilliant researcher secretly breaks the law as he works with human embryos in an attempt to find a cure for a devastating disease that affects his family which happens to include the President of the United States. A chance mistake brings other players into the picture and his death brings danger to the door of his widow and his partners.
“Lethal Harvest” held my attention throughout the entire book with ample danger, action, drama, and even a romance to keep it interesting. The story was very readable for one that included so many medical terms and procedures. Characters were mostly likeable and believable and a strong message of faith was woven throughout the narrative.
This particular version of “Lethal Harvest” has been updated by the surviving author to include such modern devices as cell phones and the story itself fits very well into current history. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys medical suspense.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Kregel Publications.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“A Machiavellian plot . . . [and] a satisfying medical thriller.” —Library Journal
In order to save the president’s life, a brilliant embryologist– the president’s nephew–made a “devil’s bargain” with a secret group of federal agents. But Tim Sullivan’s illegal genetic manipulations of human embryos place everyone he knows at risk. Before he can finish his work, a freakish accident kills him and leaves only troubling questions behind.
Now his partner, Ben McKay, and Tim’s widow, Marnie, must uncover the hidden truth about Tim’s research before more lives are swept away. In the process, they’re forced to face their feelings for each other and the dark secrets in their own pasts. This story of love, loss, and danger crosses international borders from Mexico to the former Soviet Union in order to answer one searing question: if Tim’s research is completed, what form will the strange and dangerous harvest take?
Ambition, jealousy, and the ultimate meaning of love move this riveting story through the dark labyrinth that may lie buried under breakthroughs in genetic research and cloning.
Read an excerpt from “Lethal Harvest” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Sandra Glahn (PhD, UT Dallas) teaches at Dallas Theological Seminary, her alma mater. She is the author or coauthor of more than twenty books, including the CBA bestseller and Christy Award finalist, Lethal Harvest, and the Coffee Cup Bible Study series. Her most recent book is The City of Ephesus: A Short History. |
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William R. Cutrer, M.D., is an OB/GYN and an ordained minister. He is the Gheens Professor of Christian Ministry and the director of the Gheens Center for Marriage and Family at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He serves as the medical director at A Woman’s Choice Pregnancy Resource Center. He is the author of Choice Today: A Pregnancy Resource and Under the Fig Leaves, and coauthor of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage and The Infertility Companion. He has also coauthored the novels Lethal Harvest, Deadly Cure, and False Positive. |
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by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Native American, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
I will be honest – I only accepted a copy of “Shaman’s Fire” for review because it seemed to be one that was not being requested very quickly. I can also honestly say I had no idea what I was getting but am so glad that I requested it.
It did not take very long to find myself totally immersed in the Native American culture of southern Oregon. Most of the characters are Christian but a few are strongly pulled toward a dark and dangerous spiritual world that includes powerful spells, hallucinogenic drugs, and shape-shifters.
“Shaman’s Fire” is probably the best novel depicting spiritual warfare that I have read since Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness” although there is very little resemblance between the two novels. The suspenseful plot moves along at a fast clip and is filled with more scripture than is usually contained in most fiction. This book only highlights some of the dark spiritual forces present not only in Native American culture but also around everyone. As Christians we need to be more aware of the spiritual realm and learn to fight for our families and country.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A singer, a death, a shaman…what has Sayla Whitewater gotten herself into? Shaman’s Fire is a modern-day suspense story of a young Native American woman who struggles to find her identity as she moves between the ancient traditions of her people and the beliefs of the merging white world. She discovers magic in the shaman’s fire but, too late, she discovers such magic demands a price. Is it possible that the God of her grandmother is the same Creator her ancestors worshiped?
Shaman’s Fire is a story of choices and how the known world can change in an instant. It’s a story of injustice…a story of heartbreak…and a story of restoration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandy Cathcart is a freelance writer, photographer and artist, as well as a scribe for Restoring The Heart Ministries (A Native American Online Magazine). She lives in the High Cascades of Southern Oregon with her husband, The Cat Man, where she writes about Creator and everything wild.
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by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
After I read my first Karen Witemeyer novel, the author moved into the top of my must-read list. Her books are among those I will definitely purchase if I am not offered a review copy. This time I preordered a copy of “No Other Will Do” and also accepted a review copy from Bethany. I remembered my preorder the day it arrived so I ended up with two copies. Still debating about who will be blessed with my extra copy. With two copies in hand, I had high hopes that this book would live up to my expectations. I can happily verify that it even exceeded my expectations.
As always, the plot moved along at just the right rate and included the perfect blend of action, adventure, danger, humor, faith, and of course romance. Emma Chandler’s portrayal as a strong, intelligent woman was tempered with a touch of vulnerability and compassion that helped keep her a likeable heroine. Malachi Shaw was a hero to swoon over. Not only was he a strong, handsome man, but his humility, his loyalty to Emma and dedication to justice made him a man most women could love.
I could tell more about the trials and tribulations of the women of Harper Station as they fought valiantly to hold on to their homes but it would be difficult to do so without spoilers. Believe me when I say I cannot wait to visit Harper Station again and am in hopes that my wait will not be too long.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Ladies of Harper Station Novel
She Trusts Him for the Job,
But Can She Trust Him With Her Heart?
Men are optional. That was the credo Emma Chandler’s suffragette aunts taught her and why she established Harper’s Station, a women’s colony that offers a fresh start to females in need. But when a dangerous and shadowy assailant tries repeatedly to drive the women out, Emma is forced to admit they might need a man after all. One who can fight. And there is only one man she trusts enough to ask.
Malachi Shaw has finally earned the respect he’s always craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma’s telegram arrives, he rushes back to Texas to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she’s not a girl any longer. She’s a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn’t deserve.
As the danger intensifies, Emma, Mal, and the ladies of Harper’s Station must choose safety or whether to risk everything to fight for their future.
Read an excerpt from “No Other Will Do” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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by admin | Jul 6, 2016 | Books, Civil War, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of Dorothy Love’s books but it quickly became apparent that “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” would be somewhat different from her earlier novels. Naturally I was a bit uncertain about whether I would like it. I should not have worried – this book was so well written and full of interesting facts that I could hardly put it down.
There were so many events and details in “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” that never graced the pages of my history books. Indeed, I found myself researching some of them to find out if Ms. Love found these facts through her own research or if they were just part of the story. She definitely did her research. My education obviously had huge gaps in American History – whether because of bias or lack of time I cannot say.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially getting an intimate view of the wife of General Robert E. Lee which also showed me a different aspect of his life. The strong friendship that developed between Mary Lee and her slave Selina was inspiring and illustrated another viewpoint of the relationship between slave owners and their slaves. This book is a must for history buffs as well as those interested in the Civil War.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A general’s wife and a slave girl forge a friendship that transcends race, culture, and the crucible of Civil War.
Mary Anna Custis Lee is a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and heiress to Virginia’s storied Arlington house and General Washington’s personal belongings.
Born in bondage at Arlington, Selina Norris Gray learns to read and write in the schoolroom Mary and her mother keep for the slave children and eventually becomes Mary’s housekeeper and confidante. As Mary’s health declines, Selina becomes her personal maid, strengthening a bond that lasts until death parts them.
Forced to flee Arlington at the start of the Civil War, Mary entrusts the keys to her beloved home to no one but Selina. When Union troops begin looting the house, it is Selina who confronts their commander and saves many of its historic treasures.
In a story spanning crude slave quarters, sunny schoolrooms, stately wedding parlors, and cramped birthing rooms, novelist Dorothy Love amplifies the astonishing true-life account of an extraordinary alliance and casts fresh light on the tumultuous years leading up to and through the wrenching battle for a nation’s soul.
A classic American tale, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray is the first novel to chronicle this beautiful fifty-year friendship forged at the crossroads of America’s journey from enslavement to emancipation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels.
Facebook: dorothylovebooks
Twitter: @WriterDorothy
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by admin | Jul 5, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The hero of “Murder Mezzo Forte” is an unlikely college history professor in threadbare suits who drives what many would consider a junker. Preston Barclay is also a reclusive widower with a penchant for puns. He also suffers with musical hallucinations. Yet for some reason the ladies seem drawn to him. After he and a female colleague discover the body of another professor, they soon find themselves suspects as well as victims of rumors and lies intended to destroy their careers and perhaps even their lives.
Unfamiliar with Taylor’s books, I was delighted to find “Murder Mezzo Forte” to be quite entertaining with abundant humorous and witty remarks that helped to lighten the much darker subjects of murder and danger. More than once I found myself chuckling at one of Preston’s off-the-wall remarks right in the middle of a suspenseful scene. What fun!
The intriguing plot includes a diverse cast of characters that includes corrupt policemen, inept college administrators, organized crime members, and quirky faculty members as well as other unique characters. Preston himself was a quite interesting character complete with foibles but his honesty about his shortcomings was refreshing. The mystery was one that kept me guessing throughout the story although hints dropped along the way led me in the right direction. There were definitely some welcome surprises and the touch of romance was just right.
I enjoyed “Murder Mezzo Forte” and would definitely be interested in reading other books by Donn Taylor.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. . . .
She a headstrong professor of religion, a converted Wiccan. Earlier, they solved a campus murder, but now police say they formed two-thirds of an illicit love triangle with a newly-murdered female colleague and they’re probably guilty of her murder. A leak of the alleged scandal to the college administration threatens their jobs.
Their desperate attempt to prove themselves innocent of the triangle and the murder plunges them into a tangle of unsavory corporate relationships among college trustees. And it puts their lives in danger from a mysterious criminal organization that seems to have tentacles everywhere.
Can this ill-matched pair’s stumbling efforts succeed against the entrenched forces of the police, the college’s incompetent administration, and that powerful but unseen criminal organization? If not, they may end up unemployed, in prison, or suffering a fate much worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His publications include three suspense novels, one historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.
Find out more about Donn at http://www.donntaylor.com.
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by admin | Jun 28, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Beth Vogt’s novels but “Almost Like Being In Love” is exceptionally good. With down-to-earth, likeable characters and a strong, evocative plot, this story pulled me right in and didn’t let go until its perfect ending.
Caron Hollister has spent her entire life trying to please her father – from basketball in high school to becoming a successful realtor in his firm to walking away from the love of her life and settling for the man her father approves. When her father makes a major change in the firm without telling her, Caron realizes that she can never do enough to earn his approval. A snap decision sends her to Colorado to help her her best friend prepare for her wedding and finds herself the winner of a destination wedding and honeymoon. How on earth will she tell her boyfriend Alex who hasn’t asked her to marry him yet? While there she runs into Kade, her former sweetheart and ends up agreeing to help him out in his business for a month. What a tangled mess!
I liked the way the author wrote this from POVs of Caron, Kade, and Alex so that the reader gets to know each of them intimately. The major theme that runs through the story is about what motivates people to make the decisions they make. Caron and Alex especially had to step back and look at themselves and what they really wanted from life and decide why they were even together. Did they really love each other enough to marry or were they trying to please their families or were they just doing what was easy and comfortable?
I really liked the way this story ended with none of the characters being portrayed as the “bad guy” (or girl). I would say that most of the situations were resolved well with relationships restored and lives changed for the better. I would heartily recommend this book.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Winning an all-expenses paid Colorado destination wedding might seem like a dream come true for some people—but Caron Hollister and her boyfriend Alex Madison aren’t even engaged. How is she supposed to tell him she’s won their wedding and honeymoon when he hasn’t asked her to marry him? Being “perfect for one another” seems like the absolute best reason to get married. But what if their supposedly faultless relationship is merely a safe place to protect his secrets and a way to keep their families happy? After quitting her job, Caron accepts her best friend’s offer to visit Colorado. She needs to catch her breath. Who knows, maybe visiting the destination wedding site will make a future with Alex seem like a reality.
Kade Webster just landed the biggest deal of his life with his company, Webster Select Realty, participating in the Colorado Springs Tour of Homes. He never imagined he would run into the woman who broke his heart—Caron Hollister—right when his career is taking off. Seeing her again, Kade can’t help but wonder why Caron walked away from him years ago, leaving him with no explanation. When Kade learns his home stager won’t be able to help with the Tour of Homes, he vaults past all the reasons he should stay away from Caron, and offers her a temporary job helping him on the project. This time, their relationship is purely business.
Spending time with Kade has Caron questioning everything. The man intrigues her—at times infuriates her—and reminds her of what she lost. Has she been settling for what everyone expects of her? Just because others believe she and Alex are an ideal couple, does that mean they should get married? And how can Caron say “I do” to one man when she’s wondering “what if?” about another?
Read a preview of “Almost Like Being In Love” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction writer who said she’d never write fiction. After saying she’d never marry a doctor or anyone in the military, she is now happily married to a former Air Force family physician. Beth believes God’s best is often behind the door marked “never.” An established magazine writer and editor, she now writes inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there is more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.
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