by admin | May 20, 2016 | American Revolution, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Oh my, what a book! There is no way I can do justice in describing the absolute genius of Lori Benton. The way she gets right to the heart of her characters makes me feel like I know them. She is not afraid to tackle difficult situations but does it with such finesse and grace. I was blown away by the opening words of her very first book, “Burning Sky” but “A Flight of Arrows” dug deep into my soul and brought forth emotions I was mostly unaware existed. I am one who does not cry easily these days but this book brought me to tears.
“A Flight of Arrows” continues the story that began in “The Woods Edge” but those who have read Lori’s books from the very beginning might find some other familiar faces here. Just keep your eyes open for them. Anna and Two Hawks’ story is continued as he, Stone Thrower, and Reginald Aubrey attempt to locate William in the midst of heated battles with the British and their Indian war parties.
This book is so filled with quotable lines that it would be difficult for me to choose one to share. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, forgiveness and sacrifice, joy and grief. But most of all it is a glorious picture of the grace of God and how he works in hearts that are open to Him and how redemption can come through tragic circumstances.
I cannot say more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! You will not regret it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hearts are Divided
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance
Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.
Book 2 in the Pathfinder Series
Click here to download Chapter 1 of A Flight of Arrows
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 the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Silence in the Dark” is the final book in Bradley’s Logan Point series. A tale of second chances in both love and faith, it starts off with a bang and the suspense continues for the remainder of the story.
Bailey Adams broke her engagement with Danny Maxwell and fled to the mission fields in Mexico because what she always did when afraid was to run. Little did she expect to run into Danny in Mexico, much less have him rescue her and the little girl she had agreed to escort back to the states. The question is – who exactly is after Bailey…or is it the little girl they want? And who is the mysterious man who goes by the name of Angel and can they trust him and Danny with their lives?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Silence in the Dark”. It was easy to relate to the characters and to understand what drove them. I could appreciate how Bailey’s experiences had made her doubt her faith but was happy to see its renewal before the conclusion. I also liked how at times the suspense was very intense but would level off long enough for me to catch my breath before revving up again. Second chances at love are always a plus in my estimation and had high hopes for Bailey and Danny getting back together.
Patricia Bradley has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and “Silence in the Dark” just confirms that for me. I recommend it and the entire series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.
When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan–neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what’s coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?
With lean, fast-paced prose that will keep you turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is a published short story writer and cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
ABOUT
MY REVIEW:
Suzanne Woods Fisher never ceases to amaze me with her often unique plot twists that always keep me reading far into the night. Most people know that I am not the biggest fan of Amish fiction but I will always make an exception for her books.
I loved how several members of David Stoltzfus’ family showed up unannounced to “help” at the first hint of trouble in his new community – even if they were not exactly wanted. A bossy, interfering mother/grandmother was not his family’s idea of help and cousin Abigail was just weird. What was especially fun for me was the fact that weird Abigail turned out to be the highlight of the book, especially her unexpected romance with equally “different” Dane. The two of them were quite the pair and Abigail learned a lot about accepting herself with all her foibles as she began to see herself through Dane’s eyes.
“The Quieting” follows up the previous novel from The Bishop’s Family series so it would be a good idea to read “The Imposter” first. The reader learns more about the growing problems in the church that has begun to divide the community and David’s dilemma about how to solve the situation in a merciful manner.
I really enjoyed “The Quieting” which had a good blend of drama, humor, and romance as well as a focus on spiritual wisdom. I would happily recommend both books of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group.
THE BOOK:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
BLOG STOPS:
May 17: Singing Librarian Books
May 17: Heidi Reads…
May 18: Just Commonly
May 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 19: ASC Book Reviews
May 19: A Holland Reads
May 20: Inklings and Notions
May 20: Quiet Quilter
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 21: cherylbbookblog
May 22: The Power of Words
May 22: Giveaway Lady
May 23: Texas Book-aholic
May 23: Splashes of Joy
May 24: Lane Hill House
May 24: Book by Book
May 24: Mary Hake
May 25: Jeanette’s Thoughts
May 25: Seasons of Opportunities
May 26: Book bites, Bee Stings & Butterfly Kisses
May 26: For the Love of Books
May 27: Southern Gal Loves to Read
May 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 28: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 28: Cassandra M’s Place
May 29: Bukwurmzzz
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Blossoms and Blessings
GUEST POST FROM SUZANNE WOODS FISHER:
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.
As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8
by admin | May 17, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed all of Becky Wade’s Porter Family series featuring the three Porter brothers but in the fourth and final book of the series, I finally had the chance to discover baby sister Dru’s story. I was not sure what to expect because after all, how could a mere woman compete with those three awesome heroes from the first three novels? I really should have trusted what I already knew about Becky Wade – she does not ever disappoint!
With three older brothers who excelled in everything they did, Dru had a lot to live up to – or so she thought. She had spent her entire life trying to measure up to her big brothers but never felt like she succeeded. None of her efforts to compete, including a stint in the Marines and accomplishments in marksmanship and martial arts, fulfilled her need for approval. Her latest career as a bodyguard has not gotten off to a very good start so Dru hopes to prove herself with her latest assignment, protecting a NFL super star Gray Fowler. She finds this mission to be more challenging than expected.
Both Dru and Gray are very complex characters with backgrounds so diverse that a romance between them should be utterly unexpected. Of course that is where Wade excels. She can take two thoroughly unsuitable characters and bring them together all the while using their relationship to bring healing and restoration to them both. I liked the way Gray and Dru’s acquaintance began with dislike and indifference into a strong emotional bond that focused on wanting the best for the other person.
A strong theme of trusting in God rather than one’s own strength was woven throughout this suspense filled novel. The plot itself moved along at the perfect pace with both emotionally riveting and action packed scenes that kept me invested in the story. Some twists along the way turned into a surprise or two by the end. I also enjoyed catching up to the Porter guys and their families. In fact a secondary story featuring Meg and Bo is woven into the plot which added another element of tension to the overall story. All-in-all, “Her One and Only” was a satisfying conclusion to the series. I truly hate to see it end but am certain that Wade will provide her readers with another series that is equally loved.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.
But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?
Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.
Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 |
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.
Find out more about Becky at http://beckywade.com. |
Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Her One and Only
- A $100 cash card
- Follow Your Heart tote bag
- 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
- The Blind Side DVD
- Necklace with star charm
- Porter Family navy jersey
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.
by admin | May 11, 2016 | Books, Dectective, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I don’t often take the time to watch TV because I prefer to spend it reading but occasionally I enjoy watching Murdoch Mysteries (aka The Artful Detective). Set in Toronto in the early twentieth century, it is a fun, historical detective mystery. When I opened the pages of “The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder” I found myself in that same Toronto time frame with Merinda and Jem, two friends who have defied society’s expectations to start a detective agency.
Merinda and Jem are unconventional and independent, preferring to don men’s clothing in order to slip past Toronto’s Morality Squad on their quest to discover clues to two unsolved deaths that the police seem to have forgotten. The plot is fresh and clever with frequent humor yet also contains an intelligence and depth that was somewhat unexpected. I loved all four of the primary characters and hoped for a match for Jem and Ray DeLuca throughout the entire book although at times it looked like she might be taken in by another character’s false charm. I also secretly hoped to see Merinda and Jasper join forces as more than just working together to solve crimes.
I pretty much loved everything about “The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder” including the quotations at the beginning of each chapter from fictional books as well as the explanatory footnotes scattered throughout the narrative. This is a witty and entertaining story with well researched historical facts and a solid message of faith woven through it. I eagerly look forward to the next Herringford and Watts mystery, A Lesson in Love and Murder. I can’t wait!
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley but I also purchased a paperback copy.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever—if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.
by admin | May 6, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once in awhile, a truly unique story comes along and I believe “Sister Dear” is one of those. As the oldest of three sisters, I was intrigued by the story of Allie and her sister Emma. It was fascinating to read the different points of view both past and present from key characters. These helped build the story and helped me to understand what was really going on below the surface. As always, much more than it appeared.
“Sister Dear” tells the story of Allie, a young woman falsely accused of murder who was convicted and spent ten years of her life separated from friends and family, especially her young daughter who was raised by sister Emma. After her release from prison Allie is determined to prove her innocence and risks losing her new freedom to do so.
A spell-binding story of murder and manipulation, the plot moves from character to character and from past to present with a multitude of twists, turns, and surprises along the way. An excellent cast of supporting characters added depth to the tale and even a touch of romance near the end was the icing on the cake.
“Sister Dear” is the first novel I’ve read from this author but I will definitely look forward to future releases.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
Dark family secrets threaten to ruin Allie’s chance at freedom and claims of innocence. Don’t miss the new book from Laura McNeill, Sister Dear. Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?
Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.
But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.
As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.
Find out more about Laura at http://lauramcneill.com.
