by admin | Apr 12, 2016 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Tracie Peterson’s novels because I know I will be getting a pretty good history lesson within a romantic and often suspenseful story. “A Treasure Concealed” did not disappoint. Once again the author came through with strong primary characters and just the right blend of drama, romance, and humor.
The Carver family had followed Emily’s father from one gold camp to another as he was convinced the big strike that would make them rich was just ahead – except it never happened. Emily’s mother was dying and Emily was responsible for caring for their home, their livestock, and her mother while he father continued his fruitless labor. Emily’s fondest dream is to have a home of her own where she can spend the rest of her life. Caeden Thibault enters the picture when he camps on the Carver property while performing geological surveys for the government. Because of his family background, Caeden has no interest in marriage or settling down. As can be expected, these two totally opposite young people find themselves growing more and more emotionally attached. Will either of them be willing to give up their dreams?
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed “A Treasure Concealed”. Caeden was the perfect hero who proved himself time and time again. Emily was a strong female protagonist who proved to be feminine despite the way she dressed to hide it. It was easy to picture life and hardships in the gold fields of Montana where even the weather could turn on its inhabitants. I also enjoyed the spirit-led conversations between characters. I look forward to the next book in The Sapphire Brides series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
There is more than gold to be found in these hills.
Emily Carver longs to have a home of her own, but instead she endures a transient existence in the gold mining camps of Montana, where her father’s hopes for riches lie endlessly buried. Promises of wealth from this wild land have brought only hardship and disappointment, causing Emily to wonder if her own modest dreams will ever see the light of day.
Caeden Thibault, a young geologist working for the government, is a man trying to escape the pain of his past, and the idyllic mountains of Montana serve his purposes well. In the course of his work, he has seen more than his share of starry-eyed gold seekers. So when Emily Carver catches his attention, he is intrigued by the fact that she isn’t pinning her hopes on striking it rich.
Will an unexpected discovery come between them or draw them together?
Read an excerpt from A Treasure Concealed HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
by admin | Apr 12, 2016 | Books, Historical, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“The Cairo Code” is a HUGE book that weighs in at nearly double the pages of most books I review. Although publicized as a thriller, I was approximately halfway through it before the action seemed to pick up. The author spent much of the first half laying down background information on not only the primary three characters but others who played prominent roles as well. I freely admit that there were several times I was tempted to put it away but persevered because I had committed to review it.
Overall the story is an intriguing one. To me, its chief interest was the bond between Jack Halder, Harry Weaver, and Rachel Stern and how that affected the outcome as they were pitted against each other on opposite sides of the war and their roles in the attempt to assassinate President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The story itself was well written and once it finally got moving, it progressed at a steady pace. Although we know from history that the plot was not successful, there were a few surprises in store before the end.
I feel that I should issue a word or two of warning. I accepted “The Cairo Code” for review because other books I’ve received from Howard Books have been Christian fiction. There was no mention of the Lord or Jesus in the narrative. More than one character engaged in intimate relationships outside of marriage. Scenes were not explicit but were nevertheless not really necessary to the plot. In addition, those who do not like violence might want to steer away from this book also. Again, the violence was not particularly gory and would be expected in a novel about war. The third warning is that apparently this novel was originally published as “The Sands of Sakkara”. Readers who had already read this book might be disappointed to buy the same book with a different title.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The international bestseller takes you on a fast-paced, nail-biting thrill ride from the Great Pyramids in Cairo, to behind the Nazi lines in Berlin, to the very seat of democracy as our hero tries to unravel a plot that could kill FDR and Winston Churchill.
To save the Western Allies, he must kill the woman he loves…
November 1943: Adolf Hitler sanctioned his most audacious mission ever—to kill US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill while they visit Cairo for a secret conference to plan the Allied invasion of Europe, an invasion which threatens imminent defeat for Germany.
Only one man is capable of leading the defiant Nazi mission—Major Johann Halder, one of the Abwehr’s most brilliant and daring agents. He is a man with a tortured soul and a talent for the impossible. Accompanied by an expert undercover team and Rachael Stern, the young and beautiful Egyptologist, Halder must race against time across a hostile desert to reach Cairo and successfully complete the assignment, or else forfeit his life and the life of his son.
When US military intelligence hears about the plan, they assign Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Weaver, one of their best officers, to hunt down and eliminate Halder and his team. But for Weaver, as well as for Halder and Stern, there’s more than the balance of war and the lives of the Allied leaders at stake—a pact of love and friendship will be tested in the frantic, high-stakes chase to the death.
Based on a real attempt to kill the President, The Cairo Code is a breathless, suspenseful thriller—a heart-wrenching tale of friendship, love, and treachery set against the exotic and intriguing backdrop of wartime Egypt.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Glenn Meade was born in 1957 in Finglas, Dublin. Several of his novels have been international bestsellers, translated into more than twenty languages, and have enjoyed both critical and commercial success.
by admin | Apr 9, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Chapel Springs Survival” was a fun book to read. I loved its small town setting and the primary characters who were more mature than the usual novels I encounter. From the problems of a small town that is suddenly bursting at the seams to family problems at home, Claire and her friends Patsy and Lydia often find themselves overwhelmed as they attempt to navigate their lives. At times humorous and at other times serious, the story moved along at a fast clip from one incident to another and held my attention until the end.
I enjoyed my time spent in Chapel Springs and plan to read the other books in this series as soon as I find a break in my review schedule.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK (284 pages):
A mail-order bride, a town overrun with tourists, and illegal art ~ How on earth will Claire and Chapel Springs survive? With the success of her Operation Marriage Revival, life is good for Claire Bennett. That is until the mayor’s brother blabs a secret: Claire’s nineteen-year-old son, Wes, has married a Brazilian mail order bride — one who is eight years older than him. When Claire tries to welcome her new daughter-in-law, she’s ridiculed, rebuffed, and rejected. Loving this girl is like hugging a prickly cactus. Will Claire and her family survive her son’s marriage?
Lydia Smith is happily living alone and running her spa then the widow on the hill becomes a blushing bride. Along with her new marriage, she has a dream to expand her business by adding guest rooms. Things are going according to plan. That is, until her groom’s adult son moves in on everything. Will her dream survive her stepson?
From the first sighting of a country music star in Claire’s gallery, The Painted Loon, to the visit of a Hollywood diva, Chapel Springs is inundated with stargazers, causing lifelong residents to flee the area. When her best friends, Patsy and Nathan, put their house on the market, Claire is forced to do something or lose the closest thing to a sister she’s got. With her son’s future at stake and the town looking to her to solve their problems, it’s Claire who needs a guardian angel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ane Mulligan writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. She’s a novelist, a humor columnist, and a multi-published playwright. President of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, she resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband, their chef son, and two dogs of Biblical proportion.
by admin | Apr 9, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
If you love Christian romantic fiction, Denise Hunter should be at the top of your go-to list. Her books have the absolute best heroes – you know the kind that all gals wish they could find. The heroines are pretty special too – nice girls who are pretty but not perfect, usually with a problem or two that needs to be overcome.
I have very much enjoyed each and every novel I’ve read by this author but “The Goodbye Bride” might be the best one yet. The premise is great. Young woman wakes up in a diner dressed in her wedding gown but cannot remember how or why she is there. All she can remember is her fiance so she gives him a call. Turns out he hasn’t seen her since she walked out on him seven months ago – seven months she can no longer remember. But like the standup guy he is, Zac cannot help running to Lucy’s rescue even though he is just beginning to recover from her desertion.
Like all good romantic novels, there are several twists and turns to this story as little by little the true backstory is revealed. Lucy can’t remember leaving or the reasons why and Zac still is not certain whether he can even trust what Lucy has to say. Is it all Lucy’s fault or did Zac actually have some responsibility in what happened?
I really loved this story. At times it was a bit frustrating but I think I was picking up on the characters’ frustrations. To me that is an indication of a well-written book. I liked Zac and Lucy a lot plus I enjoyed touching base once again with characters from the first book of this series. Naturally I can’t wait to read the next installment.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.
Following a concussion, Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.
It’s taken Zac months to move on after Lucy left him with no explanation. He’s thrown himself into his family’s farm and his restaurant business in Summer Harbor. Now Lucy’s back, vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. She needs his help putting the pieces together, but letting her back into his life is a risk—and the stakes are high. If he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life. But if her memory returns he’ll lose her all over again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of 20 novels, including Dancing with Fireflies and Convenient Groom.
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
by admin | Apr 9, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Season to Wed” is a collection of three romantic novellas with winter settings. Each novella was penned by a different author and the plots are not related. However each book has similarities. In each story, the heroine encounters a man who meant something to her in the past but for one reason or another, their relationship ended. Each of these couples find themselves with a second chance at love. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the three stories. If romance is your genre, you won’t want to miss this collection.
Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk is a special tale of a couple who ran away to get married at the end of high school but changed their minds after the ceremony. After believing she was not married for ten years, Hope learns that her marriage was indeed legal. To her surprise, her husband John Burke chooses that exact day to reappear in her life. Naturally things will work out for the best, but what fun reading about how it happens!
A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck is another example of why I love all novels by this author. I actually reviewed this novella earlier this year. You can read my entire review here – https://www.daysongreflections.com/?p=18182
Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt was another excellent story. Once again, the primary characters have a history but the last thing Meadow wants is to reconnect with Colin. She has little choice when her roof caves in during a snowstorm and there is no other contractor who can repair it in time for her to meet her catering deadlines. As Colin goes out of his way to make things easy for Heather, she realizes that he is not the same person she remembers and her heart begins to soften toward him.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click here to purchase your copy.
They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.
Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk
Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.
Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.
A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck
Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.
Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade. But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts.
Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt
Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it’s served up on a silver platter?
Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career. Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.
But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Rachel Hauck Bio:
Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck.
Cindy Kirk Bio:
Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls. Cindy invites you to check out her websitewww.cindykirk.com. Twitter: @CindyKirkAuthor
Cheryl Wyatt Bio:
Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s a USA Today bestselling author and has earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate the A Season To Wed Celebration Tour, Rachel Hauck is giving away a Kindle Fire! Click to enter https://promosimple.com/ps/953c
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by admin | Apr 5, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Law Enforcement, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read all the books in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series so I was expecting her new series to be similar. Boy was I wrong! Protagonist Serena Jones could not be any further removed from Kate Adams if she tried. Don’t get me wrong – I thought it was great!
Serena is a smart cookie with a penchant for trouble. She loves art and loves her job with the FBI investigating art thefts. When a friend asks her to investigate some missing paintings from the local museum, Serena jumps right in, hoping to prove her abilities. Little does she expect all the trouble the case will bring nor does she expect the number of suspicious candidates who might be the culprit.
“A Fool and His Monet” is a cozy mystery at its best with multiple suspects, some danger and action, a touch of romance, and a large dose of humor. What could be better? In my opinion, Sandra Orchard made a successful transition from romantic suspense to cozy mysteries. I simply cannot wait to see where Serena might take the readers next.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sketchy politics and a palette of lies can’t stop Serena Jones from exposing the mastermind behind the daring theft of a priceless work of art
Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art–one that’s surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about who murdered her grandfather. She’s joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother’s pleas to do something safer–like get married–Serena’s determined to catch thieves and black market traders.
When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Serena leaps into action–and a whole heap of trouble.
Read an excerpt from “A Fool & His Monet” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
