by admin | Jul 7, 2013 | Books, Conspiracy Theories, Historical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
A speculative novel based on the unidentified “babushka lady” seen in the only film of the JFK assassination in 1963, Frame 232 gives the reader one more possibility of what could have happened on that fateful day, and if so, the possible ramifications if that film were to be unearthed today. In view of the many conspiracy theories that have developed over the years about the assassination, Mara’s novel is almost believable. In any case, his novel offers several interesting and exciting hours of reading to be sure.
Frame 232 obviously has a great plot since it is based on both truth and speculation about an event that changed the course of United States history. The narrative moves at a steady pace and the reader is always aware of the importance of each scene. Plenty of action keeps things moving right along and the dialogue is natural. The violence that is necessary to the plot is not overly graphic and only a couple of brief scenes even allude to anything of a sexual nature. The fictional characters are very well developed and each one plays an important role in the story. Jason Hammond is a hero to admire for his integrity, his compassion, and his bravery. Sheila Baker holds her own as the heroine who seeks Jason’s help then works determinedly by his side as they seek to solve the mystery and to elude personal danger at the same time. Lost faith in God and the path to finding it again is an integral thread throughout the book but is genuine and not overbearing.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Frame 232. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next Jason Hammond novel. I am personally hoping that Sheila will play a prominent role in it also.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.
During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.
On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?
Read an excerpt from Frame 232 HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wil Mara has been publishing books for the last 25 years. He began with nonfiction for school libraries, moved into children’s fiction by ghostwriting five of the popular ‘Boxcar Children Mysteries,’ then into adult fiction with his 2005 disaster thriller, Wave, which won the New Jersey Notable Book Award. The next disaster novel, The Gemini Virus, was released in October 2012 to rave reviews by critics and public alike. Wil also spent 20 years as an editor, working for Harcourt-Brace, Prentice Hall, and others.
For more information, visit Wil at his website.
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Historical, Nautical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I open the pages of a new novel by MaryLu Tyndall there are several things I know I can count on – an exciting adventure on the sea, most likely with some mystery and suspense, a turbulent romance, and an uncompromised message of faith. I am pleased to say that I found all of that and more within “Forsaken Dreams”. Even its gorgeous cover hints at what I found inside.
A varied group of Southerners have responded to an advertisement to leave the post-Civil war south to help set up a community in Brazil. Once aboard the ship where they will live in close quarters for weeks, they quickly find that it will not be an easy journey. The ship is plagued with a number of unexpected incidents from the very beginning, some of which remain unexplainable. As the story progresses, it is evident that many of the passengers harbor secrets that could affect the others. At times their very survival is questionable.
I admired Eliza. Because of poor choices in her past, she had hoped that one major secret would not be revealed. When it came to light the reactions of many of the passengers were very negative (to say the least) but Eliza continued to treat their medical problems with love and forgiveness which eventually won most of them over. Although Colonel Blake Wallace had fallen in love with Eliza, he could not bring himself to forgive her for her past.
I loved everything about this book. Although some secrets were revealed, many more were not. Although the book ended on a positive note, a sense of brooding darkness remained. Of course that is the perfect setup for the next novel in the Escape to Paradise series, “Elusive Hope”. I for one can’t wait for its November release.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They Left Everything behind to Build a New Southern Utopia.
Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamed of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Small Town Girl” revisits the small town of Rosey Corner five years after the end of “Angel Sister”. The year is 1941 and the news is full of Hitler’s war in Europe and U. S. negotiations with Japan. Although the townspeople are unsettled by the unknown future, life in Rosey Corner goes on as usual for the most part. Kate Merritt has grown into a lovely young woman who is able to wish her sister Evie happiness as she marries the man Kate has secretly loved since she was fifteen. Mike’s best man Jay Tanner decides to stay in town for awhile after the wedding when he is offered a job because he is so intrigued by whatever makes Kate different from the other women he has known. Kate’s apparent lack of interest surprises him and makes him more determined to gain her attention.
Ann Gabhart has once again penned what I would consider a classic novel. I loved the World War 2 era small town setting with its diverse mix of residents. It was fun catching up with Kate and her family as well as the others who played major roles in “Angel Sister”. As always a strong theme of faith and redemption is woven seamlessly into the story yet I never felt that the author was preaching at me. I also liked the lesson about finding out who God wants you to be rather than always trying to be who you think others want or listening to the lies of those who don’t really care.
“Small Town Girl” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction with a nostalgic feel. This book can stand on its own but do yourself a favor and pick up “Angel Sister” too if you haven’t already read it. You will be so glad to know the rest of the Merritt family story.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart weaves a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. In her gentle and textured style, Gabhart takes the reader back to a time when days moved slowly and life was simple. A world that was about to change forever.
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town waits in anticipation as if holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of handsome best man Jay Tanner can’t draw her interest.
Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate’s friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens and collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?
Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Gabhart tells a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more HERE.
by admin | Jul 3, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
When I read Billy Coffey’s first novel “Snow Day”, I had absolutely no expectations but was quickly pulled in by his straightforward conversational style. Since then I have been a semi-regular visitor to Billy’s blog and have enjoyed reading his honest and unique outlook on almost everything under the sun. Sometimes he has made me laugh and other times has brought me to tears. So it was with great anticipation that I opened my review copy of “When Mockingbirds Sing”. I was not disappointed but it might be a bit difficult for me to properly convey my thoughts about this wonderful novel.
“When Mockingbirds Sing” is a fantastical story but it is filled with the truest of truths. Leah, a broken and fearful young girl whose parents are “spiritual but not religious” has an invisible friend the “Rainbow Man” who reveals things to Leah that she couldn’t possibly know. Her prophetic paintings first entice then enrage the townspeople of Mattingly. What kind of magic is at work in young Leah and how could anything good come from it?
This is a story with many layers. On the surface it is a beautifully written book with a great plot and interesting characters. Upon repeated looks beneath the surface our inner hearts are revealed – how we judge each other and ourselves, our true motives, and even what we think about God. After all, how can a good and loving God pour out blessings with one hand and take away with the other? And why on earth would He speak through a little girl who had not even been brought up in church?
“When Mockingbirds Sing” may not give you all the answers but it will certainly leave you seeking those answers for yourself. This is one book you just have to read.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What marks the boundary between a miracle from God and the imagination of a child?
Leah is a child from Away, isolated from her peers because of her stutter. But then she begins painting scenes that are epic in scope, brilliant in detail, and suffused with rich, prophetic imagery. When the event foreshadowed in the first painting dramatically comes true, the town of Mattingly takes notice.
Leah attributes her ability to foretell the future to an invisible friend she calls the Rainbow Man. Some of the townsfolk are enchanted with her. Others fear her. But there is one thing they all agree on—there is no such thing as the Rainbow Man.
Her father, the town psychologist, is falling apart over his inability to heal his daughter . . . or fix his marriage. And the town minister is unraveled by the notion that a mere child with no formal training may be hearing from God more clearly than he does.
While the town bickers over what to do with this strange child, the content of Leah’s paintings grows darker. Still, Leah insists that the Rainbow Man’s heart is pure. But then a dramatic and tragic turn of events leaves the town reeling and places everyone’s lives in danger. Now the people of Mattingly face a single choice:
Will they cling to what they know . . . or embrace the things Leah believes in that cannot be seen?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Billy Coffey was raised on stories. The first ones came on the front porches of relatives, tales laced with local charm and deep meaning. Then came the stories from people like Max Lucado and Robert Fulghum, who write with a charm and deep meaning of their own. He lives with his wife and two children in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. If you drive by his house, you’ll probably spot him on the front porch. If you do, give him a wave. He’ll wave back.
Learn more about Billy and his books on his website. Be sure to check out his blog.
by admin | Jul 3, 2013 | Books, Civil War, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWidow of GettysburgRiver North; New Edition edition (April 12, 2013)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering–and a Rebel scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
While Liberty’s future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty’s hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.
In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?
Widow of Gettysburg is inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Widow of Gettysburg, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 2, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although “The Quarryman’s Bride” is the second book in Tracie Peterson’s Land of Shining Water series, it can easily stand on its own. The novel opens in the tragic aftermath of a tornado that took the lives of Emmalynne’s two younger sisters. In his grief, Emmalynne’s father forces her to leave her fiance to move with her remaining family to uphold the family tradition that the youngest daughter will care for her parents in their old age. Devastated, Emmalynne chose to honor her parents much to Tavin’s displeasure.
After a period of over ten years, the Knox family returns to their former home where her father has accepted employment at the Maclachlan quarry. Emmalynne’s mother has become a invalid so Emmalynne is responsible for making sure all the work is done; however conditions in their new home are primitive compared to their city home. Emmalynne’s father is still a tyrant who demonstrates no love to his family and she has lost all hope for happiness. Even the new doctor’s obvious interest is doomed to come to nothing. Tavin’s return home brings both pain and hope to Emmalynne who realizes she has never stopped loving him. Yet nothing has changed – there is no way they can ever be together.
Filled with raw emotion and a steadfast love, “The Quarryman’s Bride” was a thoroughly satisfying book. Peterson’s characters are so well developed that they invite the reader’s involvement in their lives. A beautiful story of reconciliation and redemption, it emphasizes the importance of reliance on God rather than oneself. I especially liked the changes in Emmalynne’s father after she chose to love him despite his harsh treatment of his entire family. A poignant tale with danger, drama, action, romance, and even a hint of mystery, “The Quarryman’s Bride” is an excellent choice for historical fiction lovers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The latest book in the Land of Shining Waters series.
Peterson Hits the Bestseller Lists Again and Again!
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together…until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne’s youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne’s family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne’s father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin’s father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.
Find out more about Tracie at http://www.traciepeterson.com.
Tracie is celebrating with a “True Love” $200 Anthropologie giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Anthropologie gift card
- The Quarryman’s Bride and The Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the “The Quarryman’s Bride” Facebook Author Chat Party on July 9th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also share an exclusive look at the next book in the Land of Shining Water series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of The Quarryman’s Bride and join Tracie on the evening of July 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 9th!
Be sure to head to Tracie’s FB page to enter to win a Tracie Peterson library! Click the banner for details.
