by admin | May 4, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
After reading the first two books in the Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn series, I can truthfully say that the series would be perfect to read during summer vacation or a long, lazy weekend. These novels invite the reader to join three sisters on Nantucket Island, the location of many happy childhood memories of family vacations there. When they discover that the Misty Harbor Inn is empty and has been allowed to deteriorate, Caroline encourages Gracie and Sam to join her in buying the property in order to open a bed and breakfast. Thus begins the adventure as each sister wrestles with the possibilities and then the process to make the inn their own. Not only was Misty Harbor Inn a dream of their late mother’s but it is the subject of many local legends and mysteries which include a missing widow and the possibility of secret rooms. Intrigued by its mysterious history, the three sisters are determined to discover everything they can about the former residents and what actually happened to them.
Each sister has a unique personality and background which at times causes a bit of conflict but their love for each other usually brings their differences to a quick resolution. The books themselves were easy and comfortable reads. I liked the fact that the three sisters were older and were of my own generation. I could also identify with them because I too am one of three sisters. The interaction between the characters was good with just the right balance of humor and conflict interspersed with normal, everyday life. Although contemporary in nature, this series has a nostalgic feel to it. Central themes are that you are never to old to follow your dreams and never too old for love.
These books were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.
Seaside Harmony:
Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!
When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.
Sunflower Summer:
Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.
Find out more about Evangeline HERE.
Welcome to the series launch of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series. Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer are the first two books to release in this charming series highlighting the beautiful Nantucket setting – complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. The series weaves together the stories of a family of sisters as they progress through their own unique personal journeys. Along the way, readers will discover the wonder of God’s love in the lives of each of his children and be drawn deeper and deeper into a mystery right alongside the characters.
Guideposts Books will be celebrating the release of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Nook HD
- Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!
So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!
by admin | May 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Recently widowed Mia Quinn is just barely managing to hold things together on her own. Between the two jobs she holds down to keep her head above water financially and two children who need more of her time than she can spare, she doesn’t need more responsibilities. When her friend and colleague Colleen is murdered, Mia’s boss urges her to work with homicide detective Charlie Carlson to solve the case. She agrees to work on the case if she and Charlie are also allowed to work on a case involving school bullies that has grabbed her attention. Both cases throw some big surprises at Mia and Charlie as they work against the clock to find a killer who may be targeting others in the prosecutor’s office.
I have read several novels by Lis Wiehl during the past year and have added them all to my keeper shelf. “A Matter of Trust” has earned its place among them. Its well-crafted plot and realistic characters are characteristic of her other novels and is one reason why I will continue to read anything this author writes. The descriptions of the legal process were both interesting and informational. The suspense built at just the right pace with natural breaks for real life family matters that helped me as a reader to know the characters better, especially Mia. Although “A Matter of Trust” is not an overtly Christian novel, I appreciated both the references to faith and the absence of objectionable subject matter.
I hesitate to say more for fear of spoilers. If you are a fan of legal suspense, do yourself a favor and give “A Matter of Trust” a try. You may find yourself a fan of Lis Wiehl just like I did.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When life is murder, who can you trust?
One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.
Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.
Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives with her husband and two children in New York.
Noted author Roald Dahl helped New York Times bestselling author April Henry take her first step as a writer. When April was eleven, she sent the famous children’s author a short story about a frog who loved peanut butter. He read it to an editor of an international children’s magazine, who then asked to publish it. April has since written several highly acclaimed mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award, and translated into several languages. Two have been chosen for BookSense by the independent booksellers of America. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.
by admin | May 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPast DarknessCrossway (April 30, 2013)byLaurel WoiwodeABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE.
by admin | Apr 30, 2013 | Books, Historical, Hollywood, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Every time I open a novel by Susan May Warren I know I am in for a treat. This prolific writer has a special gift for creating memorable characters and multi-layered plots that always leave me wanting just a little more (well maybe a LOT more). The third novel in the Daughters of Fortune trilogy, “Duchess” is the climatic conclusion to the series.
“Duchess” features Rosie Worth aka Roxy Price, a young woman searching for significance as a Hollywood actress and partner in a movie studio. Rosie has already experienced tragedy and loss in her life and is determined to be in total control of her destiny which has led her to make more than one decision that she later regrets. Although Rosie has achieved much of the success she desired, she has found that it has not brought happiness. Rolfe Van Horne seems to show up repeatedly in Rosie’s life, raising her hopes that he cares for her as much as she cares for him. Each of them carries a burden of grief and regrets yet they each have dealt with their problems in different ways.
The plot of “Duchess” takes the reader from the back lots of Hollywood to luxurious hotels around the world and even a castle or two in Europe. With a historical setting leading up to and through World War 2, the story features the plight of the Jews and those who worked under cover to free as many of them as possible. No novel by Susan May Warren would be complete without a strong message of faith and “Heiress” is no different. It takes Rosie awhile for it to sink in but she finally accepts the fact that only the Lord can control her destiny and she must surrender her control.
I was sorry for this series to end but I believe that the author tied up all the loose ends perfectly – even providing the reader with a surprise or two in the process. I eagerly await whatever Susan has in mind next for her readers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book Three in the Daughters of Fortune series.
When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
Welcome to the campaign launch for the epic conclusion of Susan May Warren’s Daughters of Fortune series. Romantic Times says of Duchess, “The golden era of Hollywood comes to life for readers in Warren’s third Daughters of Fortune novel. Warren writes from her heart, adding some intrigue, sins of the past and some twists and turns readers won’t see coming.”
Susan is celebrating the release of Duchess with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
One “glam” winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 4th. Winner will be announced on 5/7/13 at Susan’s blog.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Apr 29, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I find it difficult to believe that “The Heiress of Winterwood” is Sarah Ladd’s debut novel! Its descriptive language just flows and the story pulled me in from the very first few pages. I loved Amelia and Graham – their strengths and their weaknesses made them so humanly believable. I particularly liked Amelia’s determination to keep her promise to her friend despite what everyone else thought was best for her. Graham’s integrity and protectiveness toward Amelia made him a real hero in my eyes.
In contrast to Amelia and Graham, other characters included a slick fiance who was more interested in Amelia’s inheritance than her, an uncle who wanted to use Amelia to promote his own interests, a well-loved cousin of Amelia’s who hid some dark secrets, and Graham’s brother William, whose responsibilities were so overwhelming to him that he found himself in over his head. The plot was fairly unique and had a good balance of drama, romance, suspense, and humor with plenty of twists and surprises to keep it interesting. The strong message of faith was unobtrusive and added important substance to the tale. This was one novel I had a hard time putting down and it ended much too quickly for me. I can’t wait for the next installment of Ladd’s Whispers on the Moors series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after?
Darbury, England, 1814
Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything. An heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.
When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.
Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.
Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.
Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. “The Heiress of Winterwood” was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.
Welcome to the campaign launch for debut author Sarah Ladd’s The Heiress of Winterwood. Already a favorite with critics, USA Today says, “If you are a fan of Jane Austen and Jane Eyre, you will love Sarah E. Ladd’s debut.”
Sarah is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Apr 29, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Individuals tend to react to their personal tragedies in diverse ways. “Darkness Before Dawn” tells the story of Meg who loses her husband in a devastating accident caused by a drunken teen. Her grief takes the form of rage and an overwhelming need for revenge against the young man responsible. Day by day her anger grows, transforming her from a compassionate and loving nurse to a hard-hearted, hate-filled woman that her friends and family hardly recognize. Yet one woman, a terminal cancer patient, looks beyond the anger and continually speaks God’s love and truth into Meg’s life.
“Darkness Before Dawn” is not an easy read and its primary character Meg is difficult to like. The author does not pull any punches with his description of Meg’s reactions or subsequent events but throughout the entire narrative, he inserts spiritual truth that counteracts the lies of the enemy that Meg believes. A story of hate and revenge ultimately becomes a triumph of forgiveness and restoration.
“Darkness Before Dawn” is the first novel I’ve read by Ace Collins but I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. The novel was well-written with believable characters and plot. I’ll admit that I didn’t much like Meg at all but I attribute that to the author’s writing skill. I don’t believe we need to always like or identify with a character to enjoy a book. I would recommend this one to any who are willing to read about how deep in darkness the human soul can descend yet grope its way to the light of dawn through the power of God.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will grief push Meg over the edge?
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’s husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life—and Meg’s future—forever.
Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court’s decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels “Swope’s Ridge” and “Words of the Father”, as well as the nonfiction “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas”; and “Lassie: A Dog’s Life”. His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. AceCollins.com
Find out more about Ace at http://acecollins.com.
In his latest novel, Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press), Ace Collins leads readers on an emotionally charged ride from revenge to forgiveness.
Ace is celebrating the release of Darkness Before Dawn with a Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway! Go {HERE} or click the button for all the details. Follow along for a new giveaway each day. (Moleskin journal, books, Starbucks gift cards and so much more!)
