New Releases February 2021

by | Jan 31, 2021 | Books

Well, we have put January behind us and are starting fresh with a new month. Quite a few new books will be released during February including several I’ve been eagerly waiting for. I hope to post the March update before the end of this month to give everyone a chance to anticipate what’s coming up and to preorder so you can read it asap.

Click on the book cover to go to its Amazon listing.

DISCLAIMER:

Book links may contain Amazon associate codes. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

 

New Releases January 2021

by | Jan 31, 2021 | Books

 

Below you will find a number of Christian fiction books that have been published during January of this year. This list is by no means exhaustive but includes most novels released during this period by the major publishers. I personally have read at least ten of these books and plan to read several more. I have also created a duplicate page that can be accessed from the menu that will include upcoming books for each month as I have time to add them. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the post if you decide to purchase.

Click on the book cover to go to its Amazon listing.

DISCLAIMER:

Book links may contain Amazon associate codes. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

 

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels

by | Jan 29, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction

MY REVIEW:

As a title, All That We Carried serves a double purpose in my opinion. It literally describes the heavy backpacks the sisters struggled with during their hike and the emotional burdens that also weighed them down.It was especially appropriate that Olivia carried the heaviest pack for most of the hike since she was the sister who wrestled an enormous amount of guilt and forgiveness. I was happy to see that the sisters did mostly resolve many of their issues by the end but would have loved to read some more constructive dialogue between them rather than their constant bickering when they did talk.

While mildly interesting in places, it was a struggle for me to wade through this book. After losing my own mother just less than a year ago, it is difficult for me to imagine going for years with next to no communication with my sisters. We help each other get through the hard times and celebrate the good times together when we can.I am also not a hiker and found the minute details of the sisters’ hike to be somewhat boring. It is possible that in the midst of a simply terrible, horrible, depressing year that I just need to read something a bit more entertaining.

And just who was the Josh guy who kept showing up just when the sisters needed him and dispensed quite a bit of spiritual wisdom before disappearing again? Was he a real person or was he an angel or Jesus type supernatural being sent to help? I was never quite sure of that.

There were definitely some heavy themes that would leave most readers something to ponder afterwards.This might even be a good choice for book clubs because I can imagine quite a few good discussions that might be inspired by it.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The most treacherous terrain is found within

Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. They haven’t seen each other since the funeral. Olivia coped with the loss by plunging herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world–what you see is what you get, and that’s all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life coaching business around her DIY spirituality–a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.

Now, at Melanie’s insistence (and against Olivia’s better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they’ll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things (2020 Michigan Notable Book, 2020 WFWA Star Award-winner, 2019 Christy Award finalist) and The Words between Us (2020 Christy Award finalist, 2015 WFWA Rising Star Award finalist). Her short story, “This Elegant Ruin,” was a finalist in the Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest in 2014, and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. A publishing professional for 18 years, she is the director of WFWA’s annual writers retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

 

Active Defense by Lynette Eason

by | Jan 29, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Heather Fontaine had suspected she had a stalker for awhile but when someone broke into her home, she decided that she was putting the safety of her friends into danger so she disappeared. Fiercely independent, Heather tried not to let herself get too close to people and certainly would never ask anyone for help. Turns out she actually had another stalker in Travis Walker whose career was in security, only Travis was secretly keeping watch over Heather in order to protect her.

As in all novels by Lynette Eason, the suspense and danger ramped up with each chapter if not by the page. Who was stalking Heather and for what reason and how far were they willing to go? Plenty of action and unexpected twists kept me turning those pages and the well blended elements of faith and romance made it all the sweeter. It was fun seeing characters from earlier books in the series as well as meeting new ones in Active Defense.

As always, I recommend this book as well as any book written by this author. It stands on its own quite well but would be even more enjoyable if the series were read in proper order. Pick up your own copy soon!

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She’s used to life-or-death situations.
She just didn’t expect them to follow her home.

When former field surgeon Heather Fontaine returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house–and threatened her friends–she assumes it is the stalker who has been creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble follows her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn’t the only one observing Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it’s what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead–and why–before it’s too late.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk, as well as Protecting Tanner Hollow and the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Restoring Fairhaven by Carolyn Miller

by | Jan 28, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

On our last visit to Merriweather Island, readers spend some time with Samantha Green who has returned to the island to run her father’s landscaping company while he recover from serious health issues. Hoping to make her father proud of her Samantha accepts a huge landscaping makeover job for the neglected estate of famous author Max Fairhaven who has become quite reclusive and who hopes all the outside activity will not interfere with his writing. Who would ever expect the sparks to fly with the casual landscaper with dirt under her fingernails and the oh-so-proper Englishman?

Restoring Fairhaven was entertaining up to the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed the often clever and witty conversations between Max and Sam and loved witnessing their growing friendship and attraction. It was fun to see Max gradually come out of his shell under Sam’s influence and in turn seeing how Sam was able to become more trusting due to Max’s acceptance. A beautiful setting, real life situations and problems, and evidence of an unseen Hand working in their lives makes this novel a delightful read. 

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Restoring Fairhaven

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Click here to get your copy!

Love hurts, or so the songs say, so who wants it?

Taking on her ailing father’s gardening business on Merriweather Island, Samantha Green only wants to escape her ex and to make her father proud.

But Sam gets more than she bargained for when Greener Gardens accepts the job of restoring the gardens of a reclusive writer, Max Fairhaven, whose historical novels about romance and unrequited love litter bookstore shelves and movie marquees all over the world.

Max much prefers the fictional world to the real, and the gardening girl’s interruptions means he’s driven from his writing cave far too often for his liking.

How’s he supposed to craft stories with her distracting him all the time?

Things change when he learns something of Sam’s family challenges, and his admiration slowly kindles. With his secretary’s goading, he’s forced to confront the past, while facing the fact that he needs to change in order to avoid a lonely future.

Gentle pruning and a whole lot of banter forges a friendship between this not-so-Southern belle landscaper and the half-British author. But is their budding attraction enough to grow into a flourishing happily-ever-after?

Restoring Fairhaven is the final “Merriweather book,” but don’t forget to embark on a tour of the next island in this series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.
 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.
 
MORE FROM CAROLYN:

I’m a long time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees! I’m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, the site of Mr. Darcy’s magnificent Pemberley from the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice, and who has also worked at Kew Gardens in England.

Some of my garden and plant highlights include visiting Blarney Castle’s Poison Garden in Ireland, New Zealand’s Hamilton Gardens, Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, Frederik Meijer Gardens in Michigan, the redwoods of Yosemite, California, Butchart Gardens in Victoria Island, Canada, and Jardin Botanique in Montreal, Canada.

I love to post pictures of flowers and trees on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/carolynmillerauthor/)  and have included pictures of some of these places at my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) I have incorporated some of the gardens and plants in a number of my historical novels, including the gorgeous gardens at a castle in Scotland where I set Misleading Miss Verity.

I’m so excited to be introducing readers to my new contemporary books, where I can bring some of my love of gardens (& my hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Restoring Fairhaven sees readers introduced to a range of gardening experts who together will bring the gardens of the Independence Islands back to life.

If you’re someone who has enjoyed The Secret Garden, or Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart, you’ll be sure to enjoy this story of a reclusive writer and the gardening guru sent to restore his gardens – and his heart.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 16

lakesidelivingsite, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

April Hayman, Author, January 17

A Novel Pursuit, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Rebekah Reads, January 18

Blogging With Carol, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20

Mary Hake, January 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 21

CarpeDiem, January 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 22

Cultivating Us, January 22

Kathleen Neely, January 22

Livin’ Lit, January 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 23

Simple Harvest Reads, January 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Older & Smarter?, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, January 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 25

Inkwell Inspirations, January 25

deb’s Book Review, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 26

Joanne Markey, January 26

She Lives To Read, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, January 28

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Godly Book Reviews, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Daysong Reflections, January 29

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon prize and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/105a8/restoring-fairhaven-celebration-tour-giveaway

For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson – Just Read Tours

by | Jan 22, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Although her bio doesn’t mention it, one might think Janet Ferguson has a day job as a Christian counselor or in a rehab center for substance abuse. Each of the books in her Coastal Hearts series centers around such a center and each one contains one or more redemptive stories of changed lives. For the Love of Joy is another such novel that touched my heart once again.

I love the continuity of this series in which familiar characters from previous books interact with the featured characters in the current book. What a beautiful picture of true Christian friendship with friends who put their own lives on hold to help someone through a hard patch or to accept a new friend without judgment. I loved finally getting to read Davis Donnelly’s story and was not at all disappointed. The emotionally charged tale was relieved by ample humorous moments, often supplied by Davis and Joy’s frequent use of amusing colloquialisms, many that brought back sweet memories of my grandmother.

So what happens when a man decides to find the woman he assumes is his ex only to witness a serious accident that leaves her in desperate need of help and has absolutely no one else to help  her and her toddler except him? Well Davis is the kind of man who helps others whether they deserve it or not. As most readers can imagine, helping Joy and little Hankie stirs up a hornets nest of emotional baggage from the past that has the potential to destroy or redeem their lives.

I’ll stop here because of spoilers, you know. Just take my advice and grab a copy of For the Love of Joy asap and while you’re at it, you might want to pick up the rest of the series too. I guarantee you will probably want to read them too.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: For the Love of Joy

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Release Date: January 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance / Southern rom-com

Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.

Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret.

When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner, FHL Readers Choice Winner, and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a wetcat Hug Yourself Turkish beach towel, beach bookmark, Meyers lavender soy candle, signed book, note, and shell from the author! Dream beach 2021!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.