by admin | Sep 11, 2020 | Books, Canada, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Tethered is a beautifully written story about finding oneself as well as discovering one’s family roots and making peace with the past. As I read many of the characters and their history seemed quite familiar to me. Took me awhile but I realized that many of them played a major role in an earlier book by this author that I reviewed, Unbound. Once I remembered that, this book took on even more depth to me as I began to connect the dots between characters and situations.
I loved the sense of family and community portrayed in this novel. Although a virtual stranger to everyone in town, Jacqui was accepted and ministered to by so many of them despite her frequent mishaps and mess ups. One hurting man in particular helped her out again and again. The path to his healing and Jaqui’s road to the truth intersected, then reached the same destination.
What a special story with a strong theme of redemption woven through it! I would highly recommend it to those who love a good contemporary romance without all the fluff.
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:
Perfectionistic librarian Jacqui Penn is ripped up by the roots when she’s dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Rootless and on the run, she is drawn two thousand miles west across Canada to the last place she ever thought could offer stability—the old homestead where her father grew up.Renovating the derelict house soon becomes a personal battle as it stubbornly resists her efforts. While Jacqui struggles to renew the home, she spends time with the family Pops bitterly resented. Her hunger for roots grows stronger as she fights to discover the long-buried reasons her father fled the house as a beleaguered teen. But will she ever find the belonging she craves?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In a fit of optimism at age eleven, Eleanor Bertin began her first novel by numbering a stack of 100 pages. Two of them got filled.
Eleanor holds a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism until the birth of her first child. The family eventually grew to include seven children, all girls except six. Writing was crowded out by homeschooling a houseful for 25 years until Lifelines, her first completed novel, was shortlisted in the 2015 Word Alive Free Publishing Contest.
Eleanor and her husband live with their youngest son, who has Down syndrome, amidst the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta. She blogs about a sometimes elusive contentment at jewelofcontentment.wordpress.com
by admin | Sep 11, 2020 | Books, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ever since her recovery from a gunshot wound by the same men who murdered her husband, Kate has been on the run for her life. No matter what safe house she has been placed, somehow the killer has managed to find her. Not trusting her protectors, Kate has gone it alone but her pursuers have found her again. If only she knew what they wanted from her. Eight months pregnant, all Kate wants is peace and a safe place to prepare for her baby.
Still grieving the loss of his own wife and unborn child, security expert Jacob Jones cannot ignore Kate when he realizes that she is in danger and needs someone to help her. Even though doing so resurrects unwanted memories, Jacob is determined to win Kate’s trust and make certain she and her baby survive.
Jennifer Pierce is another new author to me so I was unsure what to expect from Expecting Danger. What I found was a fast-paced, suspense-filled tale that kept me scrolling my ereader as fast as I could read. I loved Jacob’s character, an honorable man who could have easily walked away from Kate’s troubles and left her to fend for herself. His faith and integrity shone through and eventually won Kate’s trust and love by the end of the story. The plot was well developed with vivid imagery and strong characterizations. A perfect blend of danger, suspense, romance, and faith, Expecting Danger was a welcome read to fill a few hours of my spare time. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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:
Kate has been on the run from the men who killed her husband and left her for dead–which isn’t easy considering she’s eight months pregnant–but now they’ve found her. Again. Still reeling from her late husband’s betrayal, the last thing Kate wants is the help of a handsome stranger.
Security expert, Jacob Jones, is still grieving the loss of his pregnant wife, and he’s not ready to move on. But when he thwarts an attempted abduction of the beautiful Kate, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Despite her reluctance, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to save her, including giving up his own life.
Kate’s only option is to take a leap of faith and allow Jacob to help her. But can she trust him to keep her and her unborn baby alive? Or will he fail her like everyone else in her life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers, where she serves as secretary.
Website: lovereadwriterepeat.wordpress.com
by admin | Sep 8, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I have found that reading a book by Roseanna M. White is akin to climbing into a time machine and taking a trip across the years to the setting of the story. In A Portrait of Loyalty I stepped into the plot and walked beside Zivon and Lily as they experienced life in London during World War 1, complete with danger, intrigue, tragedy, and romance.
The author paints a vivid picture with her words and it is obvious that she has researched her subject well. My history classes always seemed to run out of time before we ever reached this era and we barely touched on WW2 if we studied it at all. I hate to admit that I have learned far more about the Great War from fiction authors such as Roseanna White than I ever learned in school. I found everything about the work of the codebreakers and Lily’s skill at retouching or recreating photographs to be fascinating. So much went on behind the scenes to help win the war.
It was so encouraging for me to see God at work in the pages of this book and the difference love and forgiveness can make in the lives of even the most misguided people. I found it so gratifying the way one particular situation was handled at the end when it could have easily been handled in a less redemptive fashion.
I have loved the Codebreakers series and am a bit sad to see it end. I will miss some of the characters from the three books but who knows, some of them may make an appearance in another series one day. It has been fun to witness that happening a time or two in A Portrait of Loyalty. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must; however I do suggest reading the entire series for the full experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He sees patterns in what she deems chaos.
She sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed.
Zivon Marin was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee to England after speaking out against Lenin, Zivon is driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits. But never far from his mind is his brother, whom Zivon fears died in the train crash that separated them.
Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and re-creating photographs. With her father’s connections in propaganda, she’s recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove if she ever found out.
After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily that soon takes over their hearts. But both have secrets they’re unwilling to share, and neither is entirely sure they can trust the other. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams–it becomes a matter of ending the war.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
GIVEAWAY:
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A Portrait of Loyalty PRIZE PACK Includes:
One (1) Gift Certificate to Shutterfly of $25
One (1) Eiffel Tower Framed Print (photo taken by my daughter)
One (1) “Capture Life” Bracelet
One (1) A Portrait of Loyalty T-Shirt
Complete Print set of The Codebreakers, signed. Includes one (1) copy of The Number of Love, one (1) copy of On Wings of Devotion, and one (1) copy of A Portrait of Loyalty.
Enter via the Rafflecopter link below. Prizes subject to change due to availability. Open to US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited. Giveaway open 9/8/2020 – 9/15/2020. One (1) winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and will be notified via the email provided. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected. See roseannamwhite.com for more information. |
by admin | Sep 7, 2020 | American Crime, Books, England, Historical, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Pinkertons, Romance, Texas, True Crime
MY REVIEW:
Kathleen Y’Barbo’s contribution to the True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime, The Black Midnight is brilliant! It is such a clever blend of true, unsolved crimes with fictional characters and imaginary scenarios that I was captivated by it. It is evident by the way both Austin and London came to life on its pages that this author has done her research and done it well. And how inspired was it to feature a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria as a Pinkerton detective!
Once again this author has contributed to an evening of my reading pleasure with a well-balanced combination of mystery, danger, suspense, and romance. It was fun to imagine the possibilities behind both the Jack the Ripper and the Midnight Assassin unsolved cases and how they might be connected.
I highly recommend The Black Midnight to all lovers of true crime fiction. I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series but this one is a must. Do pick up a copy for yourself soon.
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:
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Book: The Black Midnight
Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo
Genre: Christian Historical Suspense
Release Date: August, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Death Seems to Follow Harriet’s New Friend
Book 7 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds as The Midnight Assassin terrorized the citizens of Austin, Texas. Now, with suspicion falling on Her Majesty’s family and Scotland Yard at a loss as to who the Ripper might be, Queen Victoria summons her great-granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, a former Pinkerton agent who worked the unsolved Austin case, and orders her to discreetly form a team to look into the London matter.
The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find the The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.
Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than sixty novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad.
MORE FROM KATHLEEN Y’BARBO:
I am a tenth generation Texan, but London has held a place in my heart for over ten years. You see, I have a son who has lived there for more than a decade. Thanks to him and his family of three—my granddaughter was born there on New Year’s Eve 2019—the city will always be special to me. There is absolutely nothing like walking those streets with a thousand years of history close enough to touch.
It was on a walk with my son through this great city that the stories of nineteenth century London came alive. With fog shrouding the rooftops of buildings that were hundreds of years old and our footsteps echoing on the cobblestones, I could imagine a time when lack of electricity and CCTV would make this place less than charming on a dark night. What reminded me of my favorite childhood movie, Mary Poppins, quickly became more reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. And then a story was born.
Only I just had half the story.
The other half came to me several years later when I stumbled across an article in Texas Monthly magazine about a serial killer who rampaged through Austin, Texas in 1884 and 1885 and was never caught. Some surmised this madman, called “The Midnight Assassin” by some, might have been Jack the Ripper honing his skills before he crossed the Atlantic to begin his famous crime spree in Great Britain.
But Austin? Ironically, my other two sons lived in Austin. So while part of my heart was in London, two more parts of that same heart resided in the Texas capital. I thought I knew Austin inside out. Between one of my sons getting not one but two degrees from the University of Texas (this Aggie grad is still proud of him in spite of what I jokingly call his burnt orange rebellion) and my other son living there and managing a restaurant at the time (and who just graduated from Texas A&M Galveston last month!), I had spent many years in the city. And yet I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin.
Research turned up a tale that sounds so close to fiction I had to write about it. Discovering the theory that the Austin killer might also be the Ripper just added to my interest—neither had been caught. And I like to write about Pinkerton detectives.
From there the story unfolded. If you’ve read any of my historical romances, you know that I love incorporating actual history into my stories. As you’ll see when you read The Black Midnight, this book is no exception. While I will continue writing the historical romances I love to bring to you, I will confess that writing this book has me itching to research another one like it.
What’s next in my foray into true crime novels? Maybe Houston. You see, I have a daughter who lives there…
In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy reading The Black Midnight as much as I enjoyed writing it!
BLOG STOPS:
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Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 27
Genesis 5020, August 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27
Inklings and notions, August 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 28
Older & Smarter?, August 29
Texas Book-aholic, August 29
Artistic Nobody, August 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
For the Love of Literature, August 30
Connie’s History Classroom, August 30
For Him and My Family, August 31
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 31
Betti Mace, September 1
Robin’s Nest, September 1
Bigreadersite, September 1
deb’s Book Review, September 2
Splashes of Joy, September 2
Just Your Average reviews, September 2
Rebecca Tews, September 3
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Just the Write Escape, September 3
Emily Yager, September 3
Christian Bookaholic, September 4
reviewingbooksplusmore, September 4
KarenSueHadley, September 4
Remembrancy, September 5
Through the Fire Blogs, September 5
21st Century Keeper at Home, September 6
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6
Blogging With Carol, September 6
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 7
Life of Literature, September 7
Mary Hake, September 7
Godly Book Reviews, September 8
Back Porch Reads, September 8
Daysong Reflections, September 8
Pause for Tales, September 9
Blossoms and Blessings, September 9
Hallie Reads, September 9
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/ffb7/the-black-midnight-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Sep 2, 2020 | Books, Depression Era, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with this author I was not sure what to expect when I requested The Sinner in Mississippi to review. It looked interesting so I did expect an enjoyable story. Then I began to see warnings that there were scenes that might be triggers for some people and I began to doubt my choice. Thankfully, I did decide to read this book. Although there were definitely some difficult scenes that could truly be triggers to those who have suffered similar situations, each was presented with restraint.
The heroine of this narrative is Mississippi, a young woman living in poverty with a father and two brothers who neglected and abused her. Rescued from that life by an honorable businessman who took her into his home and provided everything she needed and offered her a fresh start in life. Mississippi experienced what might be called the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life which tended to make her doubt that God cared for her. Through the care and love of Thayer, Mississippi eventually realizes that she has been in God’s hands all along.
Vivid imagery and character descriptions (even the bad ones) worked together to make this book difficult to close. Its strong story of forgiveness gave just the right tone to a book that will be long remembered by most readers.
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: The Sinner in Mississippi
Author: D.L. Lane
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Romance
Release Date: May 1, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Not expecting me to live, the midwife cleaned me up, wrapped me in an old tea towel, and placed me in a knitting basket beside the wood-burning stove. According to Mama, the storm raged until morning, but I never made one sound. So, hours later, when they peeked in at me, they were surprised to see me sucking my thumb, staring up at them with eyes the color of bluebells.
Mama told me, that’s when she cried.
See, she hadn’t shed a single tear during the harsh pain of giving birth or out of fear of the horrible storm taking the house and her with it, but she sobbed when she saw me. To her, it would have been better for all of us if I’d passed on in the night, carried off on the wings of angels, never to suffer the evils of this world. And sometimes, I wondered if she hadn’t been right.
–Mississippi Singleton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
D.L. Lane is a wife, musician, a graduate of Liberty University, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2010 she walked away from the day job and started a writing career using a pen name. As far as the world was concerned, she was very successful writing romances, however, success aside, she knew she wasn’t on the right path but stubbornly kept on going for nine years. Although a Christian and raised in a religious home, D.L went her own way, leaving God out of her choices until He said, “Enough.”
Weary and seeking guidance, she finally listened and left the course she was on as an established novelist to take a new path—putting God first in her life where He always should have been.
MORE FROM D.L.:
I love writing, and I love to challenge myself as an author, and so I thought, why not write a fictional historical piece. This was a test for me since there are many things to research when writing during a different era, especially when I wasn’t around at that time. But I prayed about it, grabbed my laptop, and started writing about a poor, uneducated girl who grew up in Louisiana during the Great Depression in a motherless home with a group of reprobate males.
Not unlike the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, a boy despised by his brothers who plotted against him, later rose from the depths to become one of the most powerful men in Egypt, facing the very men who had been responsible for the atrocities he’d suffered. Joseph had a choice. Let them die or help the ones who never helped him? This story weaves some of that same treachery with truth, teaching not only the heroine but the hero the ultimate meaning of love.
I wanted to give readers a book demonstrating the fact God will never leave us, even if we have left him for a time. That a personal relationship with Christ is our ultimate source of strength, and with His help, we can be pulled out of the depths of great sorrow, rising to heights we never imagined possible.
BLOG STOPS:
| Texas Book-aholic, August 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23
Inklings and notions, August 24
Genesis 5020, August 24
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25
For the Love of Literature, August 26
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 27
Maureen’s Musings, August 27
For Him and My Family, August 28
Godly Book Reviews, August 29
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Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30Labor Not in Vain, August 30
deb’s Book Review, August 31
Pause for Tales, September 1
Betti Mace, September 2
Rebecca Tews, September 2
Daysong Reflections, September 3
Connie’s History Classroom, September 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4 |
To celebrate her tour, D.L. is giving away the grand prize package of a $10 Amazon eGift Card and a free Audiobook of The Sinner in Mississippi!!
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/ffa5/the-sinner-in-mississippi-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Aug 23, 2020 | Books, Coast Guard, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The Crushing Depths gets off to a rousing start and the action rarely stops until it reaches its somewhat unexpected end. I love how true-to-life the author forms her characters with none of their human strengths and frailties hidden from view. The camaraderie between the characters is a pleasure to observe with touches of humor in the midst of danger and tragedy, much like real life. I also enjoy how characters cross between books so that their stories continue alongside the featured heroes of the current novel.
I will keep this review short because I certainly do not want to reveal any spoilers. This story is action packed and filled with danger, suspense, tragedy, loyalty and dedication with a bit of faith, humor, and romance woven in for good measure. Lovers of suspense cannot go wrong with a novel by Dani Pettrey and The Crushing Depths is a fine example of her talent.
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: The Crushing Depths
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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They know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth…
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!
| Where Faith and Books Meet, August 12
Losing the Busyness, August 12
deb’s Book Review, August 12
Texas Book-aholic, August 13
Fiction Full Of Faith, August 13
For Him and My Family, August 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13
Artistic Nobody, August 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Through the Fire Blogs, August 15
Mia Reads, August 15
April Hayman, Author, August 15
Emily Yager, August 15
Inklings and notions, August 16
Stories By Gina, August 16
CarpeDiem, August 16
Betti Mace, August 17
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17
KarenSueHadley, August 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18
lakaesidelivingsite, August 18
Livin’ Lit, August 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 19 |
Life, Love, Writing, August 19
Blogging With Carol, August 19
Life of Literature, August 19
Older & Smarter?, August 20
Inside the Wong Mind, August 20
Mary Hake, August 20
Melissa Wardwell- Back Porch Reads, August 21
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 21
Empowermoms, August 21
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21
Amanda Tero, August 22
Splashes of Joy, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 23
Worthy2Read, August 23
Spoken from the Heart, August 23
Hallie Reads, August 23
The Artist Librarian, August 24
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , August 24
Daysong Reflections, August 24
Hebrews 12 Endurance, August 25
Live. Love. Read., August 25
Remembrancy, August 25
Lights in a Dark World, August 25 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a necklace, tumbler and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
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/ff51/the-crushing-depths-celebration-tour-giveaway
