Books | Daysong Reflections

Hometown Honey by Jessica Patch

by admin | Jul 15, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Novella, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I read my first book by Jessica Patch after I learned that she lives in my general neck of the woods. She may be an hour or so away but that’s pretty much local and I need to support local authors if I can. The first few of her books I read were Love Inspired Suspense and I found them to be well crafted and good enough that I added her to my must read list. Then came the Honeyhaven novellas and I learned that this author also has a talent for light-hearted romantic comedy.

Hometown Honey is the third volume of the Honeyhaven series. It features single mom Zayda Miller who dreams of expanding her business to a larger building and her former best friend Stratton Shay who has become a famous chef and has returned to town for the annual pageant. Stratton has a dream of his own and is finally in the position to achieve it but what if his dream and Zayda’s dream collide?

Hometown Honey is the perfect summer read with its lovable characters, humorous situations, and warm-hearted romance. In addition to the primary characters, other Honeyhaven residents play excellent supporting roles. It was fun to catch up with the stars of the previous books and to learn a bit more about Crockett and Scout (aren’t those great names?) who I hope will be featured in the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hometown Honey from the very beginning to its perfect end. If you haven’t had a chance to read anything by this author, this series would be an excellent place to start.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Welcome back to Honeyhaven!

The town is gearing up for the bicentennial and all the festivities including the annual Hometown Honey Pageant. Single mom, Zayda Miller has never been a fan of pageants, particularly this one, but she needs cash and if she could pull it off and win, she could use the sweet prize money to help her achieve her dream. With zero talent or skill in the kitchen—why baking pies is part of the pageant is beyond her—she’s off to a pathetic start. When her high school sweetheart, up and coming chef, Stratton Shay returns to town for the grand event, she reluctantly allows him to help her in the kitchen, but they might be cooking up more than pies for the competition. Until they discover they both want the same thing. And for one of them to win, the other will have to lose.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

by admin | Jul 14, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time

MY REVIEW:

I anticipate that Set the Stars Alight may take its place as my very favorite book of 2020. In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to surpass this beautifully written story. I have found each and everything I have read by Amanda Dykes to be filled with wonder and a magical, lyrical style that makes me want to immerse myself into the story and stay forever. Each of her tales is better than the last.

Although many reviewers have remarked on the sense of wonder and light that emits from this book, I can only agree. Wonder just seems to be the right word and no other one will do to describe how I felt when reading it. This author has a powerful gift that touches the very soul and Set the Stars Alight was just what I needed to read during the dark days of this summer.

Set the Stars Alight is story-telling at its best. Quotable lines abound on nearly every page. I highly recommend reading it for the sheer beauty of its words but its story is worthwhile and offers a ray of hope to all who enter in.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father’s fireside stories, Lucy Claremont’s fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life’s work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it’s childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers–and the healing–they so desperately seek.

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s a former English teacher and the author of Whose Waves These Are, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.

At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer

by admin | Jul 12, 2020 | Books, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Texas, Western

MY REVIEW:

At Love’s Command first grabbed my attention with its cover. After all what red blooded girl can resist a handsome cowboy and his horse? My familiarity with previous books from Karen Witemeyer sealed the deal for me. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books I’ve read by this author and have found them to be the perfect blend of action, danger, humor, romance, and faith, almost always with a western setting. And I do love a good historical western romance.

I am quite happy to say that At Love’s Command thoroughly met my expectations. In fact it may have been Witemeyer’s best book yet (and I have loved most of them). With a strong and determined lady doctor, Josephine Burkett and one of the manliest heroes yet, Matthew Hanger, this book took me on an unforgettable adventure where the unexpected lurked around every corner. Any example would give away too much and possibly ruin the fun for other readers.

Josephine and Matthew were the perfect pair, both giving as good as they could take and the dialogue between them was witty and near perfect in my opinion. I loved how protective Matthew was toward Josephine although for the most part she was pretty capable of taking care of herself. I also enjoyed getting to know other members of Hanger’s Horsemen and look forward to read their own stories in future installments.

If you enjoy a good historical western romance, do not delay in grabbing a copy of At Love’s Command for yourself. I do not think you will be sorry.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He’s fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he’s tempted to surrender.

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

Don’t Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

by admin | Jul 11, 2020 | Books, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Elizabeth Goddard has earned her place on my list of must read suspense authors. Her Uncommon Justice series has been first rate all the way and Don’t Keep Silent is the icing on the cake. Goddard offers her readers a tale of nonstop action, mystery and suspense, with ample clues along the way yet somehow managed to keep me guessing until the very end.

Characters are both well-rounded and relatable. I honestly cared about Liam and Rae and hoped that they not only would find Rae’s sister-in-law but that their relationship would be restored. Several possible suspects looked good as the villain in my opinion and I was wrong more than once. The narrative included a surprise or two that helped to keep things interesting. A strong message of faith was included but was not intrusive.

Don’t Keep Silent was an enjoyable read that kept this suspense fan happy for a few hours. I look forward to this author’s next series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided for the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That’s another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn’t feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he’s less than thrilled. But Rae’s keen investigative skills have led her down the right path–and directly into the dragon’s mouth–leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

Purchase a copy here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series–Buried, Backfire, and Deception–and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.

A Dream within a Dream by Mike Nappa and Melissa Kosci

by admin | Jul 9, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Having read the previous books in the Coffey & Hill series, I knew exactly what to expect from A Dream Within A Dream – or so I thought! Each and every one of the other books has been a nonstop, breath-holding adventure and the latest installment certainly lived up to those expectations. Yes, I expected surprises around every corner as well as plenty of action, mystery, and suspense. What I didn’t expect was to become so heavily involved in the lives of the characters that one final surprise left me in shock.

A Dream Within A Dream is a twisted tale that continuously kept me wondering exactly what was going on. One character in particular played a role that demanded my sympathies but at the same time it was difficult to really quite get a read on him. Later, some of his choices seemed to come out of left field.

I was not at all pleased with how the story ended but continue to hope that I really did read a few hints that all was not exactly as it seemed – indeed A Dream Within A Dream. I am certainly trusting that this series has not reached its end.

I voluntarily reviewed a 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:

He may be the key to solving one of the greatest unsolved art heists in history

Trudi Coffey hasn’t seen Samuel Hill in weeks. Then the FBI shows up asking about him. After a strange encounter with an armed man demanding her help and an attack by a member of the Boston mob looking for someone named Dream, Trudi manages to find Samuel–or rather, he finds her. He’s made some pretty powerful enemies, but right now his full attention is on protecting Dream from the mob. Because Dream has something they want–the map to the location of artwork stolen from the Gardner Museum during the infamous 1990 heist.

With danger closing in from all sides, Trudi and Samuel will have to call on all their allies to keep Dream safe and discover the identities of the people who have been hunting down Samuel. The real questions are, whom can they trust? And who will make it out of this alive?

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at FamilyFans.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full-time. He is the author of Annabel Lee and The Raven.

Melissa Kosci is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun.

Cleansed by Death by Catherine Finger

by admin | Jul 4, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

It has been an interesting experience reading this series backwards but that has not hindered my enjoyment of it. Even though I knew what was ahead of Jo and several other characters, I was able to approach my reading as though the earlier books were extended flashbacks. Didn’t stop me from thinking a time or two “just wait, you’ll get what’s coming to you!”

Well written with constantly building suspense, Cleansed by Death is a page turner that has a few surprises in store for the reader. Strong characters fill the major roles in the story, many of them good friends of police chief Jo Oliver who provide a much needed support team for her. Although Jo has spent years in an abusive marriage only to lose her husband to another woman, there is some indication of a potential romance with a long-time friend and co-worker. Another friend is a spiritual mentor to Jo and provides a compelling salvation message during their interactions.

Cleansed by Death provides the series with an excellent start that would have driven me to read the rest of the series had I not already read the other two books. I definitely plan to purchase the fourth book of the series Capsized by Death as soon as possible. I do need to know how everything turns out for Jo and her gang.

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: Cleansed by Death

Author: Catherine Finger

Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery

Release Date: June 2016

Click here to get your copy!

Haunted by an evil presence she can’t quite grasp, Police Chief Josie Oliver finds herself drawn into the crosshairs of a vicious serial killer. Fighting for her marriage, faith, and fate, Chief Josie is confronted by an Adversary that only God can conquer–if she decides to let Him in.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Recently retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.

Capsized by Death, the fourth novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller series, was released by Elk Lake Publishing in December, 2019. Anchored by Death, the third of her Jo Oliver novels, was a Bronze Medal winner at the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards; a 2018 Selah Awards finalist; and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards. Her second Jo Oliver Thriller, Shattered by Death, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Catherine and her novels have been featured on radio stations, blogs, and in numerous articles—all posted at www.CatherineFinger.com.

Catherine loves to interact with her readers at www.CatherineFinger.com Follow her on Facebook at Catherine Finger, Author, and on Twitter at CatherineFinger@BeJoOliver.

MORE FROM CATHERINE:

Welcome to our Jo Oliver Thriller series Celebrate Lit Tour!

Cleansed by Death, the first book in the series of four novels, began with an idea to write a book about strong women struggling with life, love, and loss while embedded in traditional male roles. I wanted to show real women dealing with difficult internal and external struggles and create tension for my readers. Playing with the question of whether such challenges make our characters better—or bitter—added depth and twists to my story.

It took a long time to get this story to the point of releasing it into the world. I stopped writing it twice, shelving it for about a year each time. Every summer as I percolated over the story, I read it cover to cover and realized I still loved both the voice and the bones of the story. Adding the faith piece in a way that felt authentic and edgy was the frosting on the cake and it happened as a half vision, half spiritual warfare experience in Jo Oliver’s head and heart. This experience developed her unique brand of conversation with God as she understands Him and added a spiritual dimension to my stories.

My Midwestern roots showed themselves with reckless abandon in this debut—becoming a cornerstone of future installments. As I write this kick-off note to you, I sit in front of my computer facing a wilderness scene that features prominently in this story. Writing in the midst of the corona virus leads me back to some of my favorite places for comfort—the woods and lakes of Wisconsin.

Enjoy the read!