Books | Daysong Reflections

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

by admin | Mar 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Colleen Coble’s books have been on my must read list for several years but I believe she has outdone herself with One Little Lie. This novel grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. With a convoluted plot where almost every character was suspect at one time or another and every one of them had secrets, the story had me on the edge of my seat much of the time. I certainly did not want to put it down until I finished it.

As always, the author has created characters that are easy to love and to identify with, characters who struggle with trust and faith just like we all do. Each and every chapter builds layer upon layer with unexpected twists and turns and surprises around every corner. A gripping tale with the perfect touch of romance, One Little Lie is a must read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Two Reasons to Run. Take my advice and do not miss this one if you are a fan of Christian suspense.

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: One Little Lie

Author: Colleen Coble

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 3, 2020

Click here to get your copy.

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

BLOG STOPS:

Back Porch Reads, March 10

Life of Literature, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10

Texas Book-aholic, March 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 11

The Avid Reader, March 11

Lighthouse Academy, March 11

By The Book, March 12

Older & Smarter?, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Remembrancy, March 12

Betti Mace, March 13

April Hayman, Author, March 13

Emily Yager, March 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 15

CarpeDiem, March 15

Christian Bookaholic, March 15

Just the Write Escape, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Robin’s Nest, March 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 17

Stories By Gina, March 18

Janicesbookreviews, March 18

Mary Hake, March 18

Empowermoms, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19

Blossoms and Blessings, March 19

Because I said so – and other adventures in Parenting, March 19

Hallie Reads, March 19

A Baker’s Perspective, March 20

Quiet Quilter, March 20

Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, March 21

Moments, March 21

amandainpa, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

Pause for Tales, March 22

Britt Reads Fiction, March 22

Spoken from the Heart, March 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 22

To Everything There is a Season, March 23

Life love writing, March 23

Daysong Reflections, March 23

Lights in a Dark World, March 23

*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

A Latte Difficulty by Angela Ruth Strong

by admin | Mar 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery

MY REVIEW:

Angela Ruth Strong’s The CafFunated Mysteries series has been a real treat thus far. A Latte Difficulty continues the adventures of Marissa and Tandy, unlikely friends who run a small-town coffee and tea establishment. Once again they find themselves smack dab in the middle of another mystery and Marissa’s wedding plans are interrupted in order to protect her life that everyone believes has been threatened.

As always Marissa’s tendency toward clumsiness offers readers frequent laughable moments. Tandy’s attempts to run the shop alone while Marissa is in hiding also adds some touches of humor. She manages to recruit a new friend who seems to be a blessing from God – but is he?

A Latte Difficult was a fun read from beginning to end with the aforementioned humor along with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to who-done-it and why. Don’t miss this delightful series but I suggest you begin with book one to get the whole story.

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:

Can two baristas track down a gunman after the espresso shot heard ‘round the world?

When Marissa witnesses an attempted murder during the 4th of July parade, it starts a battle for her independence. She is forced to hide out in a safehouse, leaving her co-owner, Tandy, to run their coffee shop, track down the criminal, and, worse, plan Marissa’s wedding. Thankfully Tandy has help, but can she really trust the P.I. in a bow tie, her new deaf barista who acts more like a bartender, or a wedding planner who’s keeping secrets?

The threat on Marissa’s future goes from bad to worse when her bridal gown is covered in blood. Though her fiancé, Connor, agrees to give up his identity to join her in the Witness Protection Program, Marissa refuses to wave the white flag. Instead, she enlists Tandy to help her fight for truth, justice, and the Americano way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Get to know her even better at www.angelaruthstrong.com.

The Merchant’s Yield by Lorri Dudley

by admin | Mar 20, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Merchant’s Yield is the second book I’ve read by Lorri Dudley and I’m definitely a fan. Looks like another author has been added to my must have list! I was thoroughly entertained and captivated by her first book The Duke’s Refuge so I opened this one with great expectations. I was not disappointed. Once again the author has given readers exemplary characters who practically walk off the page. Her frequent touches of humor act as a welcome counterpoint to some very serious circumstances throughout the plot.

Amelia was my kind of heroine. Always dominated and criticized by her mother, the one time she rebelled against her mother’s unreasonable expectations, Amelia found herself innocently in what looked to be a compromising situation. It wasn’t long before she was married to an unwilling but honorable husband and on her way to the Leeward Islands. I so enjoyed watching Amelia and Nathaniel get to know each other despite their awkward circumstances. It was so heartening to watch Amelia step into her own strength and dignity with a steadfast spiritual confidence.

The Merchant’s Yield has it all – action and romance along with danger and betrayal and pirates. What more could a reader ask? I honestly did not want to put this book aside for anything! I can’t wait for The Sugar Baron’s Ring, third book in the Leeward Island series. If you love historical Christian romance, please give this new author a try. I don’t think you will be sorry.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It was a marriage of inconvenience…

Charlotte Amelia Etheridge has cowered to her mother’s sharp tongue and endless demands for the last time. In a fleeting moment of rebellion, she recklessly asks the last person her mother would ever consider appropriate, a foreigner from the Leeward Islands, for a dance. However, her courageous act ends in disaster when an innocent mistake lands her in a compromising position with the islander. Forced to wed a stranger, Lottie leaves the only home she’s ever known to sail across the Atlantic to the isle of St. Kitts.

Life has a wicked sense of humor…

Nathaniel Winthrop’s troubles are mounting. The rumors of him being cursed are spreading, and his merchant ships have been raided. The last thing he needs is a wife to care for. Especially when he discovers Lottie had been confined to a sick room most of her childhood. Her weak constitution will never survive the hardships of island life. The fever has already claimed the lives of his mother and sisters. Nathan guards his heart against falling in love with this gentle beauty, knowing that, for Lottie, island life will be a death sentence.

The meek shall inherit the earth…

No longer under her mother’s scrutiny, the newfound freedom of the island rejuvenates Lottie’s spirit with fresh wind. She is tired of being told she’s too ill to enjoy life. If her days on this earth are limited, then it’s time she lives it to the full. Lottie must prove to Nathan that God is more powerful than any curse, and that even though Nathan was forced to marry her, she is the one he can’t live without.

Freedom isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“Why I write…
I believe readers should be led on a heart journey. Romance should allow for an escape from everyday life. It should also lead us to a better understanding of the human condition and how God views us. I believe readers, like the heroines and heroes of stories, are not static creatures and can discover different aspects of themselves through empathizing with characters’ comical mishaps and dramatic misunderstandings. I believe romance novels can depict a fallible human heart that can be made whole again by a merciful creator and remind us of the hope for the same.”

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone-filled household.

Valley of Shadows by Candace West

by admin | Mar 20, 2020 | Arkansas, Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Earl Steen would be the first to admit that members of his family would be justified in hating him. He knows how much pain he caused in their lives and does not believe he is deserving of their forgiveness. But Earl is a changed man thanks to the grace of God and wants to serve Him the rest of his days. Earl’s daughters have begun to forge a sometimes uneasy relationship with their father but his wife Lorena still carries around a huge burden of hurt and unforgiveness. Author Candace West has begun a story at this point in the characters’ lives and writes it so beautifully that her readers will feel every emotion along with them.

Valley of Shadows is a wonderful story of forgiveness and redemption with a major emphasis on second chances. Sometimes poignant and sometimes action-filled, this tale takes the reader on a touching journey that will not soon be forgotten.

I have a copy of Lane Steen, the first book in this series but have not had a chance to read it. Although the two books share characters, I was easily able to read Valley of Shadows as a stand alone. Nevertheless, according to the wonderful reviews I have read, readers would be advised to read the books in order if at all possible simply for chronological purpose.

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:

Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.

As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?

While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?

But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.

Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena’s heart?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta but grew up in small-town Arkansas. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ever since the age of twelve, she dreamed of writing inspirational fiction. Over the years, she has published short stories as well as poems in various magazines. By weaving entertaining, page-turning stories, she hopes to share the Gospel and encourage her readers. Lane Steen is her first novel.

Killer Harvest by Tanya Stowe

by admin | Mar 16, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Killer Harvest hits the ground running when heroine Sassa Nilsson witnesses the unexpected murder of her friend and boss. Border Patrol agent Jared De Luca has been working with Sassa’s boss to help bring down an environmentalist terrorist group and is determined to protect Sassa and her baby daughter at all costs while she works tirelessly to reproduce the crop virus developed in the university lab and prevent it from getting into the wrong hands.

As Sassa is relentlessly pursued by members of the terrorist organization, sparks also ignite between her and Jared who also develops a surprising bond with her daughter. Both of them have some trust issues, both with other people and especially with God but their circumstances demand that they learn to trust each other and depend on the Lord’s help in their desperate and dangerous situation.

A riveting narrative, Killer Harvest held my interest until its end with interesting, life-like characters and a well-developed plot. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more by Tanya Stowe.

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: Killer Harvest

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March, 2020

Click here for your copy.

Can she stop a deadly crop virus from ending up in the wrong hands? Biologist and single mom Sassa Nilsson just witnessed her mentor’s brutal murder by environmental extremists. Now she’s the last link to a deadly pathogen they plan unleashing—and their number one target! But can handsome border patrol agent Jared De Luca shield Sassa and her baby long enough to find a cure…before the entire world faces the unthinkable consequences?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

MORE FROM TANYA:

As a teenager, I spent my summers water-skiing on the King’s River in Central California. Even though we lived on the coast and the ocean, we traveled inland to the smooth river waters every other weekend for our sport. We camped on a sandy beach, skimmed over the water all day long and at night sat under a sky full of brilliant stars and listened to the sound of the water rippling past. Since we lived on the coast with a heavy marine layer, the amazing sky always fascinated me. Surrounded by massive cottonwood trees, with the smell of ripe fruit drifting toward us, my river experiences were different from home and more than memorable. On some nights we’d hear the splash and laughter as teenagers, somewhere across the river, came down to swim. I always wondered what it would be like to live in the nearby small, neat-as-a-pin town, to know the same people all of my life and to be able to drive down to the river with my friends on any given night. I envied those teenagers and always knew I’d someday write a story about central California. I didn’t know it would involve biological warfare and crazed killers…but that transition is another story all its own! I’ll stop here and hope you enjoy Killer Harvest!

BLOG STOPS:

The Avid Reader, March 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Simple Harvest Reads, March 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 9

Among the Reads, March 9

Genesis 5020, March 9

For Him and My Family, March 10

Kat’s Corner Books, March 10

April Hayman, Author, March 10

Inklings and notions, March 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Betti Mace, March 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, March 12

Bigreadersite, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 13

Maureen’s Musings, March 13

Older & Smarter?, March 14

She Lives To Read, March 14

Remembrancy, March 15

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 15

Blogging With Carol, March 15

Emily Yager, March 16

Blossoms and Blessings, March 16

janicesbookreviews, March 17

Daysong Reflections, March 17

Mary Hake, March 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 18

Pause for Tales, March 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19

SPLASHES of Joy, March 19

Hallie Reads, March 19

Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 20

To Everything There Is A Season, March 20

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/f640/killer-harvest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Byrd’s Eye View by Chautona Havig

by admin | Mar 14, 2020 | Books, Historical, Mystery

MY REVIEW:

Meddlin’ Madeline is back again with what looks to be another exciting adventure. I recently had the opportunity to read the first five chapters of Chautona Havig’s latest novel Byrd’s-Eye View. Due to circumstances beyond her control the book is unfinished at the present time; however the first four chapters gave me a taste of what is to come as well as the desire to read the rest once it is complete.

Madeline is determined to put her “sleuthing life” behind her but somehow something always seems to happen to trigger her meddlin’ ways. Her current goal is to improve her photography skills and learn to develop her own photos but something happens to sidetrack her good intentions.

Honestly, Havig’s characters are such fun but these five chapters have managed to frustrate me almost beyond endurance because I want to know the rest of the story and I want it now! I suppose that is a good indication that the rest of the book should be excellent. I surely hope so because I can’t wait to read it! I’m rooting for a romance between Madeline and a certain friend and am impatient to find out if that’s the direction the story will take.

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: Bird’s Eye View

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Historical / Mystery

Release Date: February 18, 2020

Click here for your copy!

If everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?

Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.

Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.

The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

MORE FROM CHAUTONA:

It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!

It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books. Up first… Madeline #5.

Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception. However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.

By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited. You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.

The recorder was off. All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.

Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there. Just sayin’.

Determined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.

The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with. Photography. That was it.

That’s when I called my friend and wailed.

Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again. Some of it was actually better.

Little hint: it usually is the second or third round of ideas.

By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.

You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).

So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.

My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time. How cool is that?

There was still one problem, though.

I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.

And this book needed to be done yesterday.

Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way. So…

Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again. It’s here. And I think it’s my favorite one yet. Who am I kidding? Of course it is!