by admin | Jan 11, 2020 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The Forever Sky is book 4 on Voigt’s Montana Gold series and features several characters from earlier volumes. Although the primary characters are Maisey and Rob, it was fun to catch up with Shane and America. Widowed Maisey’s daughter Phoebe also added an entertaining addition to the story.
In this novel, Rob has returned after three years away, hoping to continue his future with Maisey but she isn’t interested in letting him hurt her again. Unfortunately she is unable to keep her heart under control and the love she had for Rob refuses to remain buried. Every time Rob thinks he might have another chance, something happens to cause another misunderstanding and once again his hope is battered. How can he prove to the wounded Maisey that he loves her and can be trusted with her heart?
I always love a good historical novel, especially one with a western setting. The Forever Sky contains a steady plot, excellent characterization, and enough action, danger, and suspenseful moments to hold a reader’s attention. A touch of humor and a complicated romance add extra interest to this exciting tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a 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: The Forever Sky
Series: Montana Gold, Book 4
Author: Janalyn Voigt
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: December 1, 2019
Genre: Western/Historical Romance
Can a young widow with no faith in love, hope for a future with the man who broke her heart?
Maisey isn’t about to give Rob another chance to reject her love. Why should she believe that the man who left town without a backward glance three years ago cares about her? Life had taught her all about broken dreams, and she didn’t want to hope again. If only her young daughter would stop adopting Rob as a father, ignoring him—and her own emotions–would be a whole lot easier.
Thoughts of the woman he’d left behind haunted Rob for three long years. It wouldn’t have been fair to ask Maisey to wait while he mined a gold claim. After making his fortune, he’d returned to his family in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Rob was ready to settle down, and he’d rather do so with Maisey. But after their first encounter, it was clear that he’d lost her forever.
Circumstances force Maisey and Rob into one another’s company. They learn, through hardship and loss, that the only way to one another is to surrender first to God’s love.
Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, The Forever Sky explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics to her at night. After Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with bedtime stories “written” in her head. Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in multiple genres. The same elements–romance, mystery, adventure, history, and fantasy/whimsy–appear in all her novels. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at her website.
CONNECT WITH JANALYN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, NCIS, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Dylan is quickly becoming another of my go-to authors when I want to read a good action-packed suspense novel. End Game affirmed my choice with its nonstop action and lots of twists and surprises along the way.
I loved how Dylan portrayed the members of various agencies and how well they all worked together – both men and women with no one-upping between the agencies. These agents were shown to be dedicated to their jobs, with integrity and determination to solve the murders as quickly as possible. This riveting suspense had me second guessing the characters and on the edge of my seat at times. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that flowed throughout the narrative as well as the fact that the romantic relationship between Bailey and Marco did not overshadow the plot.
End Game was a fun and intriguing tale that left me sorry to reach its end. I look forward to the author’s next offering.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Each New Clue . . .
Every Crime Scene . . .
Brings Them Closer to Discovering the End Game
When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper who Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.
When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, they wonder if there’s a deeper cover-up at play. After Bailey is targeted, it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.
With the stakes getting higher by the moment, Bailey and Marco rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust in this twisted conspiracy. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of them all.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) was a litigator in one of Atlanta’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of Deadly Proof and four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband.
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
Roseanna M. White has become one of my favorite authors so I was so pleased to have the chance to read and review her latest novel, On Wings of Devotion. It was everything I expected and more.
I have enjoyed this author’s tales set during World War 1 so much. My generation seems to see and hear more about WW2 so I certainly appreciate White’s research and attention to this neglected era. I loved reading about the codebreakers and their essential service to winning the war. The details provided made it much easier to understand how necessary the behind-the-scenes people help win wars. I also love how the characters develop throughout the book. Phillip Camden was a believable hero whose personal grief has him believing his country’s accusations against him. And Arabelle’s character touched my heart with her longing for a family of her own and her keen insight into hurting people that helped her to see past what others could see. Arabelle and Phillip were a perfect match and it was gratifying to watch them grow closer to each other and to the Lord as He directed them.
On Wings of Devotion is a wonderful story with a steady plot, plenty of action and intrigue, some quite humorous interludes, and of course a satisfying romance. I recommend this book as well as every other book this author has written. Thus far the Codebreakers series has been amazing and I look forward to the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Against Every Warning, She’s Drawn
Ever Closer to the Man Known as “Black Heart”
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive.
Read an excerpt here.
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.
by admin | Jan 7, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although Star Rising can easily be read on its own, I would advise reading Ferguson’s previous novel The Art of Rivers to gain a bit of background on Star and her friends. This book takes Star to Ireland with her employer Priscilla Kelly and the last minute addition of her son Paul who intends to protect his mother from Star.
I’ll admit that I didn’t like Paul at all from the beginning and even enjoyed some of his hilarious mishaps, thinking he was only getting what he deserved. The author changed my mind about Paul, gradually letting me inside his mind and his pain as I watched Star’s determination and care for his mother and even him work their way into his heart. I loved Star and her struggles to continue following Christ despite occasional urges to revert back to her past addictions. Her heart was full of love and I could see the Holy Spirit working in her throughout her story.
As I have come to expect, Janet Ferguson has filled this book with memorable characters who each have personal issues that need to be overcome. I love how she covers difficult subjects with such aplomb and doesn’t leave her characters floundering in their problems. Star Rising is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to all.
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:
Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son.
After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.
As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their hearts are at the greatest risk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award 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.
Author Links:
https://twitter.com/JanetwFerguson
https://www.facebook.com/Janet.Ferguson.author/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-w-ferguson
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15138027.Janet_W_Ferguson
https://www.pinterest.com/janetwferguson/
https://www.amazon.com/Janet-W-Ferguson/e/B01DJTJNDS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Seconds to Live is an interesting suspense that focuses on cyber crime. When hackers access the files of the Witness Protection program and auction them off, several law enforcement groups must work together to quickly solve the case and prevent the possible deaths of many vulnerable witnesses.
Although I think of myself as fairly proficient with computers, I was fascinated by the details of the case and the methods the experts used to discover the person behind the attack. I loved how the different agencies were able to work together for a common cause, even allowing non-agency and sometimes questionable people to help. The plot moves along at a steady pace with plenty of surprises in store along the way. A reasonable amount of action takes place although much of the investigating takes place at headquarters. Of course there is a romantic thread that is woven through the story and it has some interesting developments of its own.
I personally enjoyed Seconds to Live very much. If not intimidated by a few details relating to solving computer based crime, please take a chance on this book. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
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:
The Seconds Are Ticking Down before Someone Dies
When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom’s identity.
Trouble is, she’s under the care of U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Sleeman (www.susansleeman.com) is the bestselling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with more than 1 million books sold. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense for Fatal Mistake and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Thread of Suspicion. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts www.thesuspensezone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Portland, Oregon, home.
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western, Western Fort
MY REVIEW:
I first met Caroline and Frisco in a previous book from the Fort Reno series so it was especially fun to catch up with them again now that Caroline had grown up a bit. I don’t remember ever thinking that the two of them might end up together so The Major’s Daughter was a reading adventure for me.
I loved reading everything about the land run but can still only begin to imagine all the hard work and emotions involved in such an endeavor. I particularly enjoyed Caroline and Amber’s determination to claim parcels for themselves – Amber who wanted a home for herself and her soon-to-be husband and Caroline who wanted to declare her own independence by building a business of her own on her new property.
Anyone who has read a few books by Regina Jennings will know that nothing will work out quite as planned and that the reader will be in for a few laughs over the antics of the characters. Naturally a villain or two also turn up in the story which complicates things even more. Needless to say everything works out well in the end with the help of a few good friends and the Lord.
The Major’s Daughter is another fine example of why I always must read anything by this author. If you are not familiar with her books and enjoy historical romance with a western setting, pick up a copy for yourself. This book can easily stand on its own but the others in the series provide a background that you will not want to miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Staked a Claim on His Land,
So He Decided to Stake a Claim on Her Heart
Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run about to happen, she may just join the rush.
Growing up an orphan, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder he fought to open the Unassigned Lands to people with the same longing. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to build a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim.
But when the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.
