by admin | Mar 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melody Carlson is one of the most versatile authors I’ve had the pleasure of reading. From teen fiction to later-in-life romance and a bit of everything in-between, this author excels at character and plot formation. Her humor and wit blend so well with romance and powerful lessons in faith.
Courting Mr. Emerson is one of those later-in life, second chance romances. Mr. Emerson is never married and in his fifties and retiring from his career as a high school English teacher. Although Mr. Emerson has a set routine for his life, he soon finds that the days are much too long after his retirement. That is until he meets the grandmother of one of his students who seems to take George on as a personal project. Willow and George are true opposites. She is an extrovert, an artist, and a true free spirit as opposed to the strictly regimented George. Is there any possibility that Willow will be able to draw George out of his shell?
I adored this book. As an older adult myself, I sometimes grow weary of reading so many books highlighting such young characters. It was refreshing to read one about an older couple who still had years ahead of them. Willow could be a bit overpowering at times so I was kept in suspense about whether George would continue to spend time with her or just tell her where she could get off. Sweet story with a nice subdued romance that points its readers toward the Lord.
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:
It’s never too late to fall in love
When fun-loving artist Willow West meets buttoned-up George Emerson, it’s not exactly love at first sight. More like intriguing project at first sight. Willow makes it her mission to get the obsessive-compulsive, newly retired English teacher to loosen up and embrace life, but even she has to admit it seems like a lost cause.
A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around–which to him seems like all too often. He’s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.
But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Mar 22, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed Amanda Cabot’s novels and A Tender Hope was not exception. I read and reviewed the first book of the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and the second volume is still waiting on my TBR stack. I loved both of the ones I’ve read so much I can’t imagine how I’ve resisted the other one so far. Probably because I have a tendency to commit myself to so many reviews that often books I want to read have to wait in line.
The reader will get everything she hoped for and more in this lovely western romance. As is often the case in Cabot’s novels, there might just be more than one romance brewing and of course there will be a touch of comedy and enough danger, suspense, and surprises along the way to keep those pages turning. Wonderful characters including familiar faces from the previous two books and a well-paced plot that includes a non-intrusive message of Christian faith satisfied every expectation I have for a perfect reading experience.
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:
As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek’s midwife, she has no intention of remarrying. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn’t sure her heart can take it.
Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn’t concerned only with the baby’s welfare. He’s been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated–and he’ll need Thea’s help if he’s ever to find the justice he seeks.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo by: Val Rothwell Photography
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart and A Borrowed Dream, as well as the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.
by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Just when Harper has settled in well at Derrick’s grandfather’s home in Maryland and she and the old man are becoming quite close, the author kicks the story up a notch and sends them on the run after the particularly disturbing events of one evening. It is evident that someone is out to get Harper or at least point the finger at her for murder and she can think of nothing but protecting Red. Derrick is beginning to show his true colors and Harper does not trust him – even with his own grandfather. As they hide out in a small New Hampshire town, their landlord finds himself becoming involved with Harper and Red against his better judgement.
Although the first book in this series left readers with a serious cliffhanger, the author does not disappoint in the fast-paced Beauty in Hiding. Action and danger abound as Harper does everything she can to keep herself and Red safe. It’s also fun to watch a romance develop between Harper and Jack despite their best efforts to avoid it.
Great suspense series that had its hold on me by this second installment. Once again – get the entire series before you begin reading because you will not want to stop until the end.
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:
Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something’s not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they’re trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper’s ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The first book in Robin Patchen’s Beauty in Flight series (with the same title) is a quick read due to its short length and could actually be considered a novella. The book introduces Harper Cloud, a young woman who has attempted to rebuild her life after a stint in prison. Loving her work with the elderly, she tries to ignore the feelings that she is being watched but a close call convinces her to accept a job taking care of her new boyfriend’s grandfather in Maryland. Is a second chance really possible for Harper or will her past catch up with her?
Overall I thought Beauty in Flight was a good read with enough suspense to keep it interesting. The characters were realistic and relatable. The author managed to drop a few clues along the way which left me with some doubts about one particular character. Some readers have complained that there was not enough Christian content but as this is a series, I anticipate that readers will see that particular topic expand in later installments.
I was able to read the entire series in order during a short span of time so the fact that I was left hanging at the end of this installment was not as frustrating as it might have been if I was forced to wait on the next book in the series. My advice would be to read all three books one after the other if possible. In my opinion, the three books could easily have been published as one.
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:
Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.
Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can’t entice her away. She’s trusted men before, and look where that got her.
She tries to brush off the feeling that she’s being watched. She won’t allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she’s followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair’s breadth of grabbing her. She knows it’s time to get away from Las Vegas.
Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.
But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down–and take Harper with him.
Can there be a second chance for someone like her?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 5, 2019 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I was an immediate fan of Michelle Griep after reading my very first novel of hers. Since that day, it has been my intent to read everything she writes so I was quite happy to be given a chance to review her most recent collection Ladies of Intrigue. This particular book includes three vastly different novellas with different settings and time frames. The one thing each has in common is that at least one of the primary characters hides one or more secrets from the other. With so many secrets, how can true love overcome them?
I enjoyed all three of the distinct stories and find it difficult to choose a favorite. The dark and mysterious Cornish coast with its smuggler hero had its appeal but so did the western Fort Snelling and its city doctor. Then there was the young society lady determined to prove herself by providing a home for underprivileged children whose love interest held a few secrets of his own. Each story was a delight to read and held my interest until the end. Although I usually enjoy shorter format novellas such as these, I found myself not quite ready to let them go when I reached the last page of each one. I would say that is a testament to the excellent talent of Ms. Griep. I loved this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of intrigue.
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:
| Title: Ladies of Intrigue
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: February 2019
Publisher: Barbour |
 |
3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?
The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.
A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.
GUEST POST FROM MICHELLE:
3 Reasons to Read Historical Fiction
Guest post by Michelle Griep
Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past.
- Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.
Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.
- Makes for great conversation.
In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.
- Because truth is timeless.
Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.
In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets.
Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, February 23
The Power of Words, February 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24
Mary Hake, February 24
Kathleen Denly, February 25
Genesis 5020, February 25
Splashes of Joy, February 25
For the Love of Literature, February 25
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26
Faery Tales Are Real, February 26
Through the Fire Blogs, February 26
Blossoms and Blessings, February 26
Inspired by fiction, February 27
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27
Back Porch Reads, February 27
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 27
A Baker’s Perspective, February 28
Andy Carmichael, February 28
Stories By Gina, February 28
Emily Yager, March 1
Multifarious, March 1
A Reader’s Brain , March 1
Baker kella, March 1 |
Bibliophile Reviews, March 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2
Remembrancy, March 2
Just the Write Escape, March 3
Bigreadersite, March 3
Inspiration Clothesline, March 3
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4
Vicky Sluiter, March 4
Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 4
Book by Book, March 4
Kat’s Corner Books, March 5
Inklings and notions, March 5
Living Life Free in Christ, March 5
The Morning Chapter, March 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
Pause for Tales, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Daysong Reflections, March 6
Texas Book-aholic, March 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7
Janices book reviews, March 7
A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea, March 8
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 8
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 8
Carpe Diem, March 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue!!
Be sure to comment on blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/da8c/ladies-of-intrigue-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 2, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
You can always expect an action-packed, faith-filled, romantic, and humorous story when they open any novel by Mary Connealy and The Unexpected Champion is no exception. In this wonderful conclusion to the Sierra Sweethearts series, readers encounter one surprising twist after another, including a kidnapping and harrowing escape, a forced marriage, and a massive wall enclosing a mansion in the wilderness.
The unlikely pair of John McCall and Penny Scott are opposites in almost every way. Penny’s expertise in necessary wilderness skills and her habit of dressing accordingly are a puzzle to city bred detective John whose attire is not exactly geared to his current situation – and that is just the beginning of their differences. Of course anyone who reads novels by Mary Connealy on a regular basis knows exactly how that will end up. A truly evil villain keeps the pair on their toes as they (and their friends) attempt to bring him to justice.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing was perfect and the subtle humor and romantic vignettes offered a welcome break from the escalating danger and suspense. Every aspect of the story was woven together with the skill that keeps this author near the top of my must read list.
If you have not experienced a Mary Connealy novel, The Unexpected Champion might be a great place to start but I personally suggest reading the entire series in order for the greatest enjoyment.
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:
They’re as Different as Could Be.
But They’ll Need to Trust Each Other to Survive
the Wilderness . . . and the Dangers Chasing Them.
City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.
When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.
When they emerge back into the real world, they discover their kidnapper just won’t stop. This city man and country woman must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, all while fighting a very inconvenient attraction to each other.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
