I have loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series and am sorry to see it end with the final novel An Hour Unspent. I was captivated by each and every one of the books that featured an unusual family of thieves and how they became an integral part of the war effort in England during WWI. I was quite eager to read Barclay’s story. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but this book exceeded all my expectations.
Once again the mysterious “V” needed one of the family for an important assignment and Barclay was the perfect choice. Sent to assist and encourage a clockmaker who had developed a possibly important part for war planes, Barclay found himself more involved with the man’s family than he imagined, especially the independent daughter Evelina Manning.
I particularly liked how the author focused on the changes in Barclay as he sought to follow the Lord and how often scripture would reassure him when he had doubts. Evelina also grew spiritually during the course of the book and I felt that she and Barclay were a wonderful pair.
As is usually the case in White’s novels, the plot was filled with ample historical facts, drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I do not run across very many books set during WWI so this series was of special interest to me. It was nearly impossible for me to set down this book until I finished it in record time. I do love getting my history lessons in such a delightful form.
As I stated above, I really hate to see this series end but I have heard rumors that a new series will feature some characters who had a role in Shadows Over England and readers might actually have a chance to catch up with their favorite characters. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Danger Creeping Ever Closer, Do Their Dreams Still Matter?
Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.
Series: Shadows Over England (Book 3) Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 4, 2018) ISBN-13: 978-0764219283
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White 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, editing, designing book covers, 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
When the design for A Name Unknown, book 1 in the Shadows Over England Series, was shown to me and I saw the spine for the first time, I was so excited to see the series logo they’d come up with. Big Ben’s clock tower.
Big Ben says London. Which is what the designers were no doubt trying to invoke, as my family of thieves are firmly Londoners. But for me, it was more than that. Because in the third book of the series, An Hour Unspent, that iconic clock actually plays a role in the story.
For starters, a bit of naming. Most of us think of “Big Ben” as the clock, but it’s technically not. Big Ben is actually the bell. The clock is the Great Westminster Clock, though over the years the name Big Ben has come to be associated with the entire structure. So now that we’ve got that straight… ?
The clock tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859. Pugin was an architect, one who is most remembered for redesigning the interior of Westminster Palace and the tower in question, which has become one of the most iconic symbols of England. Though he also designed the face of the clock, the mechanics of the thing he wisely handed over to someone else.
But interestingly, the movement–the gears and weights that make a clock work, and in this case, work with amazing reliability–was actually designed by two amateurs to the field. Edmund Denison, a lawyer, and mathematician George Airy. The construction was the only part undertaken by an actual clockmaker, Edward Dent.
The Great Clock’s inner workings are so precise that a penny sitting on the pendulum is all it takes to make slight alterations to the time. That one little coin will make an adjustment of nearly half a second a day. That doesn’t sound like much, but it allows for small incremental adjustments to keep the clock accurate year after year. The pendulum still has a stack of old coins on it, and the clock is still hand-wound three times a week
In my story, I gave the job of upkeep of the Great Clock to my heroine’s father, a clock maker. This part is purely fictional, of course, but it would have been considered a great honor to be tasked with such a responsibility, and in my story that’s the proof of Cecil Manning’s proficiency in his trade, even though he’s by no means made himself rich.
That honor goes to another historical figure that my fictional Manning claims as a friend, who revolutionized the timekeeping world. But you’ll have to check out An Hour Unspent: Companion Guide to learn more about that…
Giveaways & Contest:
Roseanna has several giveaways and a special CONTEST for her readers! Click on the images below to learn more about each Giveaway. Or visit Roseanna’s blog.
Everyone in the area knows about the Bucklin family reunions and most would love to attend one. After all, who knows what might happen at one? Even the family members have mixed feeling about them. Most would rather avoid them but on the other hand are afraid of what they might miss if they are not there.
Yes another reunion is about to take place and all the Bucklin family members look forward to it with equal measures of dread and anticipation. Fit to be Tied features a different set of primary characters – this time from Coralee, Sally, Marybeth, and Brett’s POV. Family members from the first book also make frequent appearances so it is fun to keep up with their lives also.
Although these reunions seem to be like a train wreck waiting to happen, they are not without redeeming qualities. In this book, Sally begins to learn how to fend for herself without her twin always by her side, Coralee learns a valuable lesson about appearance and character, Brett somehow manages to avoid more unwanted trouble, and Marybeth begins to establish tentative relationships with women in Bucky’s family.
Although on the surface, Fit to be Tied seems to be a mostly humorous story, it is packed full of practical and spiritual wisdom. I loved this book and the previous one in the series. I look forward to the next installment of Bucklin antics.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Gilead Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Bucklin family loves each other too much to stay away. . . but not enough to behave
Being rich is fine, but when wealth comes from striking oil, it’s a slippery mess for a family who doesn’t know what to do with it. The Bucklin cousins are all together again, and this family reunion is shaping up to be another disaster.
Coralee falls for the police officer who pulls her over. Sally has finally found a guy, but now she’s not sure a relationship is even worth the bother. No matter how hard Brett tries to avoid trouble, he somehow stumbles right back into the thick of it. And Marybeth and Bucky continue to fumble and bumble as they learn how to handle being rich.
The Bucklin family is known for drama–and Bucklin family drama knows no bounds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debby Mayne is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas that have received the “Top Pick” award from Romantic Times Magazine and been among the “Top 10 Favorites” in the Heartsong Presents book club. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She has worked as managing editor of a national health publication, product information writer for a TV retailer, creative writing instructor, and copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies.
Debby grew up in a military family, which meant moving every few years throughout her childhood. Debby was born in Alaska, and she has lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, Hawaii, and Japan. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so she enjoys featuring characters with southern drawls, plenty of down-home cooking, and folks with quirky mannerisms.
Lethal Legacy is another fast-paced suspense novel by Carol J. Post that should keep most readers turning those pages and annoyed by any interruption. As the frequency of danger and unexplained accidents increases, the long buried connection between Andrea and Sheriff Deputy Bryce Caldwell pushes its way to the surface, demanding another look at their relationship.
Once again I found myself buried in an excellent story by this author who has a talent for writing captivating suspense. Great character development and vivid details kept the story believable. Every time it looked like the characters could take a breather, something else would happen. There was a good list of possible people who had reason to want Andrea injured or even dead but my guesses at a possible suspect changed as the tale progressed. A few plot twists and surprises along the way and an unobtrusive Christian message combined to make this an enjoyable read. If you have not read a Carol J. Post novel, Lethal Legacy might be a good 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:
Someone wants her family secrets buried
He’s her only chance to survive
Andrea Wheaton thought her parents’ tragic deaths were accidental—until she’s attacked during a burglary at their home. Now she’s also being targeted. Her ex-sweetheart Sheriff Deputy Bryce Caldwell insists on protecting her, though she refuses to trust him again. But with a killer closing in, can she and Bryce uncover her family’s secrets before it’s too late for them both?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog
Chasing Embers was a sweet, second-chance romance that is perfect for those times when you are not in the mood for something too deep but you don’t want fluff either. This contemporary story features Annabelle and Colton, a couple who were once in love but have been separated for several years. Neither of them has been able to move on to other relationships and despite misunderstandings and confusing emotions, Belle and Colton cannot seem to forget their connection. A third party is introduced that may just change Belle’s mind.
This narrative contains scenes highlighting wild land firefighters that could be right out of recent news and gives the reader insight into wildfires from the firefighter’s perspective.
I mostly enjoyed Chasing Embers but did become frustrated at the poor communication between Annabelle and Colton. I personally would have liked a bit more depth in their relationship to make it more believable. Otherwise I did appreciate Belle’s strong faith and her attempts to share it with others.
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 Title: Chasing Embers (Heart Ranch, Book 2)
Author: Rachel Skatvold
Genre: Christian Romance / Contemporary Western
Release date: August 20, 2018
ANNABELLE HART thought owning the family ranch would be everything she ever dreamed of and more. The Montana wilderness has always flowed like blood through her veins, but she can’t understand why her heart feels so empty inside.
Three years after leaving Montana to become a wild land firefighter, COLTON BROOKS still dreams about the girl he left behind at Hart Ranch. He prays for her happiness, believing she deserves someone better than him, but doubts he will ever love again.
When their paths intersect again, will the embers of their past romance be rekindled, or will an unexpected disaster change life as they know it forever?
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the second book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.
GUEST POST FROM RACHEL:
Chasing Embers is a sequel I have been excited to write since the release of Escaping Reality over two years ago. To be honest, while writing book one, I thought it would just be a standalone story and not part of a series. However, Logan’s strong-willed little sister, Belle, was determined to have her own story and I’m thrilled that she is finally getting one!
One of the theme verses from Chasing Embers is Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” In the story, the characters go through some trials that seem impossible to overcome. In order to keep their loved ones and the ranch safe, the Hart family must cling tightly to their faith and trust that God always keeps his promises. The events of the story also serve as a reminder that God can do mighty things through us if we allow him to.
Chasing Embers is a heartwarming tale of lost love, second chances and choosing to love even when it is difficult. Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice with Belle and Colton as you read their love story. To find out more about Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold, read the summary above.
As a long-time reader of novels by Robin Caroll, I have come to expect a well-planned plot with compelling characters and enough unexpected twists to keep me on my toes. Darkwater Secrets did not disappoint! The story revolves around the murder of a guest at the historic Darkwater Inn in the French Quarter of New Orleans and as evidence is gathered, the number of suspects begins to increase. To make things even more interesting a potential love triangle becomes evident.
As the reader learns more about the victim, she may reach the conclusion that this thoroughly reprehensible man deserved to die – but murder is murder and justice must be served. I was somewhat surprised when the identity of the murderer was revealed and like the primary characters was sympathetic with the motivation behind the crime. I felt that the case was resolved to my satisfaction and that justice was served with compassion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkwater Secretsand look forward to the next installment of the Darkwater Inn series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend–the woman he’s quietly loved for years–kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . because he’s keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
The best-selling author of dozens of novels, Robin Caroll writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance.Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage–two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home–in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.
I have been reading Lynette Eason‘s novels since some of her earliest ones published by Love Inspired Suspense. I have watched her talent develop over the years into first class suspense and have several friends who have now read most of her books also. We all look forward to each one that is published. I often have the good fortune to receive a review copy which is a true blessing. Called to Protect more than met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced suspense novel.
Called to Protect jumps in foot first and takes off running from the very first page. Chloe St. John and Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum find themselves working together on a human trafficking case with a much too personal connection. Both Chloe’s missing cousin and Blake’s kidnapped daughter may be held by the traffickers. The action is nonstop and the suspense builds with each page. Chloe and Blake must learn to trust each other and depend on God if they are to rescue the missing girls before it is too late.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell through NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’ll have to draw on all of her resources to crack the case–and guard her heart.
After being dumped by her fiancé, Chloe St. John has decided that the only male she likes is her K-9 German shepherd partner, Hank. But being over the whole romance thing has perks–like giving full attention to her job. Attention she’s definitely going to need because a case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.
Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum is in a race against the clock to rescue his kidnapped daughter when Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man. But can she trust him? And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?
Buckle in. This fast and furious ride will have your heart pumping from the very start.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor and Called to Protect, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
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Roseanna M. White 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, editing, designing book covers, 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Big Ben says London. Which is what the designers were no doubt trying to invoke, as my family of thieves are firmly Londoners. But for me, it was more than that. Because in the third book of the series, An Hour Unspent, that iconic clock actually plays a role in the story.
But interestingly, the movement–the gears and weights that make a clock work, and in this case, work with amazing reliability–was actually designed by two amateurs to the field. Edmund Denison, a lawyer, and mathematician George Airy. The construction was the only part undertaken by an actual clockmaker, Edward Dent.
Debby Mayne is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas that have received the “Top Pick” award from Romantic Times Magazine and been among the “Top 10 Favorites” in the Heartsong Presents book club. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She has worked as managing editor of a national health publication, product information writer for a TV retailer, creative writing instructor, and copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies.
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the second book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor and Called to Protect, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at 
