by admin | Sep 20, 2009 | Books, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second volume of the Heroes of Quantico series, An Eye For An Eye is a romantic suspense that can stand alone. Mark Sanders is the partner of FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper (Coop) from the first series novel Against All Odds so it is not surprising that Coop plays an integral part in this story. However, Coop’s story is not necessary to enjoy An Eye For An Eye.
The narrative swiftly takes off with a crisis situation that sets the pace for the entire book. Mark’s renewed attraction to old flame Emily Lawson is tempered by his duty to protect her as well as himself while working to discover the source of the danger and the intended victim. Not only must the case be resolved but both Mark and Emily must come to grips with issues that keep them from moving on with their lives.
An Eye For An Eye has plenty of action, suspense, drama, and romantic tension to keep you turning the pages. Characterization is excellent with a villain that may even gain your sympathy. The spiritual content is relevant but not overwhelming with several life lessons including forgiveness.
I would definitely recommend An Eye For An Eye to anyone who enjoys a good suspense with a twist of romance (or vice versa). Fans of Dee Henderson or Amy N. Wallace would also probably like it.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can their relationship survive a killer with vengeance in his heart?
After an accidental shooting during a tense standoff, FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Mark Sanders is sent to St. Louis to work as a field agent and get his bearings while the bad press settles. Just weeks away from returning to Quantico, Mark has a chance encounter with his first love, Emily Lawson. But their reunion is cut short by a sniper. Now Mark must find the shooter before he strikes again. But what is his motive–and who was his intended target? Can Mark put the pieces together, keep Emily safe, and rekindle a relationship at the same time?
A fast-paced tale of romance, suspense, and intrigue, An Eye for an Eye is the exciting second book in the Heroes of Quantico series.
Endorsements
What people are saying about Irene Hannon and the Heroes of Quantico:
“Hannon’s extraordinary writing, vivid scenes, and surprise ending come together for a not-to-be-missed reading experience.”–Romantic Times
“I found someone who writes romantic suspense better than I do.”–Dee Henderson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including Against All Odds and An Eye for an Eye. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine.
For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
Click HERE to read an excerpt.
For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.
Available September 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by admin | Sep 18, 2009 | Books, Giveaways, Nonfiction
Sorry I’m a day late announcing the winner of You Were Born For This by Bruce Wilkinson. It just slipped up on me and I forgot to do it. Anyway I used the random generator at random.org again by numbering the comments in the order they were made. Comment #3 is the winner – Winning Readings.
At the moment I don’t have any more giveaways scheduled for the near future. Check back frequently because you never know when I’ll have extra books available to give away.
by admin | Sep 17, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In That Certain Spark, the reader once again visits Gooding, Texas where a few of the characters from earlier books make brief appearances. The town has just welcomed (well half-way welcomed) their new doctor and veterinarian, twins Enoch and Taylor Bestman. Unfortunately they expected the twins to be brothers and Taylor turned out to be (horrors) a woman! Needless to say, at that point in history, women doctors were fairly unusual and mostly unwelcome, especially in small town Texas so Taylor had a nearly impossible task to prove herself capable of the job.
Taylor’s first patient is Karl Van Der Vort who is one of the most adamantly opposed to a woman doctor. When she saves his life and leg, Karl becomes her self-appointed protector while letting her know at every opportunity that he is not in favor of women serving in her profession. And independent Taylor certainly didn’t particularly appreciate a stubborn bodyguard.
Filled with Hake’s trademark humor and witty dialogue, a touch of suspense, and keen spiritual content, That Certain Spark certainly lives up to its title. Be sure to pick up a copy and watch as the sparks fly.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Pride Meets Attraction Head-On, Sparks Begin to Fly!
Gooding, Texas, is about to gain a double blessing–a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that the long-awaited doctor is in fact a woman has the town up in arms. Karl Van der Vort is no exception, though he becomes Taylor’s first patient…against his will.
Karl finds he can’t deny Taylor’s doctoring skills, but he also can’t come to terms with her unladylike occupation. Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life’s calling, despite the town’s opposition. But when her practice–and Taylor herself–are threatened, Karl’s protectiveness flares into a different emotion altogether.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now “grown up,” she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos – one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. “I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I’m very conservative on a personal level.”
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple’s relationship.
by admin | Sep 16, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dawn’s Prelude
(Bethany House – October 2009)
by
Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she’s been working on — its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband’s fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.
Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia’s arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn’t expect.
One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband’s child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father’s fortune? Lydia soon finds her life–and that of her child’s–on the line.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn’s Prelude, go HERE
Learn more about Tracie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Dawn’s Prelude is another fine example of why Tracie Peterson quickly became one of my must-read authors. Her writing flows in such a way that I find her books difficult to put down. Her characters have a depth as well as a familiarity – they could be someone you know and/or love. The story contains many of the vital elements that I find essential to a good book. It has action, drama, danger, suspense, some humor, and a sweet romance. The good characters are not Pollyannas nor are the bad ones 100% evil but are well balanced enough to be realistic. In Dawn’s Prelude, Peterson has touched on some difficult issues including domestic abuse, ethnic prejudice, and loss of faith. The spiritual dialogue is natural without being preachy.
All-in-all, Dawn’s Prelude is a wonderful read with plenty of excitement and romance in a historic Alaskan setting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with a touch of suspense. If you haven’t read any of Tracie’s other novels, Dawn’s Prelude would be a good place to start. You won’t be sorry.
by admin | Sep 15, 2009 | Cooking
My daughter lived in New Orleans for two or three years and while there learned to make authentic gumbo from a lady she knew. Since our okra crop is at its peak, I decided that now would be a good time to make some and to make it the right way. My daughter was here for awhile this morning and gave me a few tips so I know I prepared it properly. So glad I did – even my opinionated son said I did good!
The first thing to do is get your roux started. All real gumbo starts with a roux. Now you can stand at the stove and stir for a couple of hours or you can prepare it the easy way my daughter taught me. Preheat the oven to 400 °. Heat the oil in a large cast iron pan and stir in the flour slowly. Keep stirring until the flour begins to brown. Place the pan in the preheated oven and stir every fifteen minutes until roux is chocolate brown.
While the roux is in the oven, begin preparing the other ingredients. Cook the shrimp. Let cool a few minutes and peel, putting the shells back in the pot of water to make a broth. Add onions, carrots, celery,etc. to the pot and cook slowly.
Now that the roux is in the oven and the broth is simmering, you can begin to work with the other ingredients. In the same pan you will use for the gumbo, add a little oil and cook the washed and cut okra pieces until they are no longer slimy.
When okra is done, remove from pan and saute onions, peppers, celery, garlic, and parsley until transparent.
Now we are on the home stretch. Stir in the roux, okra, and tomatoes.
Strain the broth and add to the other ingredients. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne to taste.
Simmer over low heat for fifteen to thirty minutes. Taste it to see if it needs anything else. Make adjustments and cook slowly for another thirty minutes or longer. When ready to serve, stir in the shrimp and heat for a few more minutes. Serve in a bowl over cooked rice.
This dish is a big production but it is worth it! Makes a big pot full so you can serve a lot of people or look forward to wonderful leftovers.
SHRIMP GUMBO RECIPE:
ROUX:
1 -1/2 cups peanut oil
2-1/4 cups flour
Preheat oven to 400. Heat oil in large cast iron skillet and gradually stir in flour. Stir constantly until smooth and starts to brown. Place skillet in preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 min. Turn down to 350 and continue stirring every 15-20 min until roux has reached desired color. ( I used canola oil and it was very dark in one hour.)
BROTH (or Stock):
Shrimp
onion
celery
carrots
Boil shrimp until done. Cool a little and peel. Place shells back in pot with the water and vegetables and simmer while preparing other ingredients.
GUMBO:
Okra cut into small pieces
1 large onion chopped
1 large bell pepper chopped (I used more)
lots of fresh garlic chopped (I used approximately 2 tablespoons minced garlic from jar)
3-4 stalks of celery chopped
chopped fresh parsley
chopped tomatoes (If you don’t have fresh, use canned)
salt
black pepper
cayenne pepper
Heat some oil in your stock pot that you will be using for the gumbo, add okra to heated oil and stir fry until it is no longer slimy, it will take a while. Chop the other vegetables while the okra is cooking, just make sure you stir the okra frequently. When the okra is done, remove it from the pan and set aside. You may need to add a little more oil or butter to the pan to saute the vegetables.
Once your vegetables become translucent, add your broth and seasonings. I add salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, most of your flavor will come from the veggies and roux. If your roux is done, add it into the pot slowly, if you don’t think you need all the roux, I think you can store it. Add your okra back in the pot as well. Stir everything well and let simmer. After it cooks for 15 min or so, taste it and see if it needs anything and if so add it and let it simmer at least another 30 min. Serve in a bowl over steamed rice.
