by admin | Mar 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I open a novel by Janice Cantore I know I can expect a great story filled with action and top-notch, realistic law enforcement drama. “Visible Threat” is the second book in Cantore’s newest series but easily stands on its own merit. I can vouch for that because SOMEHOW I missed “Critical Pursuit”. After reading “Visible Threat” I intend to remedy that oversight as soon as possible.
Featuring Brinna Caruso, a Long Beach officer dedicated (or perhaps obsessed) with saving all the abducted children she can with the help of her search and rescue dog Hero. An unidentified body and a daring river rescue reveals evidence that indicates the possibility that a human trafficking ring may be operating in their area. Brinna teams up with her former partner Jack to find the corrupt men behind the ring before more women become victims.
“Visible Threat” hits the ground running and barely gives the reader a chance to catch a breath before it is off again. The characters and situations depicted are believable and genuine. The references to Christian faith are mostly worked into natural conversations between friends and are not at all intrusive or disrupting to the story. The resolution at the end was credible and not the sometimes hurried tying up of loose ends found in some novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Visible Threat” and recommend it to anyone who enjoys police suspense novels. Do yourself a favor and pick up copies of both “Critical Pursuit” and “Visible Threat”. I know you will be glad you did.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection—perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.
Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.
After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier—an organized human trafficking ring.
Read an excerpt from Visible Threat HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. Her Pacific Coast Justice series has met with critical acclaim. Critical Pursuit is the first book in her latest series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” is a beautifully written and poignant story that is filled with such insight into the human spirit. It is overflowing with grace that brings healing and more into the lives of two very broken people.
Ivy Clark, a very successful model since her mid-teens, has been manipulated and exploited for her entire career. She has experienced life in the fast lane when all she really desired was the love and acceptance of her father. Davis Knight, once an up-and-coming professional photographer has given up his profession to become a church caretaker. Ivy and Davis are brought together by Marilyn Olsen for a magazine spread featuring her line of wedding gowns. Davis immediately recognizes that there is more to Ivy than her flippant attitude and soon finds himself thinking about her constantly. Ivy resists his friendship initially but soon realizes how dependent on him she has become. With the help of Marilyn’s unconditional love and the Holy Spirit, Ivy and Davis manage to overcome their pasts and to anticipate a brighter future than either expected.
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” was difficult to read at times because of the intense emotions experienced by the primary characters. I didn’t always like Ivy but nevertheless I could understand her actions because of her background. I did like Davis throughout the story although at times I wanted to tell him to “get over the guilt”. But despite the love interest between Ivy and Davis, I felt that Marilyn was the real star of this book. Her love for everyone, especially Ivy, was a beautiful and bright light that illuminated her faith in Christ.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I enjoyed both Wildflowers From Winter and Wishing on Willows but I think Katie has taken “A Broken Kind of Beautiful” a step further. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
Praise for A Broken Kind of Beautiful
“Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day.”
—Denise Hunter, best-selling author of Dancing with Fireflies
“In A Broken Kind of Beautiful, Katie Ganshert writes her most compelling novel yet, where imaginary characters seem to step off the pages. Readers will embrace both Ivy and Davis as they struggle with who they are and who they want to be. The story lingers with you after you close the book, like a melody you want to listen to again and again.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Somebody Like You
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful is beautifully written and populated with characters that tugged at my heart from the first page. This story is about The Story—the best story of history—that of God’s redeeming grace and pursuing love. I found it moving, inspiring, and wholly satisfying. Another Katie Ganshert novel for my keeper shelf!”
—Becky Wade, author of Meant to Be Mine
“Ganshert’s fresh, riveting novel of shattered dreams, second chances, and true love is one that will capture readers’ hearts and refuse to let them go. This story reveals the deep truth that we can trust our fractured hearts to the God who specializes in mosaic tiles—the One who formed the universe from words and man from dust, and who has no trouble figuring out how to bring beauty from the broken.”
—Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes
“Katie Ganshert has created characters so real, my heart ached for them as I longed to know them more and soothe the hurts in their pasts. The truth threaded through the pages is one to savor, as is this story of a journey from brokenness to redeemed beauty.”
—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace
“Katie Ganshert’s A Broken Kind of Beautiful is poignant, heartfelt fiction at its finest—a gentle story of hope and healing wrapped in the kind of romance that keeps the reader turning pages. I love the emotional depth, lyrical writing, and strong sense of place. Most of all, I love that days after closing the book, the characters are still alive in my head.”
—Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Say
“With a setting that becomes its own kind of character, a tender romance and soul-stirring symbolism, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a shining example of how God’s grace can restore the brokenness in our lives. Her gorgeous writing voice pulled me in from the first page and kept me thinking about her characters after the story ended. Katie’s novels are to be savored and enjoyed again and again.”
—Lisa Jordan, award-winning author of Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows.
by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading Lori Benton’s wonderful first novel, “Burning Sky”, I was eager to read “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” so I was honored to be included among her influencers for this novel.
A story about a man and a woman from very different backgrounds, “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” takes the reader on a grueling adventure with Tamsen and Jesse Bird as he helps her to escape her cruel stepfather. Tamsen has lived a life of privilege while Jesse spent most of his young years with Indians after the murder of his parents. The pair experience numerous hardships such as harsh weather as they make their way over the mountains to relative safety but even then they cannot relax their guard. Although Jesse fell in love with Tamsen almost immediately, his own wishes were set aside as he vowed to protect her while allowing her time to choose to marry him for the right reasons.
I loved everything about this book. The characters and the plot were superb! The action, drama, and suspense were so artfully timed that there never seemed to be a place to stop reading. I HAD to find out what would happen next. There were moments when I was afraid to keep reading because I was sure something would happen that I would not like – that is how involved I got with the characters. Thankfully everything turned out especially well but not without some big surprises. “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” is the kind of novel that keeps me reading historical fiction. I cannot wait for Lori’s next book to be released.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love
In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.
Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?
READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God’s transforming grace.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband – often scouring the brush for huckleberries, which overflow the freezer and find their way into her signature huckleberry lemon pound cake.
Learn more about Lori and her books on her website.
by admin | Mar 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Terri Blackstock has always been one of my go-to authors when I am in the mood for a good suspense. I have enjoyed her books for years and “Distortion” is sufficient proof to me that her books have only gotten better over the years.
The plot of “Distortion” is one that could come from current news. It was easy to imagine the nightmare Juliet’s life became after witnessing the murder of her husband then finding her horror compounded by discovering the web of lies surrounding him. His death and subsequent discoveries and threats were additional heartbreaking events to previous tragedies in the lives of Juliet’s siblings and friends. I loved the way they all stuck together to help each other despite their own troubles and grief.
“Distortion” is an action-filled story that kept me involved until the very end. It is a tale of faith and courage in the midst of tragedy that ultimately led to a fitting resolution. One thread was left hanging but I suspect it will be tied up in a neat package in the next installment of the series. I can’t wait to read it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Juliet Cole’s life has been dismantled by the murder of her husband. She doesn’t know who—or what—to trust when everything she has believed to be true about her marriage has been a lie.
A husband’s lies can have deadly consequences.
When Juliet Cole’s husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her boys. But a threatening voicemail takes this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.
Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too, unless she meets the killers’ demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband’s dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more of her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?
Pre-order a copy for just $4.99 on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, or the eBook version on CBD until March 10th.
Learn more at Terri’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!
Don’t miss Terri Blackstock‘s latest release in the Moonlighters series, Distortion.
The book releases March 11th, and Terri will be kicking off the release with a fun Facebook Distortion party and giving away a Kindle Fire HDX. PLUS readers can pre-order the ebook for just $4.99 between now and 3/11 everywhere ebooks are sold.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
- Distortion and Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 11th. Winner will be announced at the Distortion Facebook Party on March 11th. Connect with Terri for a “suspenseful” book launch party with prizes, a book chat, and more.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN
on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your
chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!
by admin | Mar 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Princess Ever After” is a modern day fairytale that reminds us that God chose us and had a specific plan for us even before we were born – but it is up to us to choose to accept that calling in faith and step out in obedience, knowing that He has our back.
Rachel’s characters are usually normal everyday people but God tends to interrupt their routine lives with something extraordinary. In “Princess Ever After”, Regina learns that she is a princess of Hessenburg, a small European country whose citizens need her to save it. Confusion and fear dog her every step as she struggles to make a decision that will change her life forever no matter how she chooses. Tanner is the government official of Hessenburg who is assigned to convince Regina to accept the throne and to help her become acquainted with her new kingdom. Although Tanner falls in love with Regina at first sight, his past mistakes convince him he is not good enough for her. Several questions are in play here. Will Regina give up her life of restoring old automobiles and become the new ruler of Hessenburg? Can Tanner make peace with his past? Is true love possible for Regina and Tanner?
Written in the author’s usual thoughtful style, “Princess Ever After” quickly drew me into the story and held my interest until the last page. I loved getting to know both Regina and Tanner and was eager to see how their story would turn out. I loved the sweet romance, the touch of mystery and the aura of wonder that filled the plot…and of course those “Holy Spirit” moments that Rachel manages to insert at just the right places. What more could I ask?
This second installment of Hauck’s Royal Wedding series is just another example of why her novels are on my must read list. I refuse to miss even one of them. In my opinion, “Princess Ever After” was perfect and I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated “The Wedding Dress” and RITA nominated “Love Starts with Elle,” part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel “Softly and Tenderly,’ was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Rachel is celebrating her “swoon”-worthy romance with a fun $200 “Princess” prize package giveaway and a Facebook “Princess” party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own “princess ever after” gown or tanks of gas for your “royal” ride)
- Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel’s “Princess” Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of “royal” book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!
So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER
and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 6th!
