by admin | May 9, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Food, Romance
MY REVIEW:
With a leisurely plot that is meant to be savored, “A Table by the Window” is an extraordinary reading experience. From the delightful quotes at the beginning of each chapter to the tempting heirloom recipes scattered through Juliette’s story, I enjoyed every page.
This novel provided an inside look behind the scenes of a successful restaurant as well as the many details involved in preparing to open a new restaurant. The family dynamics of the D’Alisa crew were wonderful with plenty of drama and humor to go around. I enjoyed Juliette’s journey of self-discovery and all the details of her online dating experience. A family mystery added even more interest and depth to the story.
I would love to try out some of the delicious looking recipes but am forcing myself to ignore them due to current dietary restrictions. My only other complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment of this series to find out what happens with Juliette and Neil. I don’t always enjoy the delay!
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love
The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?
After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.
Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?
Read an excerpt from “A Table by the Window HERE.
Praise for A Table by the Window
“Food writer Juliette D’Alisa adores her temperamental, trilingual family of restaurateurs, but she could do without their bossy skepticism of her online love interest who’s so unlike them. Rainy, windy Portland has never felt quite as warm as it does when Juliette navigates long-distance romance, career decisions, and a genealogical mystery. A delectable tale from Hillary Manton Lodge, A Table by the Window includes recipes that are like a warm welcome to the D’Alisa family table.”
—Meg Moseley, author of Gone South and When Sparrows Fall
“Warm, witty, and a culinary delight! Hillary Manton Lodge’s crisp writing reminds me of a vintage romantic comedy but with contemporary appeal as the story unfolds with perfect pacing and recipes to make you drool. More than once I found myself wishing I had a pastry chef in my own kitchen. Wonderfully romantic in all the best ways!”
—Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Sweet Dreams
“Not since Under the Tuscan Sun have I read a book that I both tasted and felt to such an enchanting degree. Author Hillary Manton Lodge has woven a captivating tale of one woman’s quest to discover not only herself, but the truths behind an old-world family legacy. With a touch of whimsy, the perfect helping of romance, and a hearty sprinkle of laugh-out-loud humor, A Table by the Window is a delight.”
—Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of the Cadence of Grace series
“An endearing, smart, must-read novel! A Table by the Window is a delicious tale that had me slowing down so I could savor it longer. Major props to Hillary Manton Lodge for not only taking me on a beautiful journey alongside Juliette, but for making a non-foodie like myself want to take up a new hobby.”
—Katie Ganshert, award-winning author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows
“Hillary Manton Lodge combines a perfect voice, endearing characters, and delectable recipes into a heart-winning story. A Table by the Window hooked me from the first page to the very last word. Bravo, Hillary!”
—Leslie Gould, best-selling and Christy Award–winning author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.
by admin | May 9, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The events described within “Fatal Exchange” could easily have come from the pages of current newspapers in cities across the U.S. In a world where school shootings or hostage situations are much too common and Hispanic drug cartels are on the rise inside our borders, many have become accustomed to hearing or seeing them on the news yet are often in denial that it could happen to them. Although fiction, “Fatal Exchange” offers the reader an up-close look at what it could be like to be at the center of such a dangerous incident.
The relationship between the two primary characters is complicated. Mason is an undercover detective who works with Emily Hunt’s sister Avery on the police force. Avery firmly believes that Mason is responsible for their brother Michael’s death and continues to look for evidence to prove it. Although most of Emily’s family has served in law enforcement, Emily does not have the stomach for it and loves working as a teacher. When Emily’s class is held hostage by a desperate student, she finds herself working with Mason to try to circumvent a disaster.
“Fatal Exchange” was so riveting that I read the entire book in one evening. The plot’s steady progression was filled with several unexpected twists and I never found a good spot to take a break from it. Character development was excellent and I enjoyed getting to know Mason and Emily as their true personalities and natures were exposed. Mason’s integrity and strength were apparent and Emily’s courage throughout the ordeal proved that she was stronger than she believed. With a strong theme about trusting God and forgiveness as well as a sweet romance “Fatal Exchange” is just about perfect. I anxiously await the final book in this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Desperate times create desperate people. And desperate people are dangerous . . .
Though Emily Hunt comes from a family of cops, the relatively quiet life of a high school teacher suits her just fine. She’s saving up to buy a house, slowly moving forward after her brother’s death, and settling into a life she loves. So the last person she wants to spend time with is Mason Taylor.
An undercover cop, Mason is enemy number one as far as her family is concerned. His involvement in the death of Emily’s brother is still up in the air, and now he expects her to help him with a case. Mason has been working with one of her students, Rafael Cerda, whose brother has been kidnapped by a drug cartel. And with time running out to meet their demands, Rafael is getting desperate.
Emily will have to draw on all of her strength to handle what happens next . . .
Fatal Exchange will draw you into a complex matrix of intertwining lives, unraveling secrets, and unexpected love.
Read an excerpt from Fatal Exchange HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award finalist, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
by admin | May 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Richard Mabry was an unfamiliar author to me when I reviewed Diagnosis Death in 2011. Since then I have been blessed with the opportunity to review other books but this outstanding author. I love getting to review his novels but without a doubt I would purchase them if not offered to me for review. Each of his books is somehow related to the medical field, whether set in a hospital or the primary characters are doctors or nurses. I like the fact that Mabry’s suspense novels contain enough pertinent medical facts to authenticate the story but do not overwhelm me with unneeded information.
“Critical Condition” has everything I love about Dr. Mabry’s novels. It began with a shooting and progressed at a rapid rate through an increasingly suspenseful plot that included more murder and mayhem before reaching a dramatic conclusion. The suspense and tension grew at a perfect pace with several unexpected twists. Characters were very well developed. Shannon’s panic attacks, struggles with her faith, and reluctance to commit to her “almost fiance” were just a few of the details that made her as real as one of my friends. Mark was the perfect hero with seemingly unlimited patience and support for Shannon and a strong faith that kept him grounded. Sister Megan’s determination to overcome a sketchy past filled with poor choices was also a strong point.
“Critical Condition” may be my favorite book yet by Dr. Mabry although I have enjoyed them all so far. I hope his next one will not be too far behind. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy medical suspense.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dr. Frasier couldn’t save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she’s fighting for her own life.
It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier’s colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.
Her “almost-fiancé” Dr. Mark Gilbert’s support only adds to Shannon’s feelings of guilt, since she can’t bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, “What did he say before he died?”
With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Richard’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
CRITICAL CONDITION Kindle HDX Giveaway from Richard Mabry!
Richard Mabry’s latest medical suspense, Critical Condition, is receiving high praise. USA TODAY says, “Mabry combines his medical expertise with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
Richard is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Critical Condition by Richard Mabry
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced May 13th on Richard’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by
Richard’s blog on May 13th to see if you won.
by admin | May 5, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
On the very first page I was pulled directly into the action that paved the way for an exciting story filled with danger and suspense, secrets galore, forbidden romance, and a quest for the family treasure. Many elements of the story brought to mind the gothic novels I loved when I was much younger and reminded me why I loved them.
Elizabeth Trelawney has endured several London seasons without securing a husband and the man her parents want her to marry frightens her. She is weary of men who are interested in her only for her family’s riches and her prime desire is to live her life under the security of her beloved Bastian Point, her grandparents’ home on the Cornwall coast. If she can only discover the family treasure quickly, she will be guaranteed to inherit.
Unfortunately, even Bastian Point is no longer the refuge she once knew. Murder and even an attempt on Elizabeth’s life are only part of the growing sense of danger that surrounds Bastian Point. In addition Elizabeth is increasingly drawn to Rowan Curnow, a man unsuitable for a woman of her station.
I loved every minute of “A Lady’s Honor” and found that the end came much too quickly. I liked both Elizabeth and Rowan and was as surprised as Elizabeth when I learned Rowan’s secret. It was also interesting knowing what the family treasure was and wondering how long it would take Elizabeth to realize it for herself. The plot was filled with several unexpected twists and a major turning point or two. One scene in particular made me want to cheer for Elizabeth.
All-in-all, “A Lady’s Honor” was quite satisfying and I look forward to future novels by Ms. Eakes.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Society is concerned about her honor, but Elizabeth must realize her worth doesn’t lie in her inheritance.
In order to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man, Elizabeth Trelawney flees London. An unexpected stranger arrives to help her, and as they elude her pursuers across Cornwall in the night, Elizabeth realizes her rescuer, Rowan Curnow, is familiar.
Their differences in social status kept Rowan from pursuing a courtship with the lady his heart wouldn’t let him forget. Now because of dangerous smugglers and local murders, the two are plunged into a reckless alliance that rattles Rowan’s fledgling faith in God.
The closer they get to Bastian Point-Elizabeth’s true home-the more she realizes it is the only place she longs to be. Even the sight of its solid structure perched on the cliffs makes her feel safe. Elizabeth is the most likely to inherit Bastian Point if Grandfather never learns she spent the night, however innocently, with a near stranger.
As spring warms into summer, Elizabeth finds herself torn between wanting to be the perfect grandchild and her growing love for a man of whom no one will approve as a match for her, a man she knows she shouldn’t entirely trust. Unsure whether she is being foolish or following the right path, she sets out with Rowan on a quest to find the true culprit behind the local violence.
Their quest leads them to danger, and she must choose whether to follow the man she loves or cling to the safety of her family home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author. To date, she has sixteen books in print with five more under contract for release over the next two years. Eight of her books have been published in large print editions, one as a Crossings Bookclub hardcover edition, and one book has been put into Braille.
A graduate of Asbury University with a degree in English and French, and Seton Hill University, with a masters degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she also writes articles in writers publications, teaches writing workshops, and gives inspirational talks.
She lives in Texas with her husband, dogs, and cats. She enjoys long walks, all too rare rainy days, and knitting—rather badly—while watching movies or listening to music.
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes
Read excerpts from her books at: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
by admin | May 5, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed quite a few novels by DeeAnne Gist over the past several years. One thing that comes to mind when I think about her books is the amount of humor that she manages to insert into her historical romance stories. “Fair Play” follows that general form with a moderate amount of levity but on the whole, its content is much more serious.
Set against the backdrop of the Chicago World’s Fair, the chapters open with actual photos taken either at the World’s Fair or in scenes comparable to those in the story. Billy Jack Tate is a woman doctor working at the fair while attempting to establish her own medical practice at a time when women doctors are frowned upon. Hunter Scott is a Texas ranger also working at the fair as a guard at the women’s building, a position he feels is quite below his personal qualifications. Hunter and Billy Jack clash repeatedly because of their different outlooks on men and women’s places in society but as can be expected, an attraction begins to grow between them.
The romance between Billy Jack and Hunter is well and good but to me the meat of this story was the contrast between the opulent buildings of the World’s Fair and the deplorable living conditions in the low income area that was nearby. The neglect and mistreatment of children were especially heart-breaking, especially the child left chained alone in an apartment while the rest of her family worked and the children thrown and kept in jail for minor infractions.
Most fiction has its heroes and villains and “Fair Play” had its share. Although the plot may have moved a bit slowly at times, it never failed to hold my interest. Dialogue between Billy Jack and Hunter was often amusing. They both held firm opinions but their hearts were compassionate. I loved the scenes about the development of the first city park and the dedication of the women at Hull House toward helping the children.
“Fair Play” was not the most entertaining and carefree novel I’ve read by DeeAnne Gist but as historical fiction, it is top notch. I recommend it highly.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Saddled with a man’s name, the captivating Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man’s profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice—until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.
Hunter is one of the elite. A Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home…
Despite their difference of opinion on the role of women, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction between them—until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn’t left in the slums of Chicago with only the flea-riddled, garbage-infested streets for a playground. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire Playground Movement is birthed. But when the Fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.
Will Billy exchange her doctor’s shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the “gray city,” a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than a playground for breathing space?
Read an excerpt from “Fair Play” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deeanne Gist has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, original historical and contemporary novels. She has received three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. With a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M, Deeanne has written for People, Parents, and Parenting magazine. She has four grown children and lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband. Visit her online at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.
