by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been reading novels by Davis Bunn for over twenty years and have yet to be disappointed. His books span a wide range of subject matter yet it is obvious that he has done his research on each one. Every time I open the cover, I may not know what to expect but I know it will be good.
“The Sign Painter” was one of those unexpected surprises that began with a simple scene of a young homeless widow, Amy Dowell, struggling to support her small daughter as she traveled from one town to another – one window-painting job to another. A morning stop at a local church for an affordable meal leads to unexpected blessings. new friends, and danger. On the first night at her new job, she is witness to evidence that could help bring down a drug ring that puts her in the center of a major investigation and the target of the criminals involved. The suspense is flawless with some interesting twists and surprises.
But, although “The Sign Painter” has a riveting, suspense filled plot, it is so much more. At the center of the story is a church run center for the homeless. Not only do they provide meals, daycare, and counseling, but Lucy Watts and her staff offer hope to those who are willing to get their lives back on track. I would highly recommend this book as an inspiration to anyone who might be drawn to a ministry to the homeless.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A deeply emotive story about a young mother struggling to get back on her feet after a devastating loss leaves both her and her daughter alone and living on the street—from bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn.
Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again.
When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership—but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break? Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again?
Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption. This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you’ll root for, will leave you wondering–Is home really where the heart is?
Read an excerpt from The Sign Painter HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is the author of numerous national bestsellers in genres spanning historical sagas, contemporary thrillers, and inspirational gift books. He has received widespread critical acclaim, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction, and his books have sold more than six million copies in sixteen languages. He and his wife, Isabella, are affiliated with Oxford University, where Davis serves as writer in residence at Regent’s Park College. He lectures internationally on the craft of writing.
by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal Thriller
MY REVIEW:
“The Confession” is another brilliantly written novel by Robert Whitlow whose legal suspense rivals those by John Grisham in my opinion. The characters are well-defined and natural. Dialogue is genuine and the plot advances at a good pace. Whitlow inserts just the right amount of legal facts so that the reader is informed without being overwhelmed by it.
The story is told primarily through two points of view, that of Holt Douglas, an assistant D.A. and Trish Carmichael, a deputy sheriff who often assists him in court. When Holt decides to investigate a cold case, a secret from Holt’s past haunts his days and often nights. What would happen if that secret came to light? Would his confession destroy his up-and-coming career?
“The Confession” is a story filled with plot twists and character conflict. Both Holt and Trish’s inner thoughts reveal much about their characters as each wrestles with their own personal demons. Whitlow is not shy about weaving a strong Christian message into his plot and primarily uses Bishop Pennington to do so in “The Confession”. I liked the obvious changes in certain characters after making a decision to accept Christ.
With plenty of drama and surprises, “The Confession” held my interest through every page. I always enjoy novels by Robert Whitlow and heartily recommend this one.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In Holt Douglas’s line of work, there’s nothing sweeter than a confession of guilt.
Assistant D.A. Holt Douglas makes his living exposing lies and sending criminals to jail in Ashley County, Georgia. His job is always easier when defendants, instead of remaining silent, blame someone else or try to excuse their actions. With a confession in his hand, Holt knows a guilty plea will soon follow.
But lurking in Holt’s past is a dark secret that could end his successful career and possibly his relationship with Angelina, his hoped for fiancé.
When Holt reopens a cold case involving the death of the town’s wealthiest businessman—allegedly killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest—Holt doesn’t believe it was suicide. Instead, he suspects murder.
As he investigates, Holt’s own guilt threatens to destroy him and the cause of justice he’s sworn to serve. While he knows his own confession could absolve him of his sin, it could cost him his future. Will he survive long enough to uncover the true crime that this small southern town has been hiding?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Twitter: @whitlowwriter Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks
by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Having read and enjoyed all three of the Christiansen Family series as well as the prequel I Really Do Miss Your Smile that was included as a bonus in the second book of the series “It Had to Be You”, Susan’s winter novella “Evergreen” was a must read. I am thankful that Tyldale Blog Network offered it for review.
While the Christiansen Family series focuses on the adult children of John and Ingrid, “Evergreen” is their book. As empty nesters, John and Ingrid are at loose ends. Their relationship is not what it should be and John, being the “fixer” that he tends to be, takes it upon himself to make things right without finding out why his wife never smiles anymore. For some reason, his good intentions never seem to get off the ground – or they make things even worse. Is it even possible for their holiday season to be a happy one?
Several events that put their marriage to the test are a sick dog, a nephew (with the unlikely name of Romeo) comes to live with them, and being in charge of the annual live Nativity. Warren handles it all with her usual style. The story is the perfect blend of serious scenes peppered with her perfect humorous timing. Threaded with wisdom and affirming faith, “Evergreen” is not only an enjoyable read but can be an inspiration to our own lives.
“Evergreen” is one more testimony to why I DO NOT miss any of Susan May Warren’s books. Although quite entertaining, they are absolutely not fluff. I have already preordered the next installment of the Christiansen Family series and cannot wait for it to be released.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she’ll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris?
Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.
As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.
Read an excerpt from “Evergreen” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website HERE.
by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Heart to HealLove Inspired (July 15, 2014)byAllie PleiterABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom’s Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Courage To Hope.
Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he’s felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max’s bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon’s self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather’s heart?
Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of A Heart to Heal, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Featuring a handicapped male primary character, A Heart to Heal is a departure from the usual contemporary romance novel. The reader quickly gains quite a bit of insight into the challanges that people in wheelchairs face in their daily lives and the often negative reactions experienced by the people they encounter.
Guidance counselor Heather, paraplegic Max, and disabled student Simon are all portrayed realistically and sympathetically. The romantic relationship between Heather and Max developed naturally but with plenty of trials that had to be overcome. Acceptance, tough love, and restored faith joined together to bring much needed healing to Max and Simon.
My eyes were opened to several things as I read A Heart to Heal and caused me to take a look at some of my own reactions in light of them. A quick read, this book is perfect to those who enjoy contemporary romance but do not have time to spare for a full-length novel.
by admin | Aug 4, 2014 | Books, Giveaways
I have the pleasure to offer my readers an opportunity to enter to win a copy of Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
The contest starts on July 31, 2014 at 6:00am EST and ends on August 20th, 2014 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen at random on August 21st, 2014 and will be alerted by email. For a complete listing of the rules, please see below.
