by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Both Patience Cavanaugh and Sheriff Jedediah Jones have had bad experiences with love and neither has any intention of getting involved anytime in the near future. In fact, the pair clashed mightily during their very first meeting. During subsequent encounters Jedediah found Patience annoying and too outspoken for his taste – yet felt himself mysteriously drawn to her. Could God have plans for the two of them?
With a quickly moving plot, lots of action, plenty of humor, and of course romance, “The Trouble With Patience” is one more Maggie Brendan novel for my keeper shelf. I loved the way the author tied the story together with characters who were unknowingly connected in some way and how they discovered the connection. I also loved how well she was able to misdirect my suspicions about the identity of true villain of the tale – what a surprise!
“The Trouble With Patience” is a wonderful tale of compassion and forgiveness and the unfailing love of the Lord.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.
Despite Patience’s desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this “hanging lawman,” Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye–and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.
With a keen eye for historical detail and a deft hand at romantic tension, Maggie Brendan invites you to a Montana gold rush boomtown, where vices and virtues are on full display and love is lying in wait.
Read an excerpt from “The Trouble With Patience” HERE.
Endorsements:
“Maggie Brendan deftly captures the flavor of the Old West in a sweet love story filled with suspense and well-developed, interesting characters that will surely capture the hearts of readers.”–Kathleen Morgan, author of the Brides of Culdee Creek series
“Maggie Brendan has created a wealth of memorable characters in this heartwarming story. Romance, mystery, and an intriguing plot all add up to a winning combination that’s sure to delight readers.”–Margaret Brownley, bestselling author of Gunpowder Tea and Petticoat Detective
“Brendan is a master at tender love stories that tug at your heart while touching the soul, providing rich historical detail and tension that races the pulse.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the bestselling author of several books, including the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a 2013 finalist for the Published Maggie Award of Excellence, a 2013 finalist for the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, a 2012 finalist for Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, and a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award in Atlanta. She is a member of the Author’s Guild; Romance Writers of America; Faith, Hope, and Love; and Georgia Romance Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, researching for her novels, and spending time with her family. You can follow her at her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, and on Facebook and Twitter @MaggieBrendan.
by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Recently I have had the pleasure of reading several Christian novels with the Gothic romance style I loved so much when I was younger and before I discovered Christian fiction. In my opinion this genre has been rather sparse in Christian fiction until just lately and I am so happy to once again indulge in a bit of deliciously dark reading with no fear of encountering offensive material. “Mist of Midnight” fits perfectly into that category and in my opinion Sandra Byrd has nailed it.
What could be worse than returning home from the mission field of India, alone in the world after barely escaping with your life and witnessing unspeakable horrors? What if you found that home was no longer your home because an imposter had taken your place before dying and leaving everyone to believe that you are actually the imposter? That is the position Rebecca Ravenshaw found herself in and her prospects did not look at all promising. Fortunately her distant relative, Captain Luke Whitfield who had inherited everything, took pity on her and allowed her to live at Headbourne House until pertinent questions were resolved to his satisfaction.
The plot moved along at the perfect pace for a novel of this type with an appropriately dark and brooding atmosphere. Mysterious and dangerous events as well ambiguous characters who were difficult to pin down kept me invested in the story until its end. Quite a few surprises were in store along the way but I was happy with its conclusion. I particularly liked how the author adeptly wove an uncompromised message of faith into the narrative without having it overwhelm the story.
I enjoyed “Mist of Midnight” very much and look forward to “Bride of Poseidon” and “Angels of Light”, future installments of the Daughters of Hampshire series. They cannot be published soon enough for me!
This book was provided for review by the author and Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.
Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her…and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.
That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?
A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.
Link to Mist of Midnight on the Simon and Schuster/Howard Books Website:
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Mist-of-Midnight/Sandra-Byrd/The-Daughters-of-Hampshire/9781476717869
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Byrd is a best-selling author and has earned Library Journal’s Best Books of the year pick twice, in 2011 for To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, and in 2012 for The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr. She’s twice been a Christy Award finalist, for To Die For and for Let Them Eat Cake: A Novel. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I published April 2013
by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I pick up a book by Terri Blackstock, I know I can expect a page-turner filled with true-to-life characters, gritty and sometimes edgy situations, perhaps a little romance, lots of suspense, and usually redemption. “Twisted Innocence” fully met my expectations.
Third book in Blackstock’s Moonlighters series, “Twisted Innocence” features sister Holly Cramer whose somewhat stressed life is the result of poor past choices. Little does she realize that her life is about to become even more stressful as some of that past intrudes on her life once again – in dangerous ways that threaten those she cares about the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Innocence” and hate to see this series reach its end. I liked the author’s portrayal of Holly and Creed and the way their characters seemed to grow stronger and more mature under their difficult circumstances. I especially liked the emphasis on the fact that although we often have to reap the harvest of our bad choices, we are still loved by God and our mistakes can be forgiven if we choose to follow Him.
Terri Blackstock has definitely not lost her touch. Her skill at grabbing my attention will continue to keep me reading her books. Although the third and final book of the series, “Twisted Innocence” can stand on its own; however reading the two previous books will enhance your enjoyment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.
Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.
Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.
Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Learn more and purchase a copy 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.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
‘Twisted Innocence’ Nook Giveaway
In Terri Blackstock’s third and final book in her Moonlighters series, Twisted Innocence, readers are in for a story of suspense and redemption. Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Celebrate the series’ final release by entering Terri’s Nook giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Nook GlowLight
- The entire Moonlighters series
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Feb 25, 2015 | Alaska, Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ironically, I read “Sabotaged” while iced in for a week after one of our rare southern winter storms. I absolutely cannot imagine living in a place with so much snow and such low temperatures during the winter. When it comes to the frozen stuff I am a real wimp and prefer to just read about it. Dani Pettrey is one author who can make Alaska come to life in the pages of her books.
Featuring Reef, the black sheep of the McKenna family and veterinarian Kirra Jacobs, “Sabotaged” takes the pair on a race against time to find her missing cousin and uncle before the Iditarod race reaches its end and to discover and stop the person whose malicious plans could endanger hundreds. Essentially opposites, Reef and Kirra had been at odds for most of their lives but quickly grew comfortable working together on their common mission.
Once again Pettrey brought the entire McKenna family and friend together to help support each other, each using their particular gifts for the good of all. What else can I say? “Sabotaged” has a fast-paced plot filled with action, danger, surprises, and of course romance. Well-developed and familiar characters were easy to like (or hate).
I am sorry to see this series come to an end but look forward to whatever Dani has waiting for her readers. I recommend “Sabotaged” and the entire series.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska’s arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life–but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.
Read an excerpt from “Sabotaged” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.
Click HERE to enter!
by admin | Feb 24, 2015 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSeek and HideDavid C. Cook (September 15, 2014)byAmanda Stevens
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda’s first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent. Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help. When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although Seek and Hide is obviously fiction, it is a story that could very easily predict our future if we allow American society to progress is the direction it is so rapidly going. This novel depicts a United States that allows only a government sanctioned Christianity with a stripped down “official” version of the Bible. It is illegal to possess a true Bible and the Constabulary is determined to see everyone found with one put behind bars for reprogramming.
Several primary characters are featured in Seek and Hide with Marcus Brenner most prominent. Both Marcus and Aubrey Weston wrestle with strong feelings of guilt that influences everything they do and how they react to their circumstances. Lee is still haunted by an event from her past that has left her emotionally unable to trust others, especially men. Each of these well-defined characters plays a pivotal role in the novel and it was easy to become involved in their story.
Seek and Hide is a somewhat dystopian story that forecasts a potentially real nightmare life in the near future. With plenty of drama, danger, and soul-searching, the story contains unexpected twists and surprises that should hold the reader’s interest until the end. I liked how spiritual truth was woven through the story and the way Marcus and Aubrey were able to let go of their guilt and allow God to guide their way. The book reached a somewhat satisfying conclusion but some threads were left hanging – obviously to be continued in the next installment of the series.
