by admin | May 14, 2015 | Books, Depression Era, Historical, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I chose to read and review “Hollywood Lost” because I have often seen books by Ace Collins but am fairly unfamiliar with his work and decided to try something a bit different from my usual choices. Apparently many reviewers were disappointed with this particular novel but I actually enjoyed it. If “Hollywood Lost” does not live up to this author’s usual quality, then I absolutely must read more by him.
“Hollywood Lost” takes place during the depression era and the story revolves primarily around one movie studio. A number of murders takes place that seem to be connected to the studio and evidence points to one of its top actors. As the story progresses, the lines become a bit blurred as numerous red herrings point to more than one possible guilty party. I had my suspicions all along that turned out to be correct but there were times that I had to wonder just a bit if I was on the wrong trail.
I enjoyed reading about life during the glory days of Hollywood where nothing was as it seemed and studios were adept at manufacturing fairytale lives for their actors both on and off the stage. Shelby Beckett was a breath of fresh air and innocence in the midst of all the glitz and glamor and pretense. Other characters were hard to read. I wanted to like Dalton and even Flynn but the author did a good job of keeping me suspicious of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Hollywood’s past through the pages of this novel. I would recommend “Hollywood Lost” to all who enjoy an old-time detective type novel.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression, Shelby Beckett flees the Oklahoma dust bowl to find work in the wardrobe department of Hollywood’s largest movie studio. Surrounded by glamor and wealth, Shelby is charmed by box office star Flynn Sparks as well as Flynn’s chief rival, fellow actor Dalton Andrews. As Shelby joins her suitors at opulent parties and intimate dinners, she rubs elbows with the likes of Clark Gable and Cary Grant and is drawn deeper into a lifestyle where her small town values are challenged or ignored.
Lurking in the shadows of this Gatsby-like lifestyle is an unseen evil force that strangles beautiful women. Suspecting a madman is connected to the studio production where Shelby works, homicide chief detective Bill Barrister believes the only way to uncover the identity of the ruthless killer is to offer Shelby as bait.
Hollywood Lost is a romantic suspense novel where separating reality from fantasy is all but impossible; where love is rare, life is cheap, and values are lost in pursuit of fame and fortune.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.
You can visit Ace on the web at www.acecollins.com.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Appalachia, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have eagerly anticipated the release of this book since reading Thomas’ first novel, “Miracle in a Dry Season”. The setting of “Until the Harvest” is the same but the time frame has changed. Twenty years have passed and the next generation has become the central focus.
Much like real life, a death occurs at the beginning of the book that I was not too happy to see. And like real life, this death has a far-reaching influence on others, especially Henry Phillips whose reaction is less than positive. For reasons I did not entirely understand, Henry became involved with some very unsavory individuals whose influence brought about some disturbing consequences for Henry. Fortunately for Henry, there were people in his life who cared about him and were willing to give him more than one second chance. I personally did not like Henry very much for most of the book but he eventually came around.
Then there was Margaret, older sister to Mayfair, a young diabetic. Daughter of two unbelievably incompetent parents who thought only of themselves, Margaret was dedicated to taking care of her neglected sister. Mayfair was such a pure and caring individual despite her health issues – and she seemed to have a mysterious gift of healing – at great risk to her own health.
“Until the Harvest” is a down-to earth story that does not hesitate to deal with common Appalachian problems such as moonshine and drug running but in the midst of the ugliness was a story of wonder, love, hope and redemption.
I love these Appalachian novels with their touch of Holy Spirit miracles and cannot wait for the next installment.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored
and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother’s helper, she’s always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn’t care about his troubles.
Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.
Read an excerpt from “Until the Harvest” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry, who has also written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. Her debut novel was Miracle in a Dry Season. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Wood’s EdgeWaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)byLori Benton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori’s first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood’s Edge, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although set during similar time frames and in the same general area of colonial America, each of Lori Benton’s novels has been a unique read for me. I was instantly captivated by the pure poetry of the opening lines of “Burning Sky” and by the almost immediate action and suspense of “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn”. “The Wood’s Edge” seemed to take me a bit longer to get into because there was so much background needed to set the stage for what would happen later. I am so glad I continued reading it until I reached a point I couldn’t stop.
“The Wood’s Edge” is an epic historical novel with a pre-Revolutionary War setting in and around Schenectady, New York. The story is shared through the viewpoints of several characters who all play an important part in the overall plot. I was actually puzzled for awhile by the prominent part played by Lydia during the early portion of the story since the back cover indicated that Anna was the primary character. In actuality, in my opinion it would be difficult to assign any one character the leading role because each and every one of them were extremely important to the narrative.
I enjoyed reading how each character, both English and Native American, was affected by one event that changed their lives forever. The grief, anger, guilt, and sacrifice were just a few of the emotions experienced by various characters. What a beautiful plot with such deep feelings! If only American History classes could be taught with this much emphasis on the human experience rather than the hard, cold facts. “The Wood’s Edge” is such a beautiful example of the power of redemption and forgiveness. I especially loved the unexpected twists that brought the message home in such a new way.
I fear that to continue would be to chance revealing too much and ruin the story for others. If you love historical fiction, you NEED this book! If you are not a history lover, “The Wood’s Edge” just might change your mind.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“No Place to Hide” is another breath-holding, edge-of-your-seat novel by Lynette Eason. With non-stop action and true-to-life characters, this novel kept me turning the pages until its conclusion. With riveting suspense, the requisite romance, and a faith-based theme, “No Place to Hide” is the kind of book that has kept Eason on my to-read list.
Whan an old school friend is accused of being a terrorist, Jackie Sellers attempts to contact him and soon finds herself on the run from the same people who want Ian Lockwood dead as well as the FBI. No matter where they attempt to hide, it seems the bad guys are always one step behind them and they certainly mean business. Plenty of action, danger, and drama fill the pages with a nice bit of romance for brief relief of the suspense.
Lynette Eason is one of my go-to suspense authors. Pick up a copy for yourself to discover why.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’ll defend her friend until the bitter end–but is she in over her head?
It’s not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can’t believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she’s determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe.
Lynette Eason delivers nonstop action as Jackie and Ian travel a dangerous road–one that may lead straight to destruction.
Read an excerpt from “No Place to Hide” HERE.
Praise for the series:
“For any reader looking for ‘edge-of-your-seat’ thrills, this series is the perfect gift.”–Suspense Magazine
“Fans of Eason’s and readers of Christian suspense will definitely want to check out this new series. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment.”–Fiction Addict
“An exciting new series with action and thrilling chase scenes.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust, Nowhere to Turn, and No Place to Hide in the Hidden Identity series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
New-to-me author Brandy Heineman delivered an intriguing novel that held my interest throughout. The book was somewhat different than what I am used to but interesting nevertheless. Its reasonably slow-moving plot fits perfectly with the Southern background of the story.
Filled with characters with secrets or unresolved issues, the story revolves around Abby Wells who after her mother’s death and loss of her job, leaves everything to attempt to discover her family roots. Her Georgia relatives are somewhat weird to say the least and Abby’s Aunt Ruby soon has her believing that the family home is inhabited by a ghost. Needless to say, secrets are revealed and Abby discovers the truth about her ghost. Abby is a character who is difficult to like or understand but I found myself pitying her and her plight. I did admire her ex-boyfriend Greg whose persistence won me over.
“Whispers in the Branches” will appeal to those with interest in genealogy and Southern literature. I enjoyed it immensely.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tending a void in her heart that demands to be filled, Abby Wells uproots her life in Ohio to move into the ancestral home in Georgia. Now that her mom is gone, it’s her best chance to connect with the last of her family, and she can’t deny the pull of the supposedly haunted house. The seductive comfort of believing that ghosts could be real drives her search, but Aunt Ruby’s plans for Abby don’t include revealing secrets kept for seventy years. Oh, there’s dirty laundry she’d like to air-just not her own.
Indulging in the attentions of the house’s handsome caretaker helps numb her pain, but Abby’s ex-boyfriend won’t let go of the past. He hounds her about his newfound religion in hopes of reconciling, but why reach for him or the God who couldn’t or wouldn’t spare her mom? In the stillness of the old house, the spirit world feels so close she can almost touch it. But she doesn’t know yet that there’s more than one way to be haunted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
BRANDY HEINEMAN pens dual time frame novels from a Christian worldview, including Genesis finalist Whispers in the Branches. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and an alumna of Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. She and her husband, Michael, reside in metro Atlanta.
Visit her website at http://brandyheineman.com.
