by admin | Jan 29, 2016 | Books, Historical, Michigan, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always find it interesting to read a sequel to a book I previously read that features a character I did not particularly like in the other book. I feel certain that it is because that character is seen through the eyes of the primary character of the other book and usually has some negative interaction of some sort with that character. Tessa Taylor is one such character. She caused untold grief for her sister Caroline in “Hearts Made Whole” and I did not expect to like her as much as I did in “Undaunted Hope”.
I was reminded of a sermon I once heard about how the vows and judgements we make sometimes come back to haunt us. Tessa has taken a job as schoolteacher in Eagle Harbor, Michigan because she is determined to keep as far away from a lighthouse as she possibly can. So what does she quickly encounter? Two brothers who are lighthouse keepers and two adorable children who desperately want Tessa to be their new mother. Naturally she finds herself embroiled in their lives and spending more time than intended at the lighthouse. Then there is Percival Updegraff, the man who seems to run the town. Because Tessa refuses his advances, he takes it upon himself to punish her by hurting those she cares about. At times it looks as if the town itself cannot possibly survive the long winter. I liked the Tessa in this book much better than in “Hearts Made Whole”. She has definitely matured and regrets the bad choices she made. Her true caring nature is revealed through the sacrifices she makes for others throughout the story.
The plot moved along at a steady pace with plenty of action, drama, romance, and even a touch of humor. As always, this author’s characters are well-rounded and realistic. I particularly liked Tessa and hero Alex. Even Percival was well-developed. I enjoyed each book in this series and look forward to Jody Hedlund’s next book. I hope it will be soon!
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
In a Town Mired in Darkness,
She May Shine the Light They Need
Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it’s too late to replace her. Tessa can’t help but thank him and say she is in his debt.
Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher’s Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at www.jodyhedlund.com.
by admin | Jan 29, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“If I Run”. Terri Blackstock’s latest novel is scheduled to release on February 14. Fans of action-packed Christian suspense will want to grab a copy as soon as possible, especially if they are already familiar with this author’s previous work. I personally found the story to be fairly unique and engaging. It definitely held my attention throughout and I was actually surprised when I reached its end so quickly.
The primary character’s first instinct is to run when she finds the body of her best friend and realizes he has been murdered. Suspecting that it could be connected to the research he has been doing for her, Casey’s fear overrides her desire to prove her innocence. Dylan Roberts, another good friend of the victim, is hired by the parents to find Casey and bring her back for trial. Eager to see justice for his friend, Dylan begins to search for Casey. Using his investigative skills, he soon begins to see a pattern that does not fit what he has been told.
I loved these characters. Although Casey is on the run and it would be in her best interest to lie low, she cannot seem to overcome her instinct to help others and that comes close to getting her into big trouble. I also liked the way Dylan was more interested in finding the truth than in just fulfilling his mission. Although there was absolutely no romance in this story, I couldn’t help hoping that Casey and Dylan might connect at some point (maybe in a sequel?).
There is ample danger and action in this fast-paced suspense to keep those pages turning. I really liked this book and am in hopes that there will be at least one more in this series. I really can’t wait to see what happens with Casey and Dylan.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and the Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.
Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven 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, and the Restoration Series.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer . . . but her DNA is all over the crime scene, and she’s now a fugitive. Don’t miss Terri Blackstock’s next page-turner, If I Run. Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than Dylan has, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. But as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Join Terri in celebrating her new book with a Fitbit giveaway and a special $4.99 digital pre-order deal!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.
Plus don’t miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.
by admin | Jan 27, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I don’t think I have ever read a novel by Johnnie Alexander but I can guarantee that “Where She Belongs” will not be the last one. I did not expect the wonderfully complex plot filled with mostly lovable characters. Naturally, there were a couple of them I did not like at all but even one of them gradually changed his stripes before the end.
I loved the small town setting where everyone knows everyone else but secrets are held closely. I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between AJ and Shelby grow as she finally realized he was not the enemy she thought he was.
“Where She Belongs” is a wonderful mixture of family, romance, secrets, and faith that held me captive until the very last page. A sneak peek included at the end informed me that the next book will feature one of those characters I did not like very much. I can’t wait!
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can love redeem a broken past?
Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s homestead, Misty Willow, so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she has her work cut out for her.
AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby’s family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he’s let it fall into ruin. AJ’s more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can’t get her off his mind.
With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home–and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Jodie Westfall Photography
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.
by admin | Jan 27, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Thin Ice” is another page-turner from Irene Hannon that kept me awake much later than my normal bedtime. The plot is fast-paced and is filled with complex characters, action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. The second book in Hannon’s Private Justice series, this one features FBI agent Lance McGregor who is assigned to help Christy Reed locate the sister who is believed to have died in a fire but has since contacted Christy.
Although both Christy and Lance are working together to find Christy and to discover the warped mind behind threats against Christy, any reader of Hannon’s novels will know that a romance will develop between the pair even if they attempt to keep the relationship professional.
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense and “Thin Ice” was no exception. I found the inside look at an FBI investigation to be interesting and also liked the author’s emphasis on the importance of faith in the character’s lives.
I always look forward to Irene Hannon’s books and am happy to say that once again her latest novel met all my expectations.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave?
After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again–until an envelope addressed in her sister’s handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.
FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.
Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Jan 26, 2016 | Books, England, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
A gorgeous cover hints at the story found inside the third volume of Turansky’s Edwardian Brides series. Rich with history and romance, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” details life there as Penney and her sister Kate, along with a number of orphans take refuge with Julia and William to escape the German bombs falling on London. I found myself caught up in life within the walls of Highland Hall as I renewed my acquaintance with characters from the previous books of the series.
Although the story was a tad slower moving at first, I learned a number of facts about WWI that my high school history books failed to convey. As the book progressed, the pace did pick up a bit with several exciting scenes, especially those of Alex’s battle experiences. The romance between Penney and Alex had plenty of ups and downs and at times even seemed to be doomed. A secondary romance added some extra interest and I also liked the two characters involved very much. Each character was faced with circumstances that forced them to learn to trust in the Lord for their very lives.
With plenty of history, romance, danger, romance, and even a touch of mystery and suspense, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” was a satisfying conclusion to the series.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family’s magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France.
Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.
Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.
As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky has written more than a dozen historical and contemporary novels. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award; and been a finalist for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the ACFW Genesis Award.
