by admin | Jan 29, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
An unlikely romance set during the days leading up to the Civil War, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” was a delight to read. With a wealth of historic facts that included the lifestyle of the Quakers of that era as well as details about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, the story held my attention throughout.
Maclaren’s characters were excellent and I was easily drawn into their lives. Rebecca was a young woman to be admired for her dedication to her family and friends as well as her values. Clay was a likeable hero and I was impressed by his instinctive goodness despite his memory loss.
An exciting story of faith and love and learning to follow the Lord’s leading, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” is sure to be a favorite of those who are already Sharlene MacLaren fans and a good book to begin with for those unfamiliar with her work. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sheriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
BLOG STOPS:
January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 19: Giveaway Lady
January 19: A Reader’s Brain
January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 20: The Power of Words
January 21: Bigreadersite
January 21: just the write escape
January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 22: For The Love of Books
January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
January 23: Genesis 5020
January 24: Pause for Tales
January 24: His Grace is Sufficient
January 25: Book by Book
January 25: A Simple Life, really?!
January 26: A Greater Yes
January 26: Connie’s History Classroom
January 26: A Baker’s Perspective
January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
January 27: Splashes of Joy
January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 28: Christian Bookaholic
January 28: History, Mystery & Faith
January 29: Stuff & Nonsense
January 29: Bibliophile Reviews
January 30: cherylbbookblog
January 30: Daysong Reflections
January 31: Blossoms and Blessings
January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 1: Reader’s cozy corner
February 1: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize
Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets
and
Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)
Second Prize
“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Third Prize
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af21
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Maybe It’s You” is one of those medical suspense novels where the reader can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. Primary character ER nurse Sloane Ferrell thinks she has left her past behind – a stepfather in prison who she can’t forgive and an ex-fiance whose questionable dealings have put her in danger. But a campaign to improve the hospital image may just undo everything even if she manages not to lose her heart to handsome Micah Prescott, the hospital marketing expert. When her past and present converge, Sloane finds herself in danger for her life and learns some very valuable lessons about love and forgiveness.
Not only is “Maybe It’s You” an enjoyable romantic medical suspense but it also tackles some pretty weighty subjects such as alcoholism and sex trafficking. The suspenseful plot escalates with each chapter but is relieved at just the right times by a bit of romance or humor. Sloane was such a caring person despite her own problems that it was easy to like her character and Micah just improved with every chapter. I loved how he gently led Sloane to faith. This novel left me with plenty to think about. I would recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past – new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?
Read an excerpt from “Maybe It’s You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!
A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second book in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, “Fatal Accusation” takes up the story shortly after “Trial and Tribulations” ends. Attorneys Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter have barely had time to catch their breath before another attack is launched by the New Age groups. This time the stakes are even higher and the battle is fierce. Many lives are at risk and only prayer and the power of God can prevail.
Once again, I was pulled right into the story as I experienced good against evil and learned more of the enemy’s schemes. As a reader who devoured Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”, I love finding another author who is bold enough to delve into the supernatural realm and spiritual warfare. Rachel Dylan has done an excellent job thus far with this series. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. I love the fact that even though their faith is strong or developing, they still have frequent moments of doubt and questions. Situations are realistic and I like getting glimpses of what is really going on in the spiritual realm.
I highly recommend both books of the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. You could read “Fatal Accusation” alone but would gain so much more insight if you read “Trial and Tribulations” first. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life will get back to normal after a hard fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up their pursuit to win the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge.
An embezzling scandal breaks that rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case that she is called to defend.
The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. She also writes the Danger in the Deep South series and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist. Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Orleans, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Unjustly branded and condemned to a French prison for murder, Julianne Chevalier decides that relocation in the early settlement of New Orleans had to be better than spending her life imprisoned. She also hoped to find her younger brother there. Forced to marry, Julianne survived the difficult ocean journey only to find that life in New Orleans was primitive and dangerous. All she had was her faith and hope. Would it be enough?
“The Mark of the King” held me captive from page one. It was both difficult and fascinating to read about life during that period of time and how truly powerless many men and women were. Once again an author’s careful research provided me with details not found in my high school history classes. It was disturbing to me how unscrupulous, power hungry men were in charge and had little to no regard for the people under their care. The way the local Indian tribes were manipulated and lied to in order to gain ground for France against the British was particularly troubling. No wonder they hated the white man!
With a well-planned plot filled with historic facts as well as abundant action, danger, mystery, suspense, and even romance to hold most reader’s attention, “The Mark of the King” was difficult for me to put down. Characters were so well defined that it was easy to identify with their trials and triumphs. More than one surprise along the way made it even better. I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.
When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?
With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including “Wedded to War,” a Christy Award finalist in 2013; “Widow of Gettysburg”; “Yankee in Atlanta”; and “The 5 Love Languages Military Edition,” which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.
Find out more about Jocelyn at http://www.jocelyngreen.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of The Mark of the King from Jocelyn. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced February 7th on Jocelyn’s blog!
by admin | Jan 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was so eager to read “If I’m Found” after reading the first book of the series “If I Run”. It was difficult to wait because I wanted to know what would happen next to Casey Cox and how Dylan Roberts would handle his pursuit of her. I am happy to say that I was not at all disappointed. Once again, my only complaint is that it ended much too soon.
The story is a unique one in which the man hired to find and arrest Casey suspects her innocence and stays just close enough on her trail to protect her from the true murderers and keep them thinking he hasn’t caught up to her. There are plenty of close calls, often because Casey just can’t keep herself from helping others which frequently places her in danger. I like both Dylan and Casey more with each book. Their integrity and faith are strong in the face of nearly hopeless circumstances.
Terri Blackstock is one of the best when it comes to riveting mystery and suspense. I loved “If I’m Found and can’t wait for the final book in this series but will certainly be sorry when it is over.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Is Dylan hunting Casey to prosecute her or protect her?
Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.
As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormentors. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.
In this riveting sequel to the USA Today bestseller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows . . . but there is light shining in the darkness. Is Dylan a provision from the God who loves her, or another heartache yet to happen?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY 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.
Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com
Facebook: tblackstock
Twitter: @terriblackstock
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