by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Finding Hope in Savannah” is a book with lots of potential. The story and characters were interesting and enjoyable. I liked the strong faith held by some of the characters and how they shared it with other characters frequently. I also thought that the process Liz went through as her faith was restored was quite natural and believable.
I will admit that I nearly gave up reading it after the first two or three chapters. I felt like I was listening to someone who never stopped for breath. Thankfully, the pace slowed down a bit and the narrative flowed a bit more naturally after that. I personally had a problem with Jake’s reasons for not finding Liz for thirteen years. Sure, his mom needed help but surely he could have taken a few days to return to Boston to find her. I think Liz let him off just a bit too easily. Other aspects of the story also troubled me but to detail them would fall into the spoiler realm.
I believe that “Finding Hope in Savannah” could become a much better book with some professional editing help. It’s a good story that could be a great one. I would love to see a bit more time spent on the suspense and a bit less romantic daydreaming. But that’s just my own preferences.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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
Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson liked her quiet, predictable life with her son. When she witnesses something horrifying and dangerous, they are forced into hiding. She seeks refuge in the small community of Isle of Hope, Georgia only to find that her life and her heart are still hanging in the balance.
Officer Jake Andrews, dedicated his life to protect and serve the people of Savannah. In the back of his mind always wondering “what if?”. The arrival of a young woman from his past forces him to face a long-buried secret, that will change how he sees his future.
As danger comes to Georgia, Liz & Jake must learn to trust God and each other, to see their way out of the situation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa resides in a small mid-Michigan farm community with her husband and three children, all of whom they home school. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, taking photos, and motorcycle rides with her husband. Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life.
GUEST POST FROM MELISSA WARDWELL:
Finding myself though “Finding Hope in Savannah”
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
Writing this book opened my eyes to quite a few things about myself. It opened a door to a need to discover new places and try new things. To step outside of my shell and not be afraid to discover what I am capable of as a wife, mother, and a Christian Woman. In one scene, I have “Liz” talking about how she wishes she could be brave enough to face things without being so fearful of the outcome. I was reminded that when we are moving in Christ’s will for our lives, there is nothing to fear. (Insert image of Woman on top of the fountain)
When I came up with the idea for “Finding Hope in Savannah” I wanted a location that was unlike any place I have ever been. All my other books take place in my area. So, I set out to find images of some place warm and southern. I came across images of this little community on the outskirts of Savannah Georgia called Isle of Hope. I loved the looks of this little haven so much, I made it the location of this book.
Writing the descriptions on the location was a bit of a stretch of my imagination. I hadn’t seen it, smelled it, or touched it in any way. The writing of this book just so happened to be the same year as when our family would be driving to Florida for a family vacation. After expressing my frustration in not getting the feel of the place right, my darling husband suggested leaving a bit earlier and spending some time in Savannah on the way down. I am so glad we did and I discovered for myself why it is considered the most beautiful city in the United States.
This book isn’t just a love story or a story about a woman in hiding, but about a single mother of a tween boy who is trying her best to find her way in this world. Having two teen boys of my own I know how fun, as well as gross, boys can be but to get the right mind set for “Liz” I had to do some homework. It took watching and talking to my friends who are single mothers, hear their concerns about life and managing their time. I admire those who have to play both roles every day and still have a smile on their faces. With my husband’s job, I am on my own with the kids part of the time, but it is only part time. I couldn’t imagine raising my three all by myself. My hats off to all the single mommies of the world.
BLOG STOPS:
April 4: His Grace is Sufficient
April 4: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting
April 5: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
April 5: Christian Bookaholic
April 6: Daysong Reflections
April 6: A Bakers Perspective
April 7: History Mystery & Faith
April 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
April 8: Reading Is My SuperPower
April 8: Karen Sue Hadley
April 9: Moments Dipped in Ink
April 9: 100 Pages per Hour
April 10: Captive Dreams Window
April 11: A Greater Yes
April 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
April 12: Bigreadersite
April 13: Blogging With Carol
April 14: Carpe Diem
April 15: my site/autism mom
April 16: Quiet Quilter
April 17: Through the Open Window
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away one print copy of “Finding Hope in Savannah” as well as a $10 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2b9
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Another reviewer called Cara Putman a Christian John Grisham. I would have to agree to a point. It is obvious that, like Grisham, she knows her legal stuff and knows how to write a great novel. In the past, I have gotten bogged down by the abundance of legal details in Grisham’s novels. Putman, however, seems to instinctively know just how much detail the reader actually needs to understand the process.
“Beyond Justice” covers a subject that is all too common in today’s United States – illegal immigration. The story covers a side of it we rarely hear about and it raises some very important questions as well as some possible answers. Beyond that, it is a very good story with lots of action, danger, and suspense plus a side of romance. Attorney Hayden’s roommate Emilie seems to be trying to match her up with her handsome cousin Andrew but Hayden is too focused on her career to be interested in romance. When assigned a new wrongful death case that becomes more puzzling by the minute, Hayden learns that Andrew is also connected to the case through another angle. As they are drawn together to try to solve the mysteries stirred up by the case, both Hayden, Emilie, and Andrew face danger and possibly even death. Only their faith might be able to save them.
What an excellent book! An intelligent, well-paced plot and strong characters made the minutes fly by for me as I read well into the night. I did not want to stop! I look forward to the next book in the series,”Imperfect Justice”. December seems very far away.
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:
Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Read the first five chapters by clicking here.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman, the award-winning author of 24 books, started college at 16, graduated college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:
Website: www.caraputman.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman
Save
by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Memory of You” is the second novel I’ve read by Catherine West and it reinforces my desire to never miss any of her future books. This author has a gift of reaching into her characters’ innermost beings and allowing her readers to know their very souls. Poignant yet hopeful is one way I would describe this particular novel.
Beautifully written, “The Memory of You” is a story of healing and second chances and overcoming the past. I loved how Tanner and Natalie were able to renew their lost friendship and eventually their love for each other. The story is an emotional roller coaster as Natalie is brought back to the place where her nightmares began and she is forced to come face-to-face with the truth and let God’s grace set her free from the guilt she feels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Amazon Vine Program. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?
When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.
And Natalie never says no to her father.
Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.
But finding freedom from the past means facing it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.
Find out more about Catherine at http://www.catherinejwest.com.
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I open a new book by DiAnn Mills I know I can expect am extended reading session because I will not want to put it down. “Deep Extraction” totally met those expectations and then some!
With such an unusual murder method that was used, how on earth would the investigating team ever find the killer? As if that was not enough in itself, problems cropping up within the team could very well stop them in their tracks. I knew that the author would manage to wrap up everything before the end in her usual brilliant style and not only would the case be solved but another deserving couple would be looking forward to a future together.
The fast paced plot included the anticipated twists and surprises that make Mills’ books so much fun to read. Escalating suspense kept my on the edge of my seat but the developing romance was a welcome diversion at just the right intervals. Tori and Cole were strong, well-developed characters who were easy to like but her FBI partner Max started out as a real jerk. Fortunately Max redeemed himself before the end and I also gained an understanding of what was behind his actions.
As always, I loved this book by DiAnn Mills and eagerly look forward to her next novel. If you haven’t read her suspense novels, “Deep Extraction” would be an excellent place to begin.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a seemingly perfect means of execution.
A bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs days earlier indicates his death could be part of a bigger conspiracy, a web Special Agent Tori Templeton must untangle. But her first order of business is separating the personal from the professional—the victim’s wife, her best friend, is one of the FBI’s prime suspects.
Clearing Sally’s name may be the biggest challenge of her career, but Tori finds an unexpected ally in the newest member of the task force, recently reinstated Deputy US Marshal Cole Jeffers. As Tori and Cole dig deeper into Nathan’s personal and business affairs, they uncover more than they bargained for. And the closer they get to finding the real killer—and to each other—the more intent someone is on silencing them for good.
Deep Extraction is recommended for fans of the following:
Romantic Suspense
Christian Fiction
FBI Crime Solving Novel
Read an excerpt from “Deep Extraction” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
To celebrate Deep Extraction’s official release, DiAnn Mills is featuring a random drawing for multiple giveaway prizes. If you subscribe to her blog then you don’t have to do a thing . . . just wait to see if your name is drawn!
To be eligible for the random drawing for the following prizes, be sure to CLICK HERE!
- 1st Place – Apple iPad Mini 2 (32GB WiFi)
- 2nd Place – FBI lunch kit filled with yummy Texas shaped chocolates and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 3rd Place – $50. Amazon Gift Card and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 4th Place – FBI K9 Dog with an FBI cold beverage container and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 5th Place – Personalized copy of Deep Extraction, FBI pen, and Crime Scene Band-Aids
Save
Save
