by admin | Jul 28, 2017 | Australia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Having read Kara Isaac’s first two novels, I should have known what to expect. As I read through the first few pages I thought it was a bit different from the others but I kept reading. I can truthfully say that “Then There Was You” is probably my favorite thus far. It probes depths of human emotions with an understanding that many never achieve.
With two primary characters who have been wounded by events in their lives and who shy away from romantic relationships, the story is both poignant and hopeful. Paige especially had many layers of buried pain to overcome. But don’t despair, the author’s quirky sense of humor also abounds within the pages of this book. I found myself laughing often as I read, even while I empathized with Paige and Josh and their issues.
I loved the Australian setting, especially that most of it took place on the site of a megachurch. Even better is that Josh was one of the primary worship leaders in the contemporary worship band. I was often reminded of Hillsong United as I read. It was fun seeing Australia and New Zealand through the eyes of the characters.
“Then There Was You” is a wonderful romantic tale that is filled with faith, forgiveness, and emotional healing. I so enjoyed this book and hope others will pick up a copy also.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Paige McAllister needs to do something drastic. Her boyfriend can’t even commit to living in the same country, her promised promotion is dead on arrival and the simultaneous loss of her brother and her dream of being a concert violinist has kept her playing life safe and predictable for six years. Things need to change. A moment of temporary insanity finds her leaving her life in Chicago to move to Sydney, Australia. There she finds herself, against many of her convictions, as a logistics planner for one of Australia’s biggest churches, and on a collision course with her boss’s son.
Josh Tyler fronts a top-selling worship band and is in demand all over the world. But, in the past, his failed romantic relationships almost destroyed both his reputation and his family. He’s determined to never risk it happening again. The last thing he needs is some American girl tipping his ordered life upside down. Especially one who despises everything he’s ever worked for and manages to push every button he has.
When Josh and Paige are thrown together to organize his band’s next tour, the sparks fly. But can they find a way to bridge the differences that pull them apart? Or will they choose the safety and security of what they know over taking a chance on something that will require them to risk everything?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kara Isaac is an award-winning writer who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where her career highlights include working in tourism as Private Secretary for the Prime Minister. She loves great books almost as much as she loves her husband and two children.
Visit Kara on her WEBSITE and on FACEBOOK.
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by admin | Jul 28, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I found “With You Always” to be an excellent start to Jody Hedlund’s latest series. Set during the mid-1800s, this novel features orphaned members of a family who also take care of two other orphans. During a particularly terrifying street riot, Elise Neumann is rescued by wealthy Thornton Quincy who cannot get her out of his mind despite knowing his father would never approve of her. When their paths cross once again on an orphan train headed to Quincy, their attraction is mutual – but Thornton and Elise have other more important details to attend.
As a history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about challenges to those who lived during this tumultuous era and the vast difference in lifestyles of the rich and poor. Although some aspects of the story itself may have been somewhat out of the ordinary, even those details added to my continued interest in the book. I “needed” to find out how everything would turn out.
Although the rivalry between Thornton and his twin was heartbreaking, especially when dishonesty entered the competition, I was impressed by the changes in Thornton and how his entire attitude changed during the course of the story. I also liked the developments in the relationship between Elise and Fanny.
“With You Always” is emotionally difficult at times because it deals with challenging real life situations such as poverty, physical abuse, betrayal, families torn apart, etc. but the author manages to instill hope in the reader despite the grim realities of the story. She reminds us that even during the most difficult times, the Lord is always with us.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Could Following the Opportunity of a Lifetime Cost Them the Love of Their Lives?
One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children’s Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society’s orphan trains is not all that it seems.
Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother’s shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.
Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn’t be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they’ve been working toward?
Read an excerpt from “With You Always” HERE.
Where to Purchase:
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.
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by admin | Jul 24, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
I have thoroughly enjoyed Sandra Orchard’s quirky yet suspenseful Serena Jones Mystery series and am sorry to see it come to an end. It has been fun joining Serena, her partner Tanner, her landlord Nate, and of course her aunt Martha as they solved art related crimes. The love triangle has kept me guessing and of course I have had a favorite beau for Serena. That aspect of the book did not turn out exactly as I had hoped but both men were such hero material that I am happy with Serena’s choice.
Once again, “Over Maya Dead Body”, the last book of the series, was fast paced and witty. There were enough red herrings thrown in to throw me off the track. I actually like it when I don’t know all the answers before the big reveal at the end. Talk about big reveals – in this book readers will learn a few very interesting facts about more than one of the characters who have joined Serena in her exploits. I’ll never tell though. You really need to read it for yourself. It would really be best to read all three books in order though. Each one could stand alone but are so much better as a whole.
This was such a fun series that I am looking forward to what Sandra Orchard cooks up for her readers next. I know it will be great!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Crime doesn’t take a vacation
FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha’s Vineyard with her family, ready for a bit of R & R and a lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But when a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring interrupts her picture-perfect trip, she’s soon entangled in the investigation.
Propelled into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them a boatload of romantic complications–and even a secret or two?
Read an excerpt from “Over Maya Dead Body” HERE.
Where to Purchase:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books, including A Fool and His Monet; Another Day, Another Dali; and the Port Aster Secrets series. The winner of six Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers’ Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com.
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by admin | Jul 24, 2017 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Susan May Warren has long been one of my favorite authors and is definitely on my don’t miss short list. It is always exciting when I actually receive a copy of her latest book to review but it is no question that I WILL have a copy asap. I actually purchased the first two books in this series and loved them so I was happy to receive a review copy from Revell for “A Matter of Trust”.
One of the most adrenaline laced books I have encountered, “A Matter of Trust” had me holding my breath at times while hoping Gage and Ella would find her brother and that all of them would actually make it down the mountain alive. Yet this book is more than just action and adventure, daring and danger. The emotionally charged story explores the depths of feelings between Gage and Ella who must decide if they can trust each other despite their disastrous past. A beautiful story of forgiveness, “A Matter of Trust” is one I will long remember.
The author has such a way with words that it was easy to imagine myself on the mountainside in Glacier National Park. I also had the positive reinforcement of gorgeous photos from my daughter and her husband’s recent visit there.
I am pleased to know that there are more installments coming in the Montana Rescue series and I am certain that I will be reading each and every one of them.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s those we love who have the power to hurt us most . . .
Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he’s remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana’s rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can’t seem to find his footing–or forget the woman who betrayed him.
Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the public eye as one of the youngest senators in the country. But she has a secret–one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.
When Ella’s brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park’s most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn’t so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he’ll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother–a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.
Read an excerpt from “A Matter of Trust HERE.
Where to Purchase:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today, ECPA, and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than one million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies and Rescue Me. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.
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by admin | Jul 23, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Marriage, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Denise Hunter is one of the queens of Christian romance novels. It’s no wonder that some of her books have become Hallmark movies although like most readers I think the books are better! “Sweetbriar Cottage” is probably the most serious book I’ve read by this author but it still managed to hold my attention through each and every page.
The story of a divorced couple who discover they are still married due to a paperwork error, this novel probes the depths of emotion when Noah and Josephine are forced to spend days in close proximity due to a winter storm. Then an even graver situation requires them to rely on each other and personal secrets are revealed that help each of them gain a better understanding of each other.
The author took me through every high and low with her beautifully developed characters. Noah was a near perfect hero but a few negative traits kept him human. Josephine was so in need of encouragement to help her overcome her past – something Noah had never realized. I loved how the couple learned how to depend on each other during such adverse conditions and how that brought them closer together.
This is one of those books that you just have to read for yourself but it is well worth the effort. I will always recommend books by Denise Hunter because she writes about real life situations featuring flawed humans who need each other and a Savior.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Booklook Bloggers. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.
Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.
Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.
But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.
As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband have three boys and are rapidly approaching an empty nest.
You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter
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