by admin | Nov 20, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What a delight to return for a visit to Thunder Creek and touch base with old friends and meet some new ones too! The author’s wonderful descriptions of the area almost makes me want to pack a bag to visit this fictional town. But another visit there through the pages of “You’re Gonna Love Me” will have to do for me.
I also loved every page of Sam and Nick’s story – one about forgiveness, second chances and facing your fears. I can absolutely relate to Sam’s cautionary nature for I am much the same way. At this point of my life, I’m not certain I can overcome my own fears but Sam’s experiences encourage me to try.
Another beautiful novel by Robin Lee Hatcher, “You’re Gonna Love Me” is one you will absolutely not want to miss!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Who knew fate could twist a tragedy into a second chance at love?
Samantha Winters lives her life the way a good accountant should—measured, deliberate, and safe. After watching her father die in a tragic skiing accident, she decided never to allow risk into her life again. But she didn’t count on falling for Nick Chastain, who embodies everything she doesn’t want in her safely constructed world.
Against Samantha’s warnings, Nick plans a dangerous kayaking trip over spring break. Furious that he’s so careless with his life, she ends their fledgling relationship with harsh words.
Two years later, Samantha is desperately in need of a change. When she learns her grandmother has had an accident and is in need of a caretaker, Samantha quickly packs her bags and heads to Thunder Creek, Idaho. But nothing could prepare her for the surprise awaiting her in her grandmother’s hospital room . . . Nick.
With the charming backdrop of small-town friends, beloved cousins, and a whole church congregation rooting for them, can they set aside the disastrous ending of their first try at love? Has Nick changed enough to meet Samantha in the middle—and can she realize that a risk in love might be worth taking?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher, author of more than 75 books, is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an eleven-time finalist and two-time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award. In addition to the RITA and many other awards, she is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America® and American Christian Fiction Writers, When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise.
by admin | Nov 20, 2017 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again Shelley Shepard Gray has written a book about the Amish that held my attention until the very end. The story gets started quickly with an accident (or was it?) that injures Susanna Schwartz and her rescuer just happens to be Neil Vance whose family had owned the farm that now belonged to Susanna’s family. Not only does the Vance family resent the new owners of their former home but it seems that the entire community blames the Schwartz family for the Vance family loss. As more accidents and vandalism take place, it becomes obvious that someone wants the Schwartz family to leave. The question is “Who would risk hurting someone because of an unfounded grudge?”
Although Neil seemed pretty unlikable at the beginning, it soon became evident that it was not his true nature. It didn’t take long for the sweet and forgiving Susanna to win him over as a friend. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow into something special and wondered right along with them what exactly was going on in their community.
This book has it all – a sweet romance and a dangerous mystery. Not only that but the reader will find a bonus romance in the works too. “The Gift” is a wonderful story laced with forgiveness and is perfect for the Christmas season. Once again I am pleased to recommend a book by Shelley Shepard Gray.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series
The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.
Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.
Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
by admin | Nov 14, 2017 | Books, Speculative
MY REVIEW:
“The Bachelor Missions” is a very imaginative speculative spy novel that combines present-day with retro and futuristic elements. Hero Kristian Clark loves his 50s style clothing and attempts to dress and act the part of a private eye from that era. Somehow he has yet to accomplish smoking cigars. This young man definitely has some other issues. He still blames himself and God for the death of a close friend. Although he believes himself in love with a particular young woman, he seems to also be drawn to every other woman he encounters.
There is a lot going on in this book, actually a bit too much for my aged mind to keep up with. It is probably the most confusing book I have ever read. Kristian will be in the middle of one situation and a totally new character (or more) will show up. After a bit of an encounter, they disappear again. I had difficulty figuring out where all these characters fit into what was happening and which ones are actually the good guys and the bad guys.
I will be honest and admit that although I kept trying to read and understand the story, I eventually gave up before I reached the end. The author’s style is creative but with so much continuous action, it was more like watching a movie or TV program than the type of book I usually enjoy. I like to get to know the protagonists better as I read a novel and I never could quite understand where Kristian was coming from. I actually believe that this is a generational thing and not due to any deficit in the book itself. I am quite certain that younger readers will probably thoroughly enjoy the story.
I would like to encourage the author to continue with her writing. She has a definite gift with words and should have an excellent future. It’s not her fault that this old lady prefers other genres.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
The good-guys, the bad-guys, and the wild card- it’s the ultimate game of cloak and dagger…
Kristian Clark, private eye, thought his days as a special agent were behind him, but when he’s drafted into action, he finds himself reunited with his old team- and painful memories of why they broke up in the first place. But as he plunges into mission after mission- from a ‘holy heist’ to babysitting a young hacker to going undercover in a cult- Kristian find that everything he tried to leave behind is coming back to haunt him with a vengeance, and then some. First there’s the mysterious woman who knows more about Kristian- and his past- than makes sense while using science fiction weapons that don’t make sense period. Then there are the shady powers-that-be who are responsible for drafting him back into this world to satisfy their own nefarious agendas. It’s all Kristian can do to keep from being pulled into their games as he tries to figure out who to trust and what to fight for, even as the trap put in place to destroy him is set with a ticking clock.
When did espionage get so complicated?
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jes Drew lives with her mom, dad, younger sister (the illustrious Nicki Chapelway), four younger brothers (yes, four), and two dogs. She is the author of both the Ninja and Hunter trilogy and the Howling Twenty trilogy. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, daydreaming, and her day job. There is also a possibility that she may or may not be a secret agent, but that’s classified. Still, you can contact her at http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/
GUEST POST FROM JES DREW:
I began writing at a very young age. I don’t think I even started school yet when I came out with my first children’s titles. The Swan Princess and Flamingo Queen was followed by a sequel The Duck Prince and Unicorn King (because I thought it was unfair that only the mom and sister had to go through transformations), and Julian and Juliette had many reprints- all carefully printed and illustrated by myself before moving to their final destination: safekeeping in my mom’s possession.
Years later, I resumed my writing craft near the end of elementary school with two series of chapter books I wrote and then read aloud to my family. However, it was not until I watched Marvel’s Avengers that I found my true muse (Captain America, obviously). The story was so enthralling, I could do nothing but pick up the pen and compose my first published trilogy: The Ninja and Hunter Series published when I was sixteen. This was followed by the tree books of The Howling Twenties two years later.
But, no longer a ‘young adult’ I’ve moved on beyond that genre to the next age group: New Adult. That genre infamously known for its many vices and sins. However, we as Christians are called to “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b), and a genre targeted toward twenty-somethings should be no exception.
So this is my first release in the New Adult genre. Kristian Clark might be a secret-agent-turned-private-investigator-turned-secret-agent again, but he still deals with the same problems all twenty-somethings face: adapting to a career, longing for a soul mate, and searching for deeper meaning in all the noise. With a little intrigue and cool gadgets on the side because, well, he is a secret-agent-turned-private-investigator-turned-secret-agent after all.
BLOG STOPS:
Bibliophile Reviews, November 2
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 2
A Baker’s Perspective, November 3
Bigreadersite, November 3
Fiction Aficionado, November 4
History, Mystery & Faith, November 5
Aryn the Libraryan, November 6
Reflections From My Bookshelf, November 7
Blogging With Carol, November 8
Multifarious, November 9
Carpe Diem, November 10
A Reader’s Brain, November 11
Karen Sue Hadley, November 11
Neverending Stories, November 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12
margaretkazmierczak, November 13
Mary Hake, November 13
Daysong Reflections, November 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 15
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jes is giving away
a Grand Prize of the Howling Twenties trilogy, signed, and a fifteen dollar Amazon gift card
and a
1st Place Prize of The Time I Saved the Day, also signed, and a ten dollar 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/c31b
by admin | Nov 11, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
No sooner than professor Preston Barclay arrives on campus to teach a couple of summer classes, rumors have spread that he intends to investigate the death of his friend and fellow professor. Despite the police evidence that points to suicide, Press is drawn into an ever-growing web of situations where nothing is as it seems. Was his friend’s death actually murder and was it just one part of a farther reaching crime problem?
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Preston Barclay Mystery, “Murder in Disguise”. The author deftly manages to combine drama, mystery, humor, and a touch of romance while also educating his readers on the Christian history and other facts taught by the professor. Characterizations are excellent as Taylor manages to make each one seem naturally realistic. A few surprises along the way kept things interesting as did the growing romance between Press and Mara.
I also liked the way the author managed to tie current campus politics and practices into the story. It helped confirm suspicions of why many of our young people have developed their current mindsets. If only more of our educators were like Press and Mara and Professor Collier.
“Murder in Disguise” is a terrific book and so is the entire series. This series would be one that many men would enjoy as it is told from Preston’s point of view and the romantic content is fairly subtle.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity.
A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A story of murder, a rumored secret life, and anonymous threats—don’t miss book three, Murder in Disguise, of Donn Taylor’s Preston Barclay Mystery series! Visiting professor Preston Barclay decides to investigate the department chairman’s mysterious death. The more Press questions, the more dangerous the threats against him become, and the more determined he grows to clear his friend’s name. Can Press’ stumbling efforts prevail against the entrenched forces of the police, the campus radicals, and an unseen but powerful criminal organization that increasingly puts lives in danger?
Official verdict: Suicide.
But why would that vigorous department chairman kill himself? To avoid disgrace? Those rumored ventures on the dark side? Some other secret life? Visiting professor Preston Barclay wonders. But his questions bring no answers, only anonymous threats. He has enough problems already, proving himself on a strange campus while radical faculty do all they can to undermine him. Worse yet, that sexy siren assigned as his assistant complicates his courtship of the beautiful Mara Thorn.
While Press keeps asking questions, Mara’s research reveals a cancer of criminal activity that permeates the community and even the campus itself. The more Press questions, the more dangerous the threats against him become, and the more determined he grows to clear his friend’s name.
But can Press and Mara’s stumbling efforts prevail against the entrenched forces of the police, the campus radicals, and an unseen but powerful criminal organization that increasingly puts their lives in danger…?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a PhD in English literature (Renaissance), Donn Taylor taught literature for 18 years at two liberal arts colleges. Now retired, he has published suspense novels, mysteries, and poetry. His historical novel “Lightning on a Quiet Night” was a finalist for the 2015 Selah Awards. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. In a prior incarnation, he led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. He now lives in the woods near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.
Find out more about Donn at http://www.donntaylor.com.
by admin | Nov 6, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Mexico, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Like the old saying, this book started off with a bang – in fact with several of them! Explosions set at the Boden’s mining company leave several miners dead and adds another attack against their family to a growing list. Cole Boden and his siblings may be a bit closer to figuring out who wants the entire family dead but questions still remain.
Although there are touches of Connealy’s trademark humor in “Too Far Down”, I found the entire series to be somewhat more serious than previous ones. That did not hinder my enjoyment one little bit though. The author’s mastery of words and wonderful imagination are very evident throughout the story and I personally love the growing mystery and suspense that were present in this series. Plenty of action and danger keep things jumping and my pages turning. It was fun witnessing the interaction between Cole and longtime family friend Melanie Blake, knowing that she was Cole’s designated love interest yet wondering how in the world the pair would actually figure that out.
As always, a perfectly entertaining tale from one of the premiere western romance authors. I cannot wait to see where Mary Connealy takes her readers next.
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:
When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them.
Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he’s honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.
Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassos than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She’s determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that’s threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm’s way be more dangerous than anyone expected?
Read an Excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series, Trouble in Texas Series, Wild at Heart Series, and Cimarron Legacy Series. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie’s Daughters Trilogy. And several novella collections including; Calico & Cowboy Romance Collection, Hearts Entwined, A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas and many more books.
Mary is married to her very own romantic cowboy hero and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.
