by admin | Oct 23, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Historical, Ireland, Romance, Split Time, WWII
MY REVIEW:
The final book in Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle series, The Painted Castle features Kiera, another member of the Foley family who seems destined to have castles in their lives. As an art expert, Kiera is asked to evaluate a mysterious painting found in an old English manor. Parallel stories that also feature the same manor take place in the Victorian era and during World War 2.
Each story could have easily been developed into a full novel of its own but worked splendidly together to flesh out the history of the people who had once lived in the manor as well as the mystery behind the portrait found there. Not only was each story a romance but each also contained unique elements that kept me wanting to know more. Victorian era Keaton and Elizabeth’s story held a murder mystery that spanned a decade. Amelia and Wyatt experienced the horrors of World War 2 bombings. Emory and Kiera worked together to discover the secrets of the manor and the unknown painting that had been hidden for so many years. These wonderful characters revealed a solid strength as they battled difficult circumstances in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey through the years and Cambron’s unique way of revealing the manor’s secrets bit by bit. I hated to reach the end and could easily have read more about each time frame of the story. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Painted Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Click here to grab your copy. |
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Bestselling author Kristy Cambron concludes the Lost Castle novels with this sweeping tale of art and secrets long buried in England.
It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin-a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.
Set in three time periods-the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day-The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. She’s a Women’s Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.
MORE FROM KRISTY:
About The Painted Castle
A war-torn estate holding its secrets close. A lost library bricked off from the world. And a portrait-maker’s unknown masterpiece of a Queen named Victoria… What stories do they long to tell?
It was supposed to be a one-week snatch-and-grab: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mystery of an old English manor, a crumbling beekeeper’s cottage, and a library that had long ago been sealed off brick by brick, all stir more questions than answers. What begins as a novice assignment instead peels back layers, lulling Keira into the depths of the estate’s long-forgotten history.
Despite questions swirling around the enigmatic, rumored art thief who’s employed her, Keira finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria…
1842— In order to salvage what’s left of her family’s shaky circumstances, artist Elizabeth Meade knows her duty must be to marry well. But she hopes looks can be deceiving enough to hide her true motives behind a congenial smile and gain entry into the ballrooms of England’s noble elite. Instead of husband-hunting, Elizabeth searches for the one thing that’s seared to her memory—the eyes of her father’s killer, whom she unwittingly sketched one snowy night in Piccadilly ten years before. She never expects to find answers tucked away in the countryside at Parham Hill, in the form of a portrait-maker who could help her artist dreams come true, if only she could forget the highwayman she’s hunted for the last decade—the estate-owner who unwittingly selects her as his betrothed…
1942—When the 390th Bomb Group arrives at Amelia Woods’ Parham Hill Estate, the American flyboys bring playing cards, B-17 “flying fortresses”, and enough bravado to believe they can triumph over Hitler just by staring him down. Amelia isn’t certain, and she’s unwilling to compromise the safety and security in a carefully-crafted world she’s built for the dozens of London-evacuated children left in her charge. But with Anderson shelters buried in the gardens and an Allied airfield a stone’s throw away, Amelia may have no choice but to wait out the war under blackouts and bombs, and accept help from the captain who offers it—even if it means risking all she has left of her late husband’s memory…
From the streets of Piccadilly and the lavish halls of Buckingham Palace to the countryside surrounding Framlingham Castle, a warn-torn estate, a hidden library, and the lost portrait of a queen come together to write the final chapter in the Lost Castle series. Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith and the family we fight for, of risk and reward, and the artful crafting of a story that can be generations in the making… yet still change everything about a single life.
BLOG STOPS:
| All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15
The Power of Words, October 15
A Baker’s Perspective, October 15
The Avid Reader, October 16
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 16
Betti Mace, October 16
Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 17
Fiction Aficionado, October 17
Through the Fire Blogs, October 17
Inklings and notions , October 18
AndreaChristenson, October 18
She Lives to Read, October 18
Bloging With Carol, October 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, October 19
Back Porch Reads , October 19
Christian Bookaholic , October 19
KarenSueHadley, October 20
Livin’ Lit, October 20
A Reader’s Brain, October 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20
Genesis 5020, October 21
Worthy2Read, October 21
Life of Literature, October 21
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22 |
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 22
janicesbookreviews, October 22
For Him and My Family, October 22
Older & Smarter?, October 23
Mia Reads Blog, October 23
The Becca Files, October 23
Daysong Reflections, October 24
Connect in Fiction, October 24
Texas Book-aholic, October 24
Just the Write Escape, October 24
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 25
Moments, October 25
Simple Harvest Reads, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Lis Loves Reading, October 26
Hallie Reads, October 26
Living Life Free In Christ, October 27
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 27
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 27
Soutgern Gal Loves to Read, October 28
Remembrancy, October 28
Batya’s Bits, October 28
Leona J. Atkinson, October 28 |
by admin | Oct 23, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Fatal Memories is another of the fast paced suspense stories that has me turning to the Love Inspired Suspense novels when I want a story that gets to the point but also has a well developed plot and interesting characters – and can be enjoyed when I don’t have time to read a longer book.
This suspense filled tale features border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker left with amnesia after injuries incurred under suspicious circumstances. DEA agent Dylan Murphy wants the truth about a dangerous gang and is determined to protect Jocelyn from their attempts on her life until he can uncover the truth and put an end to the gang’s murderous activities. Neither Jocelyn nor Dylan trusts the other completely but Jocelyn knows that she feels safe when Dylan is near.
I enjoyed this book, especially the amnesia aspect that kept me in the dark along with Jocelyn and Dylan. The action filled plot moved along at a rapid clip with more than enough danger to keep the adrenaline pumping. I admired how Jocelyn did not let her lack of memory slow her attempts to discover the truth, even if it meant learning something about herself that she didn’t want to know and how her circumstances were an inspiration that directed her toward the person she wanted to be.
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:
| Book: Fatal Memories
Author: Tanya Stowe
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: September 1, 2019
Click here to grab your copy!
|
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She was framed! Or was she?
If only she could remember…
Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects— her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.
MORE FROM TANYA:
It has long been my husband’s desire to travel the country in a motorhome. So when he retired three years ago, we sold our home and hit the road. We lived in the high desert region of Southern California for almost 37 years. I thought it was going to be a rough transition, but it wasn’t…especially since I came to love one of our new locations.
We spend the winter months in southern Arizona where Fatal Memories is set. I love everything about this unique place. We are surrounded by incredible ecosystems…the Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts collide there, so a different environment is around every corner. The beauty of the mountains, streams and lakes (yes, there’s water in southern Arizona—monsoons come up from Baja every summer) and the wildlife is amazing. I’ve been told black panthers have been known to cross the border from Mexico and roam the countryside. My husband and I bought a Jeep so we could go off-roading to see these sites up close and personal.
In addition to all these amazing natural wonders, history jumps out and grabs me. I’m just twenty minutes from Tombstone. Fort Huachuca and Fort Bowie are forty miles away in different directions. Every time I turn around, there’s a history making site or event to grab my interest. I hope you can see why I fell in love with my new home. I hope you will too when you read Fatal Memories.
By the way…if you interested, I write about our travels in my monthly newsletter. Be sure to check it out!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 16
Bigreadersite , October 16
Genesis 5020, October 17
The Avid Reader, October 17
Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 17
Emily Yager, October 18
Sara Jane Jacobs Blog, October 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19
Batya’s Bits, October 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 20
Andy Carmichael, October 20
For Him and My Family, October 21
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 21
Kat’s Corner Books, October 22 |
EmpowerMoms, October 22
Through the Fire Blogs, October 23
Betti Mace, October 23
Daysong Reflections, October 24
Mary Hake,October 24
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 24
Older & Smarter?, October 25
Blogging With Carol, October 25
Inklings and notions , October 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , October 26
Texas Book-aholic, October 27
Just Your Average reviews, October 27
janicesbookreviews, October 28
Gail Hollingsworth, October 29 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/ed13/fatal-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 21, 2019 | Books, Grand Canyon, Historical, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Distance Too Grand is an attention grabbing historical novel with a Grand Canyon setting. The story revolves around an Army survey crew primarily searching for the perfect place to build a road across the immense mostly unexplored canyon. Meg Pero is a photographer who hopes to take her deceased father’s place on the crew but meets resistance because of her gender. Only because of a time crunch is she accepted to the team who just happens to be led by the very man she once rejected.
This story is not only a tale of second chance romance (you knew that didn’t you?) but is also a riveting account of the hardships and dangers faced by the team as they traveled to the canyon and began their exploration. A steady plot and excellent characterizations made the story a joy to read. As one who has always been afraid of heights, I had to admire Meg’s sometimes daredevil attempts to get the perfect photograph. A bit of mystery and a thread of faith added the perfect touch.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Distance Too Grand and look forward to future novels by Regina Scott.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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:
Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.
Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart. He can’t afford to be distracted during this survey, which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.
As dangers arise from all sides–and even from within–Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 40 works of warm, witty historical romance. Her writing has won praise from Booklist and Library Journal, and she was twice awarded the prestigious RT Books Reviews best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research. She and her husband of 30 years live south of Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.
by admin | Oct 20, 2019 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a page-turner about a young woman badly injured in a devastating accident in the mountains of Montana and her reluctant yet dedicated rescuer as well as others met on their journey. With vivid descriptions of the snow-covered scenery and details about the necessary measures taken just to survive, the story held my interest to the very end. I was personally thankful that I did not have to endure the privations and danger Hope and Micah experienced.
I liked both Hope and Micah’s characters a lot. Despite her injuries Hope was one determined young lady whose one goal was to see the smallpox vaccines delivered in time to save lives. Micah’s reluctance to help was understandable due to his own tragic loss but Hope’s faith inspired him to do what was needed. While Hope’s Highest Mountain is an enjoyable story, I also liked how it illustrated the importance of following God’s call on one’s life.
I would definitely recommend Hope’s Highest Mountain to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially that which features a wilderness adventure. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Hope’s Highest Mountain
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October, 2019
Click here to get your copy! |
 |
When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.
After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.
Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.
MORE FROM MISTY:
Remember Lassie? Old Yeller? Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound? There was something about these dogs that gripped my heartstrings and made me love them as though I’d known them for years. (And, yes, I cried during every one of these movies and books.)
Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had real dogs I’ve loved too. As far back as I can remember, we’ve had at least one or two dogs, and each one has been my very best friend. They’ve suffered my undying love, even allowing me to dress them up like dolls during my younger years.
But the dogs in my stories have a special place in my heart. Handsome, the sweet little black fluffball in Hope’s Highest Mountain is no exception! He was the runt of the litter, and such a dark black that the story’s hero nicknamed him Shadow. You can see the picture that inspired Handsome at the book’s Pinterest page. Those eyes! Hard not to fall in love, right?
The more I wrote in the story, the more I enjoyed getting to know this little guy, and I could almost feel his soft puppy fur as he snuggled in close. I completely see why Ingrid (the heroine) is smitten him! As you read Hope’s Highest Mountain, I hope you love Handsome as much as I do. Please give him some extra petting for me! ?
BLOG STOPS:
| Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 12
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 12
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13
Betti Mace, October 13
Blessed & Bookish, October 14
Texas Book-aholic, October 14
Rebekah Jones, Author, October 14
Genesis 5020, October 14
For Him and My Family, October 15
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, October 15
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15
A Baker’s Perspective, October 16
For the Love of Literature, October 16
janicesbookreviews, October 16
Mary Hake, October 16
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 17
Batya’s Bits, October 17
Connect in Fiction, October 17
Older & Smarter?, October 18
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 18 |
Life of Literature, October 18
A Reader’s Brain, October 18
The Becca Files, October 19
Blossoms and Blessings, October 19
Splashes of Joy , October 19
Through the Fire Blogs, October 20
Moments, October 20
Inklings and notions , October 20
Simple Harvest Reads, October 20
Daysong Reflections, October 21
Wishful Endings, October 21
Joy of Reading , October 21
Pause for Tales, October 22
For The Love of Books, October 22
Britt Reads Fiction, October 22
Lis Loves Reading, October 23
Bigreadersite , October 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 23
Live. Love. Read. , October 24
Deanne’s Book Thoughts, October 24
Hallie Reads, October 24
Remembrancy, October 25
Mia Reads Blog, October 25
To Everything There is A Season, October 25 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, a $20 B&N gift card, and cute mountain cards!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/ed1b/hopes-highest-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again Irene Hannon has provided me with a few hours of suspenseful reading that kept me on my toes as I tried to guess the person behind the various criminal deeds in her story. Each time I thought I had a good idea – and I suspect that was exactly what the author wanted me to think – another character turned up with equally good motives. I loved how the various aspects of the plot were so deftly interwoven. I also liked that even the guilty characters were portrayed with a somewhat sympathetic insight into their background that may well have influenced the direction their lives took.
Dark Ambitions has all the elements that are necessary for a good suspense novel with its fast-moving plot, plenty of mystery, action and danger as well as a touch of romance. Plot twists abound with surprises around every corner. A fairly strong thread of faith was also included which added depth to the primary characters relationship.
In my opinion, one can never go wrong when choosing a novel by Irene Hannon. Dark Ambitions certainly lived up to my expectations!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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:
Danger lurks when ambitions turn deadly . . .
Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently–leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn’t convinced.
With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn’t want them to succeed–and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, and Driftwood Bay, as well as the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carols, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
