by admin | Nov 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia
MY REVIEW:
In her latest novel, When Silence Sings, Sarah Loudin Thomas relates the story of Colman Harpe, a young man who feels God’s call on is life despite a long-standing feud between his family and the McClean family. After the death of his cousin at the hands of a McClean, Colman feels an urging from God to take the Gospel to his longtime enemies but like the Biblical story of Jonah, Colman decides to follow his own path and like Jonah, he pays dearly for his choice.
This book is a powerful story filled with exceptional characters both good and evil and there were times some of them surprised me. One in particular was not at all the person I thought he was. It is a story of enemies driven by a feud that no one can remember how it began. It is a story of one man who finally decided to obey God or possibly die and a special woman whose heart was so pure despite the difference that made others fear her.
Although there are hints of romance in When Silence Sings, it is not the primary focus of the story. It is a story that points out the hate and prejudice that drives humans away from God and the power of love and forgiveness to bring reconciliation and restoration to those who need it most.
I have loved each of this author’s previous novels but When Silence Sings is a special story that will linger in my mind for some time to come.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a Long-Standing Feud Threatens to Spark Once More,
the Fates of Two Families Rest on the Most Unexpected of Shoulders
For years, Serepta McClean has towered over the coal-filled hills of West Virginia, taking more than her share of legal and illegal trade alike. She’s intent on securing the future of the McClean name, despite two unreliable sons and a long-standing feud with the Harpe clan that’s exploded once again into violence.
While many fear her, and many more despise her, few dare to stand against her. Especially not someone like Colman Harpe–a railroad man with dreams of being a preacher. And yet it’s a reluctant Colman, Serepta’s sworn enemy, who finds himself in this powerful woman’s territory, supposedly sent there by God himself to share stories of love and hope.
With the feud growing ever more dangerous, putting the entire region at risk, these two impossibly different people find themselves on a collision course. And the very lives of everyone close to them will be changed forever.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas (www.sarahloudinthomas.com) is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has time to write because she doesn’t have children of her own. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Sound of Rain and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live near Asheville, NC.
by admin | Nov 16, 2019 | Books, Harvey House, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of every author in this collection, I was thankful to be receive complimentary copies and the opportunity to review this excellent anthology of novellas. Each story features a Harvey Girl who works at one of the famous Harvey House restaurant stops along the railroad west. In addition to different characters, the Harvey House in each novella has a different location and/or time frame.
I have previously enjoyed historical novels about the Harvey girls and loved reading more about them. For some reason this aspect of our nation’s history was fascinating to me and it was a treat to learn more about this era of our history. Because of the short format of each novella, I will not attempt to describe each one.
Each of the authors are favorites of mine and I found that each story completely met my expectations. Despite the short length, each author expertly condensed their tale without taking away from its enjoyment. Characters were portrayed in a manner that made me care about each of them and the plots were developed nicely with just the perfect amount of action, suspense, humor, and romance that was necessary. Each story also included a touch of faith that made it more meaningful to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Serving Up Love and recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction. If you are not familiar with these authors, this book would be an excellent introduction to their work.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Jen Turano, Regina Jennings and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!
A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.
Tracie Peterson – A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life–with a daughter, no less–will she ever be the same?
Karen Witemeyer – More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?
Regina Jennings – Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the rail yard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House–who has secrets of his own–needs her assistance.
Jen Turano – A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York’s pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She’s determined to hold fast to her life of independence–but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com. |
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Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of eleven books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com. |
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Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com. |
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Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. |
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by admin | Nov 12, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Deadly Christmas Pretense is another suspense filled romance from talented author Dana Mentink. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series and loved meeting new ones in this latest installment. Once again the author takes her readers on a sometimes hair-raising adventure as her characters race against time to find evidence against a desperate man before he manages to kill one or more of them. As is often the case, an adorable but pesky dog takes center stage as he proves his worth.
Twin Maggie Lofton is pulled into the dangerous situation when she is mistaken for her sister Tammy whose good intentions to help her employer have gone terribly wrong. Then the cowboy who rides to Maggie’s rescue & refuses to go away just happens to be her sister’s ex-boyfriend. The riveting plot moves from one threat to another as Liam and Maggie grow closer with each encounter. Will Liam be able to overcome his fear about a physical handicap and begin to trust Maggie with his future or is their relationship doomed? I’ll never tell but you can find out more if you pick up your own copy of this excellent Christmas romantic suspense.
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: Deadly Christmas Pretense
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
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A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.
Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?
Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 1
Among the Reads, November 1
Emily Yager, November 1
KarenSueHadley , November 2
Blogging With Carol, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
Bigreadersite, November 3
My Devotional Thoughts , November 3
She Lives to Read, November 3
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 4
Genesis 5020, November 4
mpbooks, November 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5
Betti Mace, November 5
Quiet Workings, November 5
Blossoms and Blessings, November 6
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , November 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6
Older & Smarter?, November 7
Maureen’s Musings, November 7 |
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 7
Splashes of Joy , November 8
For Him and My Family, November 8
Moments, November 8
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 9
Simple Harvest Reads, November 9
EmpowerMoms, November 9
Through the Fire Blogs, November 10
Remembrancy, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 10
For the Love of Books, November 11
Hallie Reads, November 11
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 11
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12
To Everything There Is A Season, November 12
Daysong Reflections, November 12
Texas Book-aholic, November 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13
janicesbookreviews, November 14
Inklings and notions, November 14 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a a book necklace, Amazon gift card, and a paperback copy of the book!!
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/ed7d/deadly-christmas-pretense-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Deadly Deceit is a skillfully executed suspense novel that could easily keep most readers on the edge of their seat until the very end. The second volume in Walters’ Harbored Secrets series, this book could easily stand on its own merits but what is the fun in that? With familiar characters and the setting of Walton, Georgia from the first installment, Living Lies, readers will find this suspense filled tale even more enjoyable if they have read the first.
The narrative begins with the death of a person close to Vivian Demarco, a dedicated journalist. Determined to use her unique skills to discover the truth behind the mysterious message on her friend’s dying lips, Vivian quickly runs up against Deputy Ryan Frost who discourages her from becoming involved. Naturally Vivian stubbornly refuses and as all good readers can quickly guess, the two are soon working together to solve a case that grows beyond their original suspicions.
Multiple suspects as well as victims keeps the pair and the entire police force on their toes as they work frantically to prevent more victims and to stay alive themselves. A touch of faith and a theme of forgiveness is woven throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all lovers of contemporary suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name–but no one knows your secret.
Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason–to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian’s only hope for finding the truth–and the next big story–is small-town law enforcement’s lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called the Watcher force Vivian to fight for answers–and her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
by admin | Nov 6, 2019 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Christmas at Whitefriars is a delightful historical novella that is perfect for a Christmas reading spree. Although its length is short, the pages a packed with interesting and sometimes quirky characters, vivid descriptions of Whitefriars and its grounds, and a sweet romance that overcomes fear and social anxiety.
I loved both Mary and Everett and the manner that they encouraged and helped each other deal with their personal inadequacies. Despite its age and deterioration, Whitefriars had a wonderful history that deserved retelling and remembrance. I felt like I was also getting the grand tour of it as Mary showed Everett around and explained its history that she loved so much.
Christmas at Whitefriars is just the book companion for a cozy winter evening by the fire. Please don’t miss it!
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:
Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas. From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe. Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
