by admin | Aug 3, 2019 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have not read very many suspense novels that featured the Amish but Amish Covert Operation is one such book. In it widow Katie Schwartz finds herself in the center of a very dangerous situation and her life in danger just because she tried to find her brother. Saved by federal agent Adam Troyer, Katie soon learns that she is in deep trouble and needs his protection.
The plot of Amish Covert Operation is fast-moving with plenty of action and danger. It is a given that there is also romance involved – after all it is a Love Inspired novel and the attraction between Katie and Adam is resisted by both which is also pretty much expected. Of course all readers of Love Inspired novels know the basics of how this will end but all the fun is in seeing how the characters reach that point. True-to-life example of faith under fire including natural doubts during the trials is illustrated well. Anyone who enjoys Amish fiction or suspense should love this book. Others may enjoy it as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She witnessed a crime
Can an agent in disguise keep her safe?
After Amish widow Katie Schwartz’s search for her reclusive brother results in a shooting and her finding a cryptic message, she must rely on federal agent Adam Troyer to shield her. But, undercover as a Plain man, can Adam save her brother’s life and protect Katie? Trusting the handsome Englisch agent is already dangerous…but falling for him could risk everything Katie holds dear.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, earning a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught Comp 101 at the local college. Now, she homeschools her six children with her college professor husband. When she isn’t writing, homeschooling, or planning the family’s next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews for her kidlets, and reads.
by admin | Aug 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
As far as I know, Robin Lee Hatcher has never written a book I didn’t enjoy. Some have been historical while others are contemporary. A few have been rather humorous and several have probed into deep emotional and spiritual themes. The author’s latest series, “A Legacy of Faith” combines both historical and contemporary stories that feature a family Bible that has been passed down through the generations. Cross My Heart is the second book in this excellent series.
This is the story of Ashley Showalter, a young woman who rescues horses and Ben Henning, a young man whose dream is to offer equine therapy on the farm he inherited. The two of them seem to have a lot in common and find it easy to spend time together. Neither is interested in a romantic relationship due to unpleasant life experiences but as expected, they find it difficult to resist the growing attraction between them. Naturally there will be roadblocks along the way but will love and forgiveness allow them to overcome the obstacles?
Cross My Heart deals with addiction and the effects it has on both the addict and his/her family and friends. The author handled the subject realistically without judgement or condemnation and illustrated how with God’s help, renewed trust and healing of shame and guilt are possible. The contrast between Ben’s life and his great-grandfather’s life added an extra element that made the story all the more enjoyable and made the series title come to life. I highly recommend Cross My Heart as well as the previous book in this series.
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: Cross My Heart
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: June 25, 2019
Click here to grab your copy. |
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Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. 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. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
For more information, visit robinleehatcher.com; Facebook: robinleehatcher; or Twitter: @robinleehatcher.
MORE FROM ROBIN:
MY WRITING DESK
ROBIN LEE HATCHER
I have a wonderful home office with a large screen iMac and the perfect place to keep important papers and reminders right in front of me for easy access. There is also a bed for my dog, Boo, because no office is complete without a bed to welcome the dog. Right?
I also do a lot of writing while seated in a big easy chair in the living room. It all depends upon my mood and how many reference books I might need at the time.
My office usually looks neat when I begin a book. By the time I’m writing the end, the room has become a disaster—stacks of papers demanding my attention and a layer of dust are the most obvious issues.
My office also serves as my art studio (where I do decorative planning and Bible art journaling), so every inch that isn’t taken up by writing related items is filled with art related ones—paints, washi tape, stickers, pens galore, etc.
An early riser naturally, I consider sleeping in to be anything after 6 AM. On a normal writing day, I try to get in half an hour on the treadmill first thing in the morning (and often return to it for ten minutes segments a couple other times during the day). Then I sit at my desk or in my easy chair to do my Bible study. And finally I begin writing.
I can usually create new words for about four hours or so a day. The rest of the work day is filled with editing, revising, research, and correspondence with publisher, agent, readers, and other writers. I have an active online presence which needs attention daily, as well.
I am also a late-in-life part time college student, taking my classes online, so at least a couple of days a week, you’ll find me doing assignments and taking quizzes. For some reason, I rarely use my office for that. The kitchen table seems to suit me better. Probably because it is a large table and I can really spread out.
I feel very blessed to be able to work at home. I had a full time job when I wrote my first book. In fact, I wrote nine novels over the course of nine years while still working full time. The month my ninth book released, I quit my job in order to write full time. Seventy books and almost 28 years later, I’m still at it. As I said, I am blessed.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, July 27
The Power of Words, July 27
Carla Johnson-Hicks, July 28
Christian Bookaholic , July 28
Through the Fire Blogs, July 29
A Baker’s Perspective, July 29
Back Porch Reads, July 30
Cultivating Us, July 30
Godly Book Reviews, July 31
For Him and My Family, July 31
God’s Little Bookworm, August 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1
Daysong Reflections, August 2
EmpowerMoms, August 2
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 2
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 3 |
Moments, August 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4
Remembrancy, August 4
Pause for Tales , August 5
For The Love of Books, August 5
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6
Hallie Reads, August 6
Living Life Free in Christ, August 7
To Everything A Season, August 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7
Wishful Endings, August 8
Texas Book-aholic, August 8
janicesbookreviews, August 8
A Reader’s Brain, August 9
Inklings and notions, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her 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/e5a6/cross-my-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 22, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Underestimating Miss Cecilia is yet another marvelous Regency romance penned by the prolific author Carolyn Miller. Shy Cecilia has loved Ned Amherst most of her life and hasn’t given up on him despite the disgrace he supposedly brought to his family and friends. Fortunately Ned has repented of his wild ways and has become a responsible person but he has yet to recognize that Cecilia is no longer the neighbor child he remembers.
Of course the nature of Regency romance is that the hero and heroine will eventually fall in love but Miller has a way with her plots that keep them quite interesting. Shy Cecy is no longer nearly as quiet and actually has a secret or two that would horrify her staid parents if they knew what she was up to. She has definitely become more outspoken as she has grown up.
I loved seeing the changes in both Ned and Cecilia over the course of the story and the intrigue and suspense kept me turning the pages. The historical facts were woven skillfully into the story and increased my education of that era in an entertaining manner. A wonderfully strong message of faith was a natural part of the story and did not seem intrusive. I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book except that it came to an end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cecilia Hatherleigh has many secrets in her shy, sweet heart–but none bigger than her unrequited love for Edward Amherst, the earl’s son next door. Her love has persevered over many years, even when he grows to be a bit of a rake. Yet despite his fondness for females, he never seems to see her as anything more than the quiet younger sister, and nothing Cecy does has changed that. Rather than pining after his perhaps unworthy love, she decides to turn her focus toward living out her newly found faith. Now she’s determined to follow God’s leading to make a better world for the poor and dispossessed around her.
A London riot awakens Edward to the responsibilities due his family name. It’s time to turn his life around to please his noble father–and that means restoring his abandoned legal career and making a marriage of convenience. Neither will be easy, given his past and the prejudices of the upper echelons of society to which he belongs.
When misadventure strikes at a house party, these two are thrown together even as their lives are upended. If Cecy can’t trust God, overcome her shyness, and find her inner strength, the good work they’ve both done may be for naught–and neither will ever find true love . . .
Well known for her authentic Regency romances set against less-explored, true historical backgrounds, best-selling author Carolyn Miller continues her newest series with a clean, wholesome tale sure to please her many fans.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/
by admin | Jul 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
A few years ago I was blessed with a digital review copy of Amanda Dyke’s Bespoke. I was enchanted by the story and by her marvelous, lyrical writing style. At some point I also read her Tin Can Serenade and loved it also. I was excited to have a chance to read this author’s first full length novel Whose Waves These Are. With a cover that beautiful the story inside had to be beautiful too, especially given the previous experience I’ve had with her work.
It is somewhat difficult for me to capture all the impressions this book left on my heart. At times it was almost unbearably heartbreaking and other moments made me want to jump up and cheer. It is a story that will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride and leave them wanting another ride. Characters were vividly portrayed in a plot that pulled me in and made me feel a part of it. The author’s poetic style and so many quotable passages were such a pleasure to read.
This book made me yearn for relationships such as described in its pages and made me want to be more like Annie and her GrandBob and Fletch as well as all the others who worked together and made this book such a profound experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss’s humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.
Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.
Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family’s past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she’ll be happy for hours. She’s a former English teacher, and her novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale, was met with critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She is also the author of a novella in The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. Whose Waves These Are is her debut novel
