by admin | Apr 11, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Beauty in Battle is the suspense-filled conclusion to Robin Patchen’s Beauty in Flight trilogy. Once Jack learns Harper’s secrets he convinces her to return to Maryland with him to face the police with the truth before Derrick catches up to them.
Well-developed characters and plot made this series one that I didn’t want to put down but I was grateful to have copies of all three books so that I didn’t have to wait to find out what happened next. Jack and Harper faced more than enough danger along their journey back because in addition to Derrick, an unidentified killer also wants them dead. Unexpected twists and surprises kept me in suspense until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this skillful blend of drama, suspense, romance, and faith. I am glad I had the opportunity to review this series and recommend it to those who enjoy Christian suspense novels.
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:
The truth is out, but will it set her free, or will it land her in the grave?
The last thing Harper wants is to do is return to Maryland to face the police and explain the mess she left behind, but with Red safe and the authorities waiting, she has little choice. At least Jack didn’t abandon her, even after he discovered her lies.
Now that Jack knows the truth about Harper, his feelings for her are deeper than ever. Jack isn’t about to leave her side, and he’ll protect her from anybody who tries to hurt her–or die trying.
But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s the least of their problems. How can they battle both Derrick and the killer who hides in the shadows?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Patchen writes contemporary Christian suspense, romance, and romantic suspense. Her books are often set in New England, where she grew up. She creates strong, protective heroes and intelligent, courageous heroines.
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
by admin | Apr 9, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Rachel Hauck’s books since I first discovered them and appreciate being given the privilege to review many of them. Her latest novel The Memory House is one more example of why I love her books. Another split-time book, The Memory House shares the stories of two young women generations apart and their path from brokenness to restoration and recovery in the Memory House on the Florida coast.
Hauck’s characters are always easy for me to identify with even though our life experiences may be far apart. I could well imagine Beck’s reaction to losing her father on 9/11 and Everleigh’s (I love that name!) trauma after her devastating loss during a Texas tornado. Each woman’s tale of tragedy made them who they were but a better plan that included hope and love was waiting for them at the Memory House. This book was a joy to read despite some of the very sad chapters of both women’s lives. I can always count on at least one Holy Spirit magical moment during one of this author’s books and I was not disappointed. A book filled with faith, love, and restoration, The Memory House is one for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Read With Audra. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
Click here to read an excerpt!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).
GIVEAWAY:
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
There is no lack of Christian historical fiction featuring World War 1 but very few authors seem to have written stories about the First World War. Kate Breslin is one of those authors and she offers some wonderfully researched tales that are quite informative as well as suspenseful and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed Far Side of the Sea which gave me more insight into behind-the-scenes of the war, especially the use of carrier pigeons and spies.
I particularly liked the two main characters Colin and Johanna who despite their instinctive distrust of each other grew to depend on each other as well. Their search for Johanna’s sister Jewel led them on a dangerous chase across Europe that could easily end in disaster at any moment. Ample plot twists and surprises had me holding my breath at pivotal points. I also appreciated the author’s emphasis on faith that helped see them through their dangerous venture.
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:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer–a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead–he can only hope he’ll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he’s driven back into war-torn France.
But Jewel isn’t the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.
That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Samantha Panzera Photography
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Canada, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Between Two Shores is a beautifully written book that has obviously been very well researched. The story details life in Montreal during the mid-1700s especially the war between the British and French and the manipulation of the native tribes to help their sides. Catherine Duval feels caught in the middle. Daughter of a French father and Mohawk mother and in love with a British man her loyalty is pulled in every direction.
The author vividly describes the hardships of the times including starving armies who force civilians to harvest food to feed them at great cost to their own families. The narrative describes a harrowing adventure that has very little to recommend it other than the fierce loyalty between Catherine and her sister and brother. I hated the way Catherine was deceived and used by people she should have been able to trust. This is definitely not a feel-good story with a sweet romance but is what seems to be a true representation of the horror of life during that time. Unexpected twists and turns pop up around every corner which helps keep the story interesting.
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:
She Has Always Moved Between Worlds,
But Now She Must Choose a Side
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years’ War against her wishes when her British ex-fiancé, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.
Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Double-Wide Design
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
Other Books by Jocelyn Green:
