by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Books, Fantasy
MY REVIEW:
Mark of the Raven is an epic fantasy adventure that is the first book in the new Ravenwood Saga series by Christy Award finalist Morgan L. Busse. Although somewhat dark and brooding by necessity, the novel vividly illustrates the never ending battle between good and evil with its emphasis on light and darkness.
Once I entered the world of Ravenwood I was held spellbound by Lady Selene and the choices she was forced to make about the best use of her gift. Her loyalty to her family and her mother’s demands were in direct conflict with her personal convictions and took a toll on her emotionally. As the book progressed I was on pins and needles hoping that she made the right choice.
Characters were well defined and of course I had personal favorites among them. A steady plot with plenty of twists and surprises and powerful descriptions brought this book to life. Although not blatantly Christian, the symbolism was not difficult to understand. I am not always a huge fantasy fan but Mark of the Raven was an excellent choice and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.
As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.
Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.
One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She’s the author of the epic fantasy Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. Mark of the Raven, a new fantasy series, releases Fall of 2018 from Bethany House. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.
by admin | Nov 7, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for At First Glance by Susan L. Tuttle,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
I was not certain what to expect when I agreed to read and review At First Glance by Susan L. Tuttle. I was actually a bit hesitant to add it to my already too full review list but I am always in favor of helping along new authors and have found many new favorites that way. I was not in the least bit sorry that I agreed to read this one! For a first novel, this book was excellent. Of course there was a small problem here and there but I did not find any that distracted me from the story itself.
The heroine of At First Glance is not the usual slim, beautiful, and talented young woman found in most romance novels. Penelope (her favored name) is actually very talented and working hard to achieve her dreams. Although she might need to lose a little weight, she is much more attractive than her low self image allows her to believe. When she meets Johan Black, they instantly connect but she manages to judge him by the same standards she herself has been judged and compares him unfairly to her personal trainer.
At First Glance is a wonderful story filled with laughter and tears, soul-searching and romance. I thought Jonah was a wonderful hero and was in his corner from the beginning. I also loved the twists the author incorporated into the story that turned one character I disliked through most of the book into one who had my sympathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its strong message about the damage a parent can inflict by comparing their children and/or favoring one over the other. I look forward to reading more books by this new author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: At First Glance
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Bling! Romance (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Release Date: November 1, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When it comes to love and matters of the heart, she’s got a lot to learn.
Estate planner Penny Thornton loves dusting off items others gloss over, especially since she relates to feeling tossed aside for the “bright and shiny”. When her younger sister’s approaching wedding launches Penny back into the throes of her dysfunctional family, she decides to use the festivities to close the gap in their relationships—even if it means appeasing them and finally losing the few pounds they’ve hounded her about for years.
But she doesn’t expect to meet two very different men in the process. East Fisher, the personal trainer who personifies everything she believes she could never attain, and Jonah Black, a man who reminds her so much of herself. Both men are more than they appear at first glance, and both seem interested in her romantically.
As Penny uncovers their hidden layers, she discovers when it comes to love and matters of the heart, she’s got a lot to learn about estimating value.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State where she’s a homeschooling mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between raising her teens and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire and encourage. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. Connect with Susan at http://www.susanltuttle.com.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive (US only)
- an ARC copy of At First Glance
- $10 Amazon gift card
- book cozy from The Cozy Life
- cute bookmark
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 5, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Every time I finish a book by Susan May Warren I am convinced that it is the best one she has ever written and somehow or another, she surpasses it with the next one. Surely it was not humanly possible to write a novel better than Storm Front or Troubled Waters… but she did it again! Wait For Me took the suspense and action up more than one notch as far as I was concerned. If I was not sympathizing with Jess and Pete or feeling their pain, I was holding my breath as they entered one death defying situation after another.
The Montana Rescue series could not have been wrapped up in a more satisfying way. All the loose ends from the previous books were tied up into a neat bow and everyone who belonged together ended up that way. I will definitely miss all the PEAK team and their friends and associates but I rest assured that the author is already at work on another series just as awesome as this one. Not to say that I will be especially patient as I wait for the next book. Hope it won’t bee too long!
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:
With Jess and Pete, every day is lived at full throttle.
Now if they can only stay alive to enjoy it.
Pete Brooks can’t believe he’s waited an entire year for EMT Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job has cost lives, and Pete isn’t sure he wants to continue to work in search and rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.
When a terrible fight between Jess and Pete sparks an impulsive decision, Jess finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with two others. Just when Jess thinks things couldn’t get any worse, they are taken captive and dragged into the untamed Montana wilderness–with murderous intent.
Now Pete will have to call on everything he’s learned to find them–and pray that his past mistakes don’t cost him the life of the woman he can’t stop loving.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than 1 million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, and Storm Front. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.
by admin | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When revenge turns into obsession, things tend to get dicey and Kerry finds herself in the middle of it. After her brother sends a friend to rescue her, then asks him to be her bodyguard until the danger is over, Kerry fights him every step of the way. She only wants her life back and is determined that she can take care of herself. Naturally Kerry finds herself growing more dependent on Luke and could she even be falling for him?
Shadows of Suspicion has a fairly fast-moving plot populated with some interesting characters. Readers will find plenty of suspense and unexpected twists before the end of the story. Faith plays a prominent role in Kerry’s life and helped keep her strong throughout the ordeal. I enjoyed meeting up again with members of Kerry’s family and look forward to seeing what happens to some of them in future books of 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:
Revenge is the agenda…
“Find my sister.”
Rick Reiley’s words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart?
“…I would like you to meet….My wife.”
Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days…and that was saying a lot! Kerry’s simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer.
Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart….and capture Kerry’s?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn
www.ashleydawn-author.com
https://twitter.com/authoradawn
