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Firestorm by Laura V. Hilton

by admin | Jul 17, 2018 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

It is quite possible that Laura V. Hilton could be my favorite author of Amish fiction. Although her characters are mostly Amish and her stories are set in Amish communities, I like how there is not so much emphasis on the rules and regulations according to the Ordnung. In Firestorm, a time or two Bridget wonders if certain expectations are the same as in her previous community and more than once Gabe is certain he will be reprimanded by the pastors. Yet overall, Hilton’s books are real life stories about everyday people who live and love and make mistakes just like you and me.

Firestorm is filled with unexpected problems from the very beginning when Bridget’s family is unpleasantly surprised by the condition of their new home that was purchased sight unseen. Fortunately the community rallies to help get things into shape but one accident after another slows their progress. The characters are vivid and so realistic. Several of them struggle with common human failings such as pride and low self-esteem but as they walk through difficulty and tragedy, the Lord sharpens and heals them. Despite all the difficulties and tragedy within its pages, Firestorm contains a good measure of humor that helps keep it from getting too dark.

I particularly liked the powerful scene during the fire when Gabe understood the true power of God, perhaps for the first time. This author’s books are the perfect blend of drama, romance and faith. If you haven’t read anything from Laura V. Hilton, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Firestorm, the first volume of The Amish of Mackinac County 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:

Title: Firestorm
Click to purchase
Author: Laura Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July, 2018

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

GUEST POST FROM LAURA HILTON:

I read a series of books a year or so ago by another Amish author who had set her books in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As a Michigan native, I was curious, and I researched, but found nothing about Upper Peninsula Amish except a notation that one had tried and failed. So I contacted the author. She told me that she’d never been there, and her research had all been hearsay, so with that lack of firsthand knowledge and no trip to the Upper Peninsula planned, no trip to see for myself would be possible. At least at that time.

Then God intervened. My son who is in the United States Coast Guard was stationed in the Upper Peninsula this past summer (2017.) He saw the Amish driving around in their buggies. And he felt like a stalker as he followed one to see where he went and drove through the area. He even sent pictures. (Shhhh.)

Yes, there are Amish in the Upper Peninsula – at least at the time this book was written.

Okay, as a Michigan native, I used some terms that may not be familiar to non-Michiganders. A Yooper is someone who lives in the Upper Peninsula. A Troll is someone from the Lower Peninsula. A pastie is kind of like a Hot Pocket, except it’s a meat pie made with root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and rutabagas. They are so good. And the straits are the area of the Great Lakes connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

As for the wildfire, the earliest wildfire I could find any documentation on in the Upper Peninsula was in April. It is generally a snowy area — trust me. I lived near the Muskegon area and saw snow drifts in May. We sometimes had over six feet of snow on the ground at one time. So, to get the wildfire when I wanted/needed the wildfire I used artistic license. Yes, fires really happened in Michigan’s history. Just not in the month mentioned in the book.

I am attaching a meme about Michigan seasons. We’ll call the fire set in “fool’s spring.” My son got married during the “third winter” this year. April 21 and there’s snow on the ground. He and his beautiful bride got married at a water fall (Tahquomenon Falls) very near where the story is set.

Thanks for reading Firestorm!!

BLOG STOPS:

Carpe Diem, July 10

Blogging With Carol, July 10

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 11

Moments Dipped in Ink, July 11

The Avid Reader, July 12

Blossoms and Blessings, July 12

Texas Book-aholic, July 12

God’s Little Bookworm, July 13

Inklings and notions, July 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13

Among the Reads, July 14

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, July 14

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, July 15

A Reader’s Brain, July 16

Luv’N Lambert Life, July 16

Daysong Reflections, July 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 17

Janices book reviews, July 17

Inspiration Clothesline, July 18

lady ansel book blog, July 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 18

cherylbbookblog, July 19

Two Points of Interest, July 19

A Baker’s Perspective, July 19

Pause for Tales, July 20

Ashley’s bookshelf, July 20

amandainpa, July 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 21

Bigreadersite, July 21

proud to be an autism mom, July 22

Bibliophile Reviews, July 22

For The Love of Books, July 23

Pink Granny’s Journey, July 23

Little Homeschool on the Praire, July 23

GIVEAWAY:

Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.

First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cowboy Bodyguard by Dana Mentink

by admin | Jul 17, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

My first introduction to this author’s books was through one of her “dog” books. While the light-hearted, humorous, and romantic books in that series are quite enjoyable, I love Mentink’s Love Inspired Suspense novels even more. Cowboy Bodyguard is one of those page-turners I hate to put down and has a plot that never slows down from the very first page until the end.

I loved the characters, particularly Jack. If ever there was a dream man, he would fit the bill – first of all he is a cowboy!, he is strong, and loyal, and loving, he is great with babies, and he seems to be indestructible. I mean, what more could a gal ask? By comparison, Shannon seems a bit lacking but as the heat increases, she comes through big time. If only there weren’t that matter of a pending divorce that is mentioned frequently. Of course as all readers of Love Inspired Suspense know, everything will work out in the end but it really helps that the road to happily-ever-after is paved with plenty of action, danger, and suspense to keep readers like me happy.

Be sure to pick up your own copy of Cowboy Bodyguard as well as the first two books in the Gold Country Cowboys series that feature Jack’s brothers. Those Thorn boys can sure find themselves in a pack of trouble!

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:

Title: Cowboy Bodyguard
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Western, Mystery
Release Date: July 3, 2018

Click to purchase

In this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she’s hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he’s ever loved.

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 thirty five 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.)

GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:

I’ve spent a bit of time in emergency rooms lately. Not to complain, mind you. The asthma related treatments worked like a charm and we were blessed by good care, so I am not grateful. There’s a bonus, too. The emergency room is a great place for people watching! Hour upon hour I spent surveying patients, relatives, nurses and doctors. I came away pondering what it must be like to work in the strange bustle that is an emergency room. That’s where character Shannon Livingston was born.

The E.R doc and nurses must be brilliant problem solvers with nerves of steel because they never know what will roll through their doors. Since they are not responsible for follow up care, they have only a short term relationship with their patients. But what would happen, my fictional mind wanted to know, if one emergency room treatment ensnared Shannon in a “run for your life” scenario? And what if her incredible life saving skills weren’t nearly enough to save her own life, or the baby she’s suddenly become responsible for? Ah me! The perfect scenario for a suspense novel, no? I hope you enjoy Cowboy Bodyguard. I can promise it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

BLOG STOPS:

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 12

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 12

Lighthouse Academy, July 13

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 13

Just the Write Escape, July 14

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 14

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15

Power of Words, July 15

Genesis 5020, July 16

Jen Around the World, July 16

Daysong Reflections, July 17

Remebrancy, July 17

proud to be an autism mom, July 18

Janices book reviews, July 18

Carpe Diem, July 19

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 19

Pause for Tales, July 20

Have A Wonderful Day, July 20

Bibliophile Reviews, July 21

Book by Book, July 21

History, Mystery & Faith, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 22

A Baker’s Perspective, July 23

margaret kazmierczak, July 23

Bigreadersite, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Godly Book Reviews, July 25

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 25

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a Mentink Bundle that includes a horse tote book bag, a three book collection, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/ced1/cowboy-bodyguard-celebration-tour-giveaway

Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee

by admin | Jul 12, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Dangerous to Know was not at all what I expected when I agreed to review this book. I assumed it would follow the usual pattern for a Regency romance novel but I was in for quite a surprise. Featuring an emotionally tortured hero who defied most dictates of society, the story was often dark and disturbing. For some reason Lord Brumby was sought after by all the young women, perhaps because of his bad boy tendencies which are often attractive for all the wrong reasons. Isabella Bankmill was one of those young women and although all she recommended many of the obvious signs, she ignored them and soon lived to regret her poor choices.

Dangerous to Know is quite well written and was difficult to put down once I got into it. I did not like Lord Bromby at all and wanted to step into the pages of the book and shake some sense into Isabella. It is a heart-breaking account of what can happen when one person allows another to take precedence over the Lord in their life.

Loosely based on the life of Lord Byron, this book is not for readers looking for a light entertaining romance but is perfect for those looking for a bit more meat in their reading choices.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings, Publicist. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”

Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director’s Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women’s contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women’s contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

Website:             www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:           https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:            https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

by admin | Jul 4, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The small lakeside town of Harbor Pointe, Michigan was not a place down-on-his-luck champion skier Grady Benson would ever want to spend much time. No, it did not have the luxuries and entertainment Grady had become accustomed to in his celebrity lifestyle. Needless to say, he was not at all happy about his enforced community service for several weeks – not when he needed to hit the slopes hard to be assured of a place on the next Olympic team. On the other hand, Quinn Collins had never left Harbor Pointe and did not intend to ever do so. She was so straight-laced that her friends swore they could set their clocks by her routine. She was NOT at all happy to have the full-of-himself Grady assigned to her team for the annual winter festival. I bet most readers can guess what happens between this totally mismatched pair. Of course they can but it is so much fun to follow along their sometimes amusing but always interesting road to the romantic conclusion of their story.

As always, Walsh’s characters are realistic and well-rounded. Both Grady and Quinn have backgrounds that contributed to their fears and outlook on life. I loved how even though they each seemed to rub each other the wrong way, their relationship helped open their eyes to some deep internal truths that helped to start their healing and eventually led to forgiveness and restoration for them both. The spiritual content of the story was strong and could easily be an encouragement to many readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed Just Let Go as well as several other of this author’s books. It was fun to catch up with characters from Just Look Up also. I am certainly looking forward to the next installment of this excellent 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:

Title: Just Let Go

Author: Courtney Walsh

Release Date: June 5, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help.

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press.

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two more books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.