by admin | Jun 21, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Outer Banks, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I discovered Lisa Carter’s books several years ago and have since made it a point not to miss her latest. I was blessed to have the opportunity to read and review a copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide for JustRead Publicity but would have definitely purchased a copy otherwise.
The setting and plot may be different than the previous novels but I can guarantee that the suspense and romance are still top notch with plenty of twists and surprises in store for the reader. In this wonderful story both McKenna and Caden are dealing with the loss in their lives in different ways. A chance meeting brings the pair together in ways that will change their own lives and that of others forever.
At times heartbreaking, the story eventually leads to hope and restoration for its characters. I liked how the author managed to convey the despair and hopelessness often experienced by our veterans of war. We lose too many of these young men to suicide yet so many are unaware of their desperation. I also loved how the words of the much loved song Here is Love were woven throughout this powerful story of the power of Christ to restore broken lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
 |
Title: A Vast and Gracious Tide
Author: Lisa Carter
Publisher: Gilead
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense |
A wounded veteran and the police chief’s daughter must work together to bring a killer to justice
Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.
McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago . Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .
But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna’s property — and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.
CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Don’t miss your chance to enter this great giveaway prize pack! One winner (US only) will receive:
Print copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Sea glass jewelry set (see here)
Framed print of Psalm 93:4 (see here)
$65 value
Giveaway will run from midnight June 18, 2018 through 11:59pm July 2, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
Follow along with the tour HERE for more chances to win!
by admin | Jun 17, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Blind Betrayal is another fast-paced suspense novel by Nancy Mehl that held me in its grip until the very last page. Action and danger fill the pages as a team from the U.S. Marshals Office do everything they can to escort a vital witness to Washington D.C. to testify. The story starts with a bang when a bomb attack at headquarters sends the team off on a mission that is not exactly as planned. Problems continue to plague them and they begin to wonder if any of them will survive. It was interesting to observe the interaction between Casey and E.J. as they were forced to work together despite their past connection. It soon became obvious that there were some misunderstandings that needed to be overcome if they were to successfully complete their assignment.
I enjoyed this suspense filled tale with realistic characters and a plot that could easily be drawn from current news. Plenty of unexpected twists and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not want to close the cover until I reached the end. I can always count on Nancy Mehl to provide a great read with just the right blend of faith, suspense, and romance.
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:
After two years at the St. Louis U.S. Marshals Office, Casey Sloane is tasked with escorting a reporter to Washington to testify before a grand jury. The reporter’s research on an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared is now even more vital than anticipated.
At first, Casey’s assignment seems routine. But a dangerous attack on the Marshals Office puts everyone on high alert. When Casey and two other Marshals–one a man from her past–are forced on the run with the reporter, they’ll do whatever it takes to protect their witness and make it out alive.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.
by admin | Jun 16, 2018 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Michelle Griep’s books since I read Brentwood’s Ward and have attempted to read every other book by her that I can find. I was excited to read her latest, The Captured Bride and I was not disappointed in the least.
Heroine Mercy is the daughter of a Mohawk father and a white mother. Now on her own she functions as a scout for the English because of her natural skill and unusual gifts. The story covers a dangerous assignment in which Mercy accompanies her usual scouting partner and Elias, a condemned traitor escorting a shipment of French gold to a different fort. Along the way, the group face various dangerous situations and begin to wonder if they will be able to complete their mission. Mercy also finds herself undeniably attracted to the one man she is afraid to trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed novel filled with danger, secrets, betrayal, and a romance that developed naturally without overwhelming the rest of the tale. A few plot twists and surprises along the way served to keep things interesting. It was also gratifying to watch the relationship grow between Elias and Mercy as well as their dependence on the Lord.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of the early days of America.
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:
Click to purchase
A war-torn countryside is no place for a lady—but Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause . . . to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.
Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he’s offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he’s the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.
Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, Undercurrent and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
GUEST POST FROM MICHELLE:
A Visit to Fort Niagara
Whether you’re a history buff or don’t have a clue what the French and Indian War was about, there’s a destination in upstate New York that’s fun to visit for the whole family . . .
My husband and I made the trek to this living history site last summer. I had no idea what to expect, other than what was advertised as a “reenactment camp.” For those who don’t know, this is when volunteers who adore history come together to present a particular event, such as a battle. These people usually choose a real person from the era upon whom they fashion their modern day persona. They dress, speak, eat and live as that person might have. Here I am with some of my new friends:
Generally around the 4th of July, the 1759 Battle of Fort Niagara is recreated in a 3-day extravaganza of soldiers, muskets, canons and an entire market place to peruse selling period-related items.
Some of the things that surprised me about stepping back into the mid-eighteenth century were:
- How much smoke muskets kick out
- Once the battle begins, it’s hard to see who is your enemy or ally
- Canons are really loud
- Everything wasn’t as black and white as it seems in pictures—gowns and uniforms were very colorful
What makes this event so spectacular is that they take the entire 20 day siege and condense it into 3 days. If you visit every day, you’ll see and experience exactly what happened. You’ll be there to see the British, Colonial regulars and Iroquois allies sneak out of the tree line to shoot at some French soldiers who were pigeon hunting just outside the fort. You’ll hear the war whoops and barrage of angry French epithets roaring on the air. You’ll even get a chance to taste some of their food as you wander around inside the French Encampment set up inside the fort walls.
To experience a bit of the danger, sights and sounds of what Mercy and Elias lived through in The Captured Bride, Fort Niagara really is a fantastic place to visit.
BLOG STOPS:
Vicky Sluiter, June 9
Fiction Aficionado, June 9
Blossoms and Blessings, June 9
A Baker’s Perspective, June 9
History, Mystery & Faith, June 10
Inklings and notions, June 10
Just the Write Escape, June 10
Faithfully Bookish, June 11
The Power of Words, June 11
Genesis 5020, June 11
Bakerkella, June 11
My Writer’s Life, June 12
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 12
Luv’N Lambert Life, June 12
Among the Reads, June 13
Book by Book, June 13
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 13
Moments Dipped in Ink, June 14
Splashes of Joy, June 14
Artistic Nobody, June 14 (Spotlight)
Bibliophile Reviews, June 14
Pause for Tales, June 15
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 15
Mary Hake, June 15
Bigreadersite, June 15
Connie’s History Classroom, June 16
Simple Harvest Reads, June 16 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Two Points of Interest, June 16
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 17
Daysong Reflections, June 17
Novels corner, June 17
Kathleen Denly, June 18
A Reader’s Brain, June 18
Remembrancy, June 18
proud to be an autism mom, June 19
Texas Book-aholic, June 19
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, June 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, June 20
Red Headed Book Lady, June 20
Margaret Kazmierczak, June 20
Mommynificent, June 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21
Janices book reviews, June 21
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 21
With a Joyful Noise, June 22
Pink Granny’s Journey, June 22
Carpe Diem, June 22
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of
a signed copy of The Captured Bride and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!
Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d06e/the-captured-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 15, 2018 | Film
MY REVIEW:
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me is one of those rare songs that seemed to touch the hearts of almost everyone who heard it. Most people, including myself, did not have any idea of the story behind the song and that is what this powerful DVD hopes to relay. I watched it alone (with my dog) so I did not have any embarrassing moments of trying to hide my tears but I would recommend having a box of tissues handy – just in case.
The story of Bart Millard’s early years is not a pretty one. It was filled with pain and rejection that sent him running the minute he graduated from high school. Abandoned by his mother and left with an abusive father, Bart still had a dream spurred on by the music that had sustained him through the hard times and a newly discovered talent. The road to success is a difficult one and for Bart is was no different. He was forced to come face-to- face the pain of the past and learn to forgive. Out of that pain came the timeless song that will remain a favorite of many.
I thought the movie was well done. It was easy to follow and most of the characters were perfectly cast. The only one I had a problem with was the actor who portrayed Michael W. Smith. I have seen Michael W. Smith often enough in other media that I had difficulty connecting with the image portrayed here. Thankfully those scenes were brief. Otherwise, the film was a powerful one that relates a powerful story of redemption and does not compromise the gospel.
I would recommend I Can Only Imagine to all who want a good, clean film that will also help to build their faith.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this DVD provided by FlyBy Promotions. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE DVD:
Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins star in this inspiring true story behind MercyMe’s beloved hit song. Running from a troubled home life and a broken relationship, Bart Millard (Finley) found escape in music. Hitting the road in a decrepit tour bus, Bart and his band MercyMe set out on an amazing journey none of them could have ever imagined, in this uplifting, music-filled movie that beautifully illustrates the power of forgiveness and God’s love.
The home entertainment release of I Can Only Imagine features over 3 hours of extras including 7 deleted scenes, 7 in-depth featurettes, an audio commentary, and more!
The #1 Inspirational Movie of the Year Comes Home on Digital on June 5 and Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD on June 12
NASHVILLE, Tenn (April 30, 2018) – Experience the uplifting story that shares the power of forgiveness when I Can Only Imagine arrives on Digital June 5 and on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand June 12 from Lionsgate and Provident Films. Directed by the Erwin Brothers (October Baby, Moms’ Night Out) and written for the screen by Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle, the film tells the incredible true story behind Christian band MercyMe’s iconic, history-making song “I Can Only Imagine.” Starring in the film are up-and-coming Broadway star J. Michael Finley (“Les Miserables”) and Golden Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (2011, Best Actor – Limited Series or Television Motion Picture, The Special Relationship; 2003, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Far From Heaven), as well as Trace Adkins (The Lincoln Lawyer, Traded), Priscilla C. Shirer (War Room), Cloris Leachman (The Last Picture Show, Spanglish), and Madeline Carroll (Flipped).
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icanonlyimaginemovie/
- Instagram: @icanonlyimaginemovie
- Twitter: @onlyimaginefilm
