by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have always had a love for American history but I now much prefer learning about it through the pages of historical fiction novels. Lori Benton would probably be my go-to author for books about the pre-Revolution years when most of the United States was still a wilderness and heading west meant traveling to Ohio or Kentucky. It was a time of conflict between colonists and the Native Americans who found themselves being displaced from their home territory.
I have read all of Benton’s books thus far and I find that each one seems to get better than the last one. She pretty much proves the old saying that “practice makes perfect”. I can only imagine how good her novels will be in a few years if she continues to write but I don’t know how she could surpass near perfection. “Many Sparrows” not only related the story of Clare Inglesby and Jeremiah Ring but it transported me right into the middle of the action. I experienced the adrenaline from the danger, grieved along with Clare, and rejoiced with her too.
Benton’s characters are so well formed. Clare was an extraordinarily strong woman with an equally strong will. Who else would attempt to birth her own baby then quickly begin a search for a missing child? Jeremiah was also a strong man, well-versed in the ways of the wilderness yet compassionate and gentle when the situation required. I found myself hoping that the two of them would end up together almost from the moment they met.
“Many Sparrows” is a page-turner that kept me reading until all hours of the night. I particularly appreciated the author’s emphasis on trusting God and waiting on His direction.
If like me, you love American history, “Many Sparrows” as well as any other novel by Lori Benton should be on your TBR list. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author after winning an online giveaway. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would…
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son…especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy-nominee The Wood’s Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
I am often a bit apprehensive when agreeing to read a new author’s first book but have added quite a few of them to my must read list. I am delighted to say that after reading “Lady Jayne Disappears” I have added Joanna Davidson Politano to that growing list.
“Lady Jayne Disappears” is the perfect book for lovers of Gothic mysteries like myself. I loved the atmosphere of the old mansion filled with secrets as well as that of the debtors’ prison. It was the perfect backdrop for the haunting tale of a young woman searching for information about the mother she never knew.
This story within a story features Aurelie Harcourt who spent her life in debtor’s prison with her father until his death. Sent to live with wealthy relatives, Aurelie hoped that by completing her father’s serial novel she might discover the truth about her mysterious mother. Numerous surprises are in store for the reader as they begin to love Aurelie and her unassuming and compassionate nature. Dare we hope she finds the truth and perhaps love too?
I liked “Lady Jayne Disappears” quite a lot and eagerly look forward to this author’s next offering to her readers. I would suggest that everyone who enjoys this genre make haste to pick up their own copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lynhurst Manor is a house built on secrets . . . and the arrival of Aurelie Harcourt might reveal them all.
When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies suddenly, he leaves her just two things: his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and his wealthy family–who want very little to do with her.
As Aurelie struggles to find a home with her father’s family and learn the rules of society, she relishes in his parting gift–the beginning of his last story. The story she always wanted to hear, about her mother’s mysterious disappearance from the home where she now lives. To complete the novel, she’ll have to extract clues from relatives–and one enigmatic houseguest–who often seem reluctant to give them up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.
by admin | Nov 28, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dangerous Illusions” is brilliant! When a young widow’s mother dies under her care, she immediately becomes a suspect when it is determined that it was an overdose. Troubling as that is, even more so are the apparent memory lapses Trish Bailey is suffering. Detective Colin Flynn is not comfortable with what he knows about the case and as time goes by the situation becomes even more dangerous. And could Colin be close to breaking the important rule of not becoming too involved with a suspect?
In “Dangerous Illusions” very little is as it seems to be. The plot is particularly challenging with several major surprises along the way. This was one book I definitely did not want to put down for even one minute. I heartily recommend all of Irene Hannon’s books but “Dangerous Illusions” may just be the best one yet.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death–and puts Trish under police scrutiny–her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge–and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps–and figure out what you missed!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and Tangled Webs, as well as the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Nov 25, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed some of this author’s somewhat humorous romantic novels featuring dogs but I am uncertain if I have read one of her Love Inspired Suspense novels. “Cowboy Christmas Guardian” was completely different but in a very good way. In my opinion, Mentink’s ability to write such different genres so well is an indication of her giftedness.
I felt that her characters sprang to life on the pages of this book and they had my full attention as they worked out their differences and struggled to live out their lives as true Christians. As most of us know from experience, it is not always easy to walk the walk – it’s much simpler to tell others how they should behave. It was so easy to identify with Barrett when he was challenged by Shelby for doing that very thing.
Lots of action, danger, and suspense fill the pages of this novel with a few unexpected twists to keep readers engaged. The romance was evident but not in-your-face. I liked the natural way it developed without taking away from the suspense. I thought I had it all figured out but was in for one surprise at the end. I was right about the why but so wrong about who. I love it when that happens.
“Cowboy Christmas Guardian” is a riveting tale with a few breath-holding moments for this gal who would be terrified under similar circumstances. I hope I have awakened your curiosity enough that you will want to pick up your own copy.
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
Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.
Click here to purchase your copy.
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. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!
BLOG STOPS:
Cordially Barbara, November 16
Genesis 5020, November 16
Have A Wonderful Day, November 17
A Greater Yes, November 17
To Everything A Season, November 17
ASC Book Reviews, November 18
Splashes of Joy, November 18
History, Mystery & Faith, November 19
Red Headed Book Lady, November 19
Remembrancy, November 19
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20
Autism mom, November 20
Singing Librarian Books, November 21
Janices book reviews, November 21
Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22
New Horizon Reviews, November 23
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23
Pause for Tales, November 24
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25
Cafinated Reads, November 25
Blogging With Carol, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 26
Carpe Diem, November 27
Karen Sue Hadley, November 27
Babs Book Bistro, November 28
Bibliophile Reviews, November 28
Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29
The Power of Words, November 29
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3
