by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Barbour Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger…and love?
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.
But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.
Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.
What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series–a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale–by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com
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by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Because I have read and enjoyed several of the author’s self-published novels, I was excited to see that she received a contract from one of my favorite publishers, Bethany House. Rachel Dylan is an extremely talented writer and deserves the attention of a major publisher. “Deadly Proof” is her first book published by Bethany House and it lived up to my expectations 100%.
“Deadly Proof” is a riveting legal thriller complete with a believable plot, just the right amount of pertinent facts, a bit of danger and suspense, plus a touch of romance for good measure. The plot features opposing lawyers who are good friends – at least they were before a major case against a giant pharmaceutical company. Kate is dedicated to helping the victims find justice and is determined to win her case without compromising her values. Ethan, the opposing attorney, is quite ambitious and eager to prove himself to his partners; however he finds himself constantly pressured by the clients who want to win the case no matter what it takes. Landon is the private investigator hired by Kate who quickly determines that Kate requires protection and takes it upon himself to provide it. Several other characters play minor yet crucial roles as the story plays out.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Proof”. The narrative moved along at a steady pace with enough action and mystery to hold my attention and keep me wondering what might happen next. I liked most of the characters, particularly Landon and Kate. I also liked learning more about everything involved in preparing a case for trial without having to wade through the overload of information provided by certain other popular authors. The emphasis on integrity and the importance of faith were also positive factors for me.
Everything considered, “Deadly Proof” is an excellent novel that makes me eager for the next book in the series. I hope others will take a chance on this new book by Rachel Dylan. They might just find a new favorite author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Standing For What’s Right Could Cost Her Everything
Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.
Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial.
As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?
Read an excerpt from “Deadly Proof” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media, and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.
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by admin | Sep 10, 2017 | Books, Historical, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Wheresoever They May Be” is a beautifully written novel that features four points of view of two men and two women about their individual lives during World War 2 and the roles they each played. Sometimes humorous, other times dramatic, and often poignant, the story offers readers an intimate look at what actual people may have experienced during the war. Whether in the sky, on a ship, operating a telephone switchboard, or working in a factory back home, each individual had an important role to play.
It was almost immediately obvious what the connection was between three of the characters but it took me awhile to decide exactly where the fourth one fit into the story. Nevertheless, I found his story equally as gripping as those of the other three. One thing that became obvious to me was how important faith was to each character and how the war forced them to draw closer to the Lord. As I read this novel, I felt as though I got to know each character well so I was not 100% happy with how some things turned out. However, I know that real life is not always filled with happy endings so the events I disliked actually made the story all the more realistic. The book ended with a hopeful note and a wee suggestion of incomplete resolution that made me think there just may be a sequel to this tale.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click here to purchase.
Lily Swanson longs to be a mother. Soon Frank should be home for good and they can furnish a nursery. Maybe even find a bigger house.
Joe Gallagher grew up in a small house with plenty of siblings. He loves the solitude of flying, but the war has dragged on for so long. He’s ready to go home.
Susan Talbot has a bad attitude. She’s estranged from her family and she doesn’t attract friends. But war can bring out the best in people and Susan’s surprised to realize she’s happy.
They all do their part in striving for victory in World War II. Sometimes, though, the danger can be hard to identify.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
GUEST POST FROM TERRI WANGARD:
After eight years of thinking, breathing, researching B-17s, I was ready to disembark and concentrate on something else. But what? I had a vague idea of three friends who joined the WAC, the WAVES, and the WASPs, but nothing crystalized. Except for the WAC.
I didn’t want to completely turn away from flying, and I prefer topics that aren’t commonly known. How about a grasshopper pilot? My second character was on board.
I had toyed with the idea of a family generational series. A World War II story paired with a World War I story. But no, too unwieldy.
The WAC could have a sister, though, who stayed on the home front and did factory work. Oh, dear. I couldn’t completely stay away from B-17s. She’s building them.
She also needs a husband. He’ll be in the navy, and not on an aircraft carrier. A destroyer! (This was in the works before Sarah Sundin signed a contract for her just-concluded series about destroyer men. I checked with her: She was writing about the Atlantic war; my guy’s in the Pacific. No problem.) I studied the list of Pacific destroyers and, oooh, the Spence. All kinds of possibilities there.
So there I had it: a sailor, his Rosie-the-Riveter wife, her WAC sister, and a grasshopper pilot. They’re all doing their part to help win the war, but sometimes the enemy isn’t obvious.
BLOG STOPS:
August 31: A Baker’s Perspective
August 31: Connie’s History Classroom
September 1: Bibliophile Reviews
September 1: Red Headed Book Lady
September 2: Just the Write Escape
September 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 3: Zerina Blossom’s Books
September 3: Janices book reviews
September 4: Live. Love. Read.
September 4: Jeanette’s Thoughts
September 5: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 5: Carpe Diem
September 6: Lock, Hooks and Books
September 6: Neverending Stories
September 7: Christian Bookaholic
September 7: Splashes of Joy
September 8: Bigreadersite
September 8: My Crazy Life as a Scholar
September 9: Have A Wonderful Day
September 9: Novels Corner
September 10: Radiant Light
September 10: History, Mystery & Faith
September 11: Daysong Reflections
September 11: Pursuing Stacie
September 12: God’s Little Bookworm
September 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 13: Blossoms and Blessings
September 13: Marry Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:
Grand Prize of $25 Amazon Gift Card
1st Place prize of the Wheresoever They May Be – eBook
and
2nd Place prize of the Wheresoever They May Be – eBook!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/bd12
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by admin | Sep 6, 2017 | Books, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s previous books, “Stealing Jake” and “Claiming Mariah” so I felt certain that her latest novel “The Promise of Breeze Hill” would be equally enjoyable. Pam Hillman came through with flying colors. This book is definitely a winner in my opinion.
Although not a western like the other two books (and I love westerns), “The Promise of Breeze Hill” has a southern setting in Mississippi near Natchez Trace. As a lifetime rural Tennessee girl, I am also quite fond of Southern novels so the book had a lot in its favor before I even opened its pages.
“The Promise of Breeze Hill” is one of the best novels in its genre that I have ever been blessed to read. Connor is a hero who is easy to love and Isabella is an admirable heroine. Their love story is not an instant one but one that grows gradually through mutual respect. I liked how Connor was portrayed with integrity and bravery while he was looked down upon by others and how one character in particular was actually not the grand person he pretended to be.
I really loved this book and look forward to the rest of the series. I am ready for it NOW!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Natchez, MS; 1791
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.
The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.
Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
www.pamhillman.com
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