by admin | May 28, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am a bit tardy in submitting my review due to a lightning strike that took out my home phone line and my internet connection along with it. I was told it could be nearly a week before it would be repaired but surprisingly the internet suddenly began to work again. So here I am, taking advantage of a small miracle and my post is only twelve hours or so late rather than several days.
Kari Trumbo is a new-to-me author but I tend to enjoy most western novels so I agreed to review “A Ruby Glows”. Apparently this book is one of a series but I had no problem jumping right into the story. For the most part the story flowed fairly well. Aspects that seemed to annoy some other reviewers didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I felt that the plot was unique and I liked the two primary characters enough to want to know how their story would end. The unobtrusive addition of a strong message of faith was also a plus.
I appreciated that the romance did not overwhelm the plot but developed slowly and naturally between Ruby and Beau. Beau’s determination that he was not the marrying kind kept him oblivious to his attraction to Ruby even though it was pretty obvious to everyone else. Ruby was pretty hard on herself because of her past so that added some difficulties to the relationship also. As expected everything works out toward the end but as is often the case, it seemed to be tied up in a neat little package much too quickly. Nevertheless, “A Ruby Glows” was a satisfying read and I am definitely interested in reading more of this author’s books when I can find the time.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Ruby’s heart froze as she threw her dead husband over the cliff. When Beau walks into her life, one glance has her running from her past. He couldn’t want someone like her. It should be easy to avoid his quiet charm.If he can convince her she’s a prize, not prey, he might have a chance. Beau’s captivated when Ruby scrambles from him whenever he gets too close. Her sweetness is an allure he can’t fight. Can Beau convince Ruby she is beloved?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kari Trumbo is an inspirational romance author, blogger and proud home schooling mother to four great kids. She interacts often on reader groups on Facebook and volunteers at the local library when needed. When she isn’t writing, she is obsessively reading and expanding her skills as a wordsmith. Kari lives in her great-grandfather’s remodeled 1890-built home in central Minnesota with her husband, children, cats, and one hungry wood stove.
GUEST POST FROM KARI TRUMBO:
Greetings! I hope this isn’t your first introduction to Cutter’s Creek, but if it is, let me explain a bit about it. Cutter’s Creek is a series written by myself and three other Christian authors. Though there are numbers on each book, you don’t have to read them in order to get into the series, in fact, since each author writes in their own time period it might be somewhat confusing. Especially if you like a consecutive story. However, they are all stand-alone books and can be read in any order. If you like to read them in date order, you’ll want to read Kit Morgan’s books first, then Vivi Holt, Annie Boone, and finally mine, that will put them roughly in time order.
The Cutter’s Creek series has been a huge blessing to me. I’ve gotten to write with some wonderful authors and learned so much about writing a series together. So, out of my Cutter’s Creek books, why did I choose Ruby over Lily, Ivy, or Carol…well, I hate to play favorites, but Ruby is my favorite. She’s quiet, and her strength is surprising. She has a big trial, and some hurt to work through, but when you find the right person to help you through it, that’s a gift more precious than anything.
I hope you love Ruby as much as I do. Blessings, Kari
BLOG STOPS:
May 18: Blogging With Carol
May 19: Back Porch Reads
May 20: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 21: Just the Write Escape
May 22: A Reader’s Brain
May 23: A Bakers Perspective
May 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 25: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 26: Connie’s History Classroom
May 26: A Greater Yes
May 27: Carpe Diem
May 27: Karen Sue Hadley
May 28: Daysong Reflections
May 29: Bibliophile Reviews
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Captive Dreams Window
May 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 31: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away signed print copies of A Lily Blooms, A Penny Shines, and A Ruby Glows!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b3de
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by admin | May 26, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Home” is one of those books that encourages the reader to dig a little deeper into her own heart, to examine herself, and perhaps to receive some healing for long buried grief and pain. It is not a particularly easy to read book. The primary character Melanie has buried years of grief so deeply that it has driven a wedge between her and her husband. Financial difficulties and the potential loss of their home bring best-selling novelist Melanie to the breaking point and she runs to a friend’s cottage to attempt to reach the deadline on her latest book. What she finds is peace, healing, and an entirely different book than her usual style.
I liked the fact that this book was written from the point-of-view of both Melanie and her husband Craig. Their personal and spiritual journeys helped me as the reader to understand their relationship struggles which made my reading experience so much richer. I also liked that the author took Melanie and Craig through some unexpected territory that did not turn out at all as I speculated.
“Home” is a beautifully written and thoughtful novel that held my attention throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Novelist Melanie Vander runs away—from conflict, from pain, from reality. When Melanie finds herself faced with a looming deadline, she decides it’s time for an escape to a novel-worthy locale. Maybe a bit of distance will inspire her husband to appreciate her again, too, she reasons. Melanie’s husband, Craig, is facing his own problems, including a recession that’s all but shut down his construction business, the threat of home foreclosure, and a wife who’s checked out emotionally. Craig feels as though he’s carrying his burdens alone. As Melanie runs away from her problems by escaping into her own fictional world, Craig dives into his struggles, seeking God for strength and healing for his marriage. Ultimately, Melanie must choose whether she’ll check out completely, or allow her characters to lead her home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ginny is the award-winning author of Words, Lost and Found, Invisible, Flames, and her most recent novel, Home, which releases April 1, 2017. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and enjoys exploring the issues everyday women face. Publishers Weekly dubbed Ginny’s work “as inspiring as it is entertaining.” When not writing, Ginny coaches writers, critiques manuscripts, and makes vintage-style jewelry for her Esty shop, Storied Jewelry. She loves dining with friends, hanging out with her adult sons, or spending a day in her pajamas reading a great novel. Ginny lives in northern California with Bear, her entitled Pomeranian. To learn more about Ginny and her work, visit www.ginnyyttrup.com.
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by admin | May 26, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
“The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories” is the first book I have read by Celeste Fletcher McHale. If it is a true sample of her other books, it will definitely not be the last one.
A contemporary love story, the novel is populated with well-defined and likeable characters, the kind of people for whom you want all the best. Situations throughout the story are true-to-life and easy to identify with. I particularly like the way Jacey and Colin’s relationship developed and how Jacey was emotionally healed as she found faith in Christ.
“The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories” is the story of two people who met and fell in love quickly during a tremendously traumatic emergency then lost touch for over a year. Meeting unexpectedly once again, both Jacey and Colin must get to know each other under “normal” conditions and Jacey is convinced she was mistaken in her feelings for Colin. This story is filled with drama, humor, romance, and numerous twists that kept me happily reading. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“There’s no time,” Colin said. “You have to go. Find me, call me . . .”
Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory.
The last thing she remembered was being submerged in water. Again.
As Jacey walks down the aisle as the maid of honor in her friend’s wedding a year later, the last person she expects to see is Colin. The biggest surprise, though, is that the man of her dreams is not wearing jeans and flip-flops as he did when he held her through those long nights of the flood. He’s the preacher.
As Jacey’s memories come flooding back, it’s almost more than she can take. The fate of the young family trapped with them haunts her. The unwavering honesty—and support—of her best friend Georgia forces her to take a fresh look at herself. She’s spent her life afraid of love. But this flood is opening Jacey’s heart in the most unexpected ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Celeste Fletcher McHale lives on her family farm in Central Louisiana where she enjoys raising a variety of animals. Her hobbies include writing, football, baseball, and spending much time with her grandchildren.
Website: fletchermchale.wordpress.com
Facebook: FletcherMcHale
Twitter: @FletcherMcHale
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by admin | May 24, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again, Alana Terry’s intrepid heroine Kennedy Stern finds herself in a heap of trouble. All she wanted was to spend her college break relaxing and taking care of her pastor’s son Woong for a day or two. As readers of this author’s previous Kennedy Stern novels can guess “it’s not gonna happen!” Yes, Kennedy finds herself locked down in a hospital in the midst of an epidemic and no one will tell her anything. And it gets worse!
“Infected” is a modern suspense that can easily be read in the course of an evening. Its subject could easily be taken from tomorrow’s news but let’s hope not. Somehow Ms. Terry manages to combine riveting suspense, a bit of over-the-top humor, and biblical truth to make one compelling novel. I loved the scenes with Woong whose nonstop conversations peppered with endless questions were so entertaining. Unfortunately, not all is light and humorous in this novel but we’re not talking about that right now. Too sad. You will have to read it for yourself.
Thus far I have enjoyed most if not all of Terry’s Kennedy Stern novels. I would highly recommend that you give them all a try, including her latest installment “Infected”.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A global epidemic has doctors and health-care workers panicked, but life continues on as usual for college sophomore Kennedy Stern, who’s not about to let a little virus interrupt her premed studies or dampen her spring break.
When she finds herself isolated in a hospital lockdown, Kennedy and all those quarantined with her can only guess who will survive and who will succumb to the deadly threat confronting them.
An exciting new release from award-winning Christian suspense novelist Alana Terry.
Once
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Alana isn’t writing, it’s likely that she’s on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she’s probably not cooking or cleaning.
Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.
Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for “The Beloved Daughter,” her debut inspirational novel. “What, No Sushi?” is Alana’s first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.
Website: http://www.alanaterry.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7048073.Alana_Terry
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