by admin | Apr 14, 2017 | Books, England, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“A Stranger at Fellsworth” is a Regency era romantic suspense that grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Its brisk plot and strong characters kept me engaged and I quickly finished reading it in just a couple of sittings.
The suspense is fairly tame yet interesting. A bit of a mystery about poaching on two estates near Fellsworth is finally solved with some surprising results. A couple of truly nasty characters add to the drama and an unexpected romance will make the story worthwhile for many readers.
A story of betrayal and forgiveness, this novel was an enjoyable read that kept this reader occupied and happy for a few hours. I always enjoy a novel by Sarah E. Ladd.
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:
Could losing everything be the best thing to happen to Annabelle Thorley?
In the fallout of her deceased father’s financial ruin, Annabelle’s prospects are looking bleak. Her fiancé has called off their betrothal, and now she remains at the mercy of her controlling and often cruel brother. Annabelle soon faces the fact that her only hope for a better life is to do the unthinkable and run away to Fellsworth, the home of her long-estranged aunt and uncle, where a teaching position awaits her. Working for a wage for the first time in her life forces Annabelle to adapt to often unpleasant situations as friendships and roles she’s taken for granted are called into question.
Owen Locke is unswerving in his commitments. As a widower and father, he is fiercely protective of his only daughter. As an industrious gamekeeper, he is intent on keeping poachers at bay even though his ambition has always been to eventually purchase land that he can call his own. When a chance encounter introduces him to the lovely Annabelle Thorley, his steady life is shaken. For the first time since his wife’s tragic death, Owen begins to dream of a second chance at love.
As Owen and Annabelle grow closer, ominous forces threaten the peace they thought they’d found. Poachers, mysterious strangers, and murderers converge at Fellsworth, forcing Annabelle and Owen to a test of fortitude and bravery to stop the shadow of the past from ruining their hopes for the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever.
Website: sarahladd.com
Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor
Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor
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by admin | Apr 13, 2017 | Books, Historical, Jazz Age, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read each of Kristy Cambron’s novels to date and would find it difficult to choose a favorite because they are all so different. That being said, I really, really liked “The Illusionist’s Apprentice”. This book is delightfully mysterious with appropriately spooky and curious settings throughout.
The author set the stage perfectly for her narrative with well researched historical details and just the right characters and background. Wren Lockhart was extraordinary and I loved the way her story was revealed to the reader one layer at a time as she learned to trust Elliot. Wren was a strong and independent woman, yet surprisingly feminine and vulnerable. As elements of her past were slowly revealed, it was easy to understand how her personality and love of privacy had been shaped.
“The Illusionist’s Apprentice” is an emotionally charged story filled with drama, danger, mystery, suspense, betrayal, and romance. Its pages are filled with twists and surprises and I was particularly surprised to find out who was behind the plan to destroy Wren.
If you enjoy historical suspense, “The Illusionist’s Apprentice” is not to be missed.
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:
Not all illusions happen on the stage.
Wren Lockhart, apprentice to master illusionist Harry Houdini, uses life on a vaudeville stage to escape the pain of her past. She continues her career of illusion after her mentor’s death, intent on burying her true identity.
But when a rival performer’s act goes tragically wrong, the newly formed FBI calls on Wren to speak the truth—and reveal her real name to the world. She transfers her skills for misdirection from the stage to the back halls of vaudeville, as she finds herself the unlikely partner in the FBI’s investigation. All the while Houdini’s words echo in her mind: Whatever occurs, the crowd must believe it’s what you meant to happen. She knows that if anyone digs too deep, secrets long kept hidden may find their way to the surface—and shatter her carefully controlled world.
Set during one of the richest, most vibrant eras in American history, this Jazz Age novel of illusion, suspense, and forgotten pasts is perfect for fans of The Magician’s Lie, challenging all to find the underpinnings of faith on their own life’s stage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, was named to Library Journal’s Best Books of 2014 and nominated for RT Book Reviews’ Choice Awards Best Inspirational Novel of 2014 and for the 2015 INSPY Awards for Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal’s Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction) for February 2015 and a Top Pick for RT Book Reviews. Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three young sons.
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by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Finding Hope in Savannah” is a book with lots of potential. The story and characters were interesting and enjoyable. I liked the strong faith held by some of the characters and how they shared it with other characters frequently. I also thought that the process Liz went through as her faith was restored was quite natural and believable.
I will admit that I nearly gave up reading it after the first two or three chapters. I felt like I was listening to someone who never stopped for breath. Thankfully, the pace slowed down a bit and the narrative flowed a bit more naturally after that. I personally had a problem with Jake’s reasons for not finding Liz for thirteen years. Sure, his mom needed help but surely he could have taken a few days to return to Boston to find her. I think Liz let him off just a bit too easily. Other aspects of the story also troubled me but to detail them would fall into the spoiler realm.
I believe that “Finding Hope in Savannah” could become a much better book with some professional editing help. It’s a good story that could be a great one. I would love to see a bit more time spent on the suspense and a bit less romantic daydreaming. But that’s just my own preferences.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson liked her quiet, predictable life with her son. When she witnesses something horrifying and dangerous, they are forced into hiding. She seeks refuge in the small community of Isle of Hope, Georgia only to find that her life and her heart are still hanging in the balance.
Officer Jake Andrews, dedicated his life to protect and serve the people of Savannah. In the back of his mind always wondering “what if?”. The arrival of a young woman from his past forces him to face a long-buried secret, that will change how he sees his future.
As danger comes to Georgia, Liz & Jake must learn to trust God and each other, to see their way out of the situation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa resides in a small mid-Michigan farm community with her husband and three children, all of whom they home school. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, taking photos, and motorcycle rides with her husband. Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life.
GUEST POST FROM MELISSA WARDWELL:
Finding myself though “Finding Hope in Savannah”
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
Writing this book opened my eyes to quite a few things about myself. It opened a door to a need to discover new places and try new things. To step outside of my shell and not be afraid to discover what I am capable of as a wife, mother, and a Christian Woman. In one scene, I have “Liz” talking about how she wishes she could be brave enough to face things without being so fearful of the outcome. I was reminded that when we are moving in Christ’s will for our lives, there is nothing to fear. (Insert image of Woman on top of the fountain)
When I came up with the idea for “Finding Hope in Savannah” I wanted a location that was unlike any place I have ever been. All my other books take place in my area. So, I set out to find images of some place warm and southern. I came across images of this little community on the outskirts of Savannah Georgia called Isle of Hope. I loved the looks of this little haven so much, I made it the location of this book.
Writing the descriptions on the location was a bit of a stretch of my imagination. I hadn’t seen it, smelled it, or touched it in any way. The writing of this book just so happened to be the same year as when our family would be driving to Florida for a family vacation. After expressing my frustration in not getting the feel of the place right, my darling husband suggested leaving a bit earlier and spending some time in Savannah on the way down. I am so glad we did and I discovered for myself why it is considered the most beautiful city in the United States.
This book isn’t just a love story or a story about a woman in hiding, but about a single mother of a tween boy who is trying her best to find her way in this world. Having two teen boys of my own I know how fun, as well as gross, boys can be but to get the right mind set for “Liz” I had to do some homework. It took watching and talking to my friends who are single mothers, hear their concerns about life and managing their time. I admire those who have to play both roles every day and still have a smile on their faces. With my husband’s job, I am on my own with the kids part of the time, but it is only part time. I couldn’t imagine raising my three all by myself. My hats off to all the single mommies of the world.
BLOG STOPS:
April 4: His Grace is Sufficient
April 4: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting
April 5: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
April 5: Christian Bookaholic
April 6: Daysong Reflections
April 6: A Bakers Perspective
April 7: History Mystery & Faith
April 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
April 8: Reading Is My SuperPower
April 8: Karen Sue Hadley
April 9: Moments Dipped in Ink
April 9: 100 Pages per Hour
April 10: Captive Dreams Window
April 11: A Greater Yes
April 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
April 12: Bigreadersite
April 13: Blogging With Carol
April 14: Carpe Diem
April 15: my site/autism mom
April 16: Quiet Quilter
April 17: Through the Open Window
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away one print copy of “Finding Hope in Savannah” as well as a $10 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/b2b9
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by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Another reviewer called Cara Putman a Christian John Grisham. I would have to agree to a point. It is obvious that, like Grisham, she knows her legal stuff and knows how to write a great novel. In the past, I have gotten bogged down by the abundance of legal details in Grisham’s novels. Putman, however, seems to instinctively know just how much detail the reader actually needs to understand the process.
“Beyond Justice” covers a subject that is all too common in today’s United States – illegal immigration. The story covers a side of it we rarely hear about and it raises some very important questions as well as some possible answers. Beyond that, it is a very good story with lots of action, danger, and suspense plus a side of romance. Attorney Hayden’s roommate Emilie seems to be trying to match her up with her handsome cousin Andrew but Hayden is too focused on her career to be interested in romance. When assigned a new wrongful death case that becomes more puzzling by the minute, Hayden learns that Andrew is also connected to the case through another angle. As they are drawn together to try to solve the mysteries stirred up by the case, both Hayden, Emilie, and Andrew face danger and possibly even death. Only their faith might be able to save them.
What an excellent book! An intelligent, well-paced plot and strong characters made the minutes fly by for me as I read well into the night. I did not want to stop! I look forward to the next book in the series,”Imperfect Justice”. December seems very far away.
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:
Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Read the first five chapters by clicking here.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman, the award-winning author of 24 books, started college at 16, graduated college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:
Website: www.caraputman.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman
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