by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
What a fun series! I love the mystery/suspense combined with humor and romance concept, especially when the romance itself is somewhat of a mystery. Readers will find FBI Special Agent Serena Jones hard at work once again trying to solve stolen and/or forged art mysteries while balancing a love triangle that includes FBI agent Tanner and her apartment manager Nate. Both men are equally attractive and each has his own endearing traits but Serena is mostly unaware of their true interest in her. Then of course she has her great-aunt Martha to deal with and even finds herself upstaged by her investigating talent. A somewhat crotchety grandmother and matchmaking parents round out the main characters quite nicely.
A seemingly simple request from her grandmother to investigate a missing painting of a friend quickly turns into a dangerous case filled with secrets and numerous suspects. A murder seems to be connected but that could be difficult to prove. Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the way the case is going for Serena and Tanner, especially when someone close to Serena might not be all he appears to be.
I am really loving this series with its unique and sometimes quirky characters, plenty of laugh-out loud moments that help to relieve the suspense for a moment or two, and its promise of romance and wondering which man Serena will choose. I am looking forward to the next installment.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing
Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The world of art theft can be a deadly game–one that Serena Jones understands all too well.
When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother’s eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.
The Dali isn’t the only painting that’s fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring–one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena’s grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena’s investigation–no matter the cost.
Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones–and readers–a new high-stakes case to crack. You won’t want to miss a single brushstroke!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
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by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Montana, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Susan May Warren is one of my top ten go-to authors and I make it a point to never miss one of her books. It is a bonus if I am offered a copy to review but if not I will always purchase a copy. It was with great sadness that I read the last book in her Christiansen family series but am now excited to see what else Susie has in store for her readers in the new Montana Rescue series. If “Wild Montana Skies” is any indication, I will continue to be one happy reader.
I loved reading about the rescue team, especially their location at Glacier National Park. My daughter and her husband just spent some time there and her gorgeous photos gave me a background that worked hand-in-hand with the author’s vivid descriptions of the setting. As always Susie’s characters were well-rounded with a depth that made them practically walk off the page. Secondary characters and story lines offer intriguing hints of the books to come which makes me eager to find out what happens next.
Once again Susan May Warren has written a book that combines just the right touch of action, drama, mystery, romance, and faith to make it a winner in my estimation. As I said, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of “Rescue Me”.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.
But her mistakes aren’t so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.
Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn’t realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.
Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?
Read an excerpt from “Wild Montana Skies” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Wild Montana Skies, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.
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by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed “Love Found in Sherwood Forest”, a sweet romantic story about second chances and sacrificial love. Of particular interest to me was the historical English setting and backstage details of preparations for a play of the classic Robin Hood story.
As is necessary in a novella of this length, the story did not tarry in getting started. I found the characters to be realistic and likeable. The relationship between Leighanne and her sister was just right with natural conflicts but obvious love between them. Despite their broken engagement, Leighanne found it difficult to resist Jamison’s offers of friendship and found herself attracted to him no matter how she fought it. Jamison’s repeated denial of self in exchange for what he thought was best for Leighanne exemplified sacrificial love to me. A little bit of mystery, an unassuming message of faith, and a sweet romance worked together to make an enjoyable evening’s read.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to Purchase
Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion Leighanne needs. But with ex-fiancé, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director focusing on her new job won’t be easy. Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationships another try, or will he have to let her go again? This time, forever.
Click here to purchase your copy of Love Found In Sherwood Forest.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the lightbulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. A varied career has included stints as a crisis counselor, human resources professional, bed and breakfast owner, and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar, and Catering Manager for Brewster Academy, a boarding high school. In her off hours, she can be found volunteering as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She is active in her church where she serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader.
GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR:
Do you ever wonder where an author gets her inspiration? I certainly do. Let me tell you how Love Found in Sherwood Forest came about. I love history, so when the opportunity to write a contemporary story that embedded historical elements, I jumped at the chance. It was the first romance story I wrote, and it was in response to a challenge laid down by my critique group. (All my manuscripts to this point were mysteries.)
One of the major publishers was looking for submissions and provided a list of writing prompts with locations and items to be included in each story. When I saw the prompt that included Nottingham, England I decided a contemporary story wrapped around the Robin Hood legend would be fun to write. I’ve been enamoured with the story ever since I saw the 1938 Errol Flynn movie The Adventures of Robin Hood.
I love doing research because I unearth so many interesting pieces of information. This research junket was no different. I learned lots of intriguing facts about Robin, Maid Marian, and Robin’s “Merry Men.” I also discovered Major Oak, a tree in Sherwood Forest thought to be nearly 1,000 years old and shelter for Robin and his men.
Here’s a bit about me in case we’ve never “met.” I’ve been writing since I was young. My folks recognized my imagination and gave me a notepad and package of pens when I was in third grade. I wrote stories through high school, but writing went on the back burner during my college and career years. When we left the Washington, DC area to move to New Hampshire to purchase a B&B, I started journaling the experience. Putting pen to paper reminded me how much I loved to write, and I began to create stories. It’s been a long journey to publication-over ten years-but through all that time I learned so much about writing, but more importantly I learned about myself and my faith in God. I discovered you can’t write Christian fiction without examining your own Christianity.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy Love Found in Sherwood Forest.
BLOG STOPS:
November 10: A Baker’s Perspective
November 11: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
November 12: Karen Sue Hadley
November 13: Daysong Reflections
November 14: A Greater Yes
November 14: Mary Hake
November 15: Bibliophile Reviews
November 16: Blossoms and Blessings
November 17: Lighthouse Academy
November 18: inklings and notions
November 19: Sue Stinnett
November 20: Christian Bookaholic
November 21: Carpe Diem
November 22: Reviewing Novels Online
November 22: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
November 23: On Jenna’s Shelf Reviews
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Linda is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of each of Linda Matchett’s books! Click the link below to enter; be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/a862
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by admin | Nov 9, 2016 | Books, Giveaways
Can Father Gilbert, who traded in his detective’s badge for an Anglican priest’s collar, champion the truth in time to stop more people from dying? Find out in Death in the Shadows, Paul McCusker’s new book releasing November 27. Pre-order a copy of Death in the Shadows and check the mystery-lover off of your Christmas list.
Join Paul in anticipation of Death in the Shadows by entering to win two books in the A Father Gilbert Mystery series (The Body Under the Bridge and Death in the Shadows)! Five winners will be chosen to receive the two-book sets. Click the image below to enter to win.
About the Book
When Father Gilbert became Anglican priest, he never expected he would be pulled into a different kind of mystery—the mystery of the spiritual world.
Attending a conference in a seaside town, he has yet another supernatural encounter, this time with a murdered girl who worked at a local massage parlor. Details of the murder lead Father Gilbert to approach the police with clues in common with other cases, bringing him into contact with a detective from his days with Scotland Yard.
Meanwhile, a local monastery has been vandalized, with grotesque images and profane graffiti defacing the altar and walls. The head of the monastery accuses the local sex-trade industry of retaliating against his outspoken stand against it. Then, one of the brothers at the monastery is found dead in the local red-light district. All evidence points to his having been a regular at a massage parlor—the same one where the murdered girl had worked. (Kregel, November 2016)
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
About the Author
Paul McCusker is creative director at Focus on the Family. He has sold more than a million books and twenty million audio dramas. His name is also heard daily on radio stations all over the world, and by at least two million listeners every weekend through the Adventures in Odyssey series. Learn more about him on his website and connect with him via Facebook.
