by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | 1950s, Books, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
I reluctantly agreed to review “The Rector” because it seemed that others were not requesting it. Afterwards I even questioned my sanity for taking on a novel I was not that interested in reading. I really did not need any more commitments – I have plenty of other books I want to read languishing on my shelves waiting for me to find time to read them. Well, as usually happens, I ended up being glad that I read the book!
“The Rector” is a somewhat lengthy but quite clever mystery that takes place in Mississippi during the 1950s which is not that far from where I have spent my entire life. Being somewhat familiar with the area and the Southern customs, I found the story of particular interest. “The Rector” actually includes three different rectors within its pages although the reader actually meets the first rector after his death.
A lot goes on within the pages of “The Rector” and Martha is right in the middle of all of it. At times I thought Martha was a real busybody and at other times I thought she had a strong gift of discernment and a quest for truth and justice. Whatever it was, Martha was largely responsible for solving the mystery of “The Rector”. I enjoyed reading the story from Martha’s point of view and was constantly entertained by the unique and quirky residents of Solo, Mississippi.
I am happy that I took the time to read “The Rector” and would recommend it to any who love a good mystery or a story with a Southern setting.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Solo, Mississippi, had any claim to fame in the 1950s, it was due to the small town’s proximity to notorious Parchman Farm Penitentiary. The Rector is a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, and Christian allegory. Solo may be a speck on the map, but a story as large as the heavens is playing out in its boundaries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After earning a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Carolina, Michael started a one-man ad agency. It grew to 87 employees in two cities, winning numerous national and international creative awards. Michael sold his firm in 2011 and turned his attention to full-time Christian fiction writing. His latest novel, The Rector, is available on Amazon in print, on Audio Book, and Kindle.
Michael was born in his mother’s own bed on a farm in Yazoo County, Mississippi. He grew up in a town of 310 souls. He knows a thing or two about strong Christian women, alcoholic men, and Jesus. He’s a member of Kairos (prison ministry), been to Cuba twice on door-to-door evangelism mission trips, been a Sunday School teacher, and a member of Independent Presbyterian Church for 35 years. He and his wife of 44 years live in Memphis, TN, have three sons and four grandchildren. The little ones call him “Big Mike.”
He’s a member of the ACFW, Mystery Writers of America, The International Crime Writers Association, and the Southern Writers Association. His books have won BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL and BEST INTERIOR DESIGN from the International Book Awards; the Silver and a Bronze IPPY (for Christian | Fiction) from the Independent Publisher Book Awards; BEST RELIGION | FICTION novel from the National Inde Excellence Awards; a Finalist in the Beverly Hills Book Awards, and Mystery & Mayhem Awards.
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by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Hunted” is one suspense filled page after another and I had great difficulty putting it down for even one minute until I reached its end. It is a story of the lengths one man will go to to get revenge and illustrates the toll that quest for revenge can take on ones very soul. It is also a story of how far another man will go to protect the woman he loves but most importantly it is a story of God’s protection of those who follow him.
I enjoyed “Hunted” very much. The plot was well written and I found the characters to be well-rounded and realistic. It was easy for me to relate to Sloan’s feelings about Colt’s dedication to his work because I have a husband who was once married to his work. This story was filled with lots of danger and suspense with one twist after another. I found myself holding my breath at times – afraid of what might happen next. This is a real page turner that I would recommend to all who enjoy a good Christian suspense.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After over one hundred documented missions as Gray Feather, the elusive military sniper, Colt Hanson is trying to put his former life behind him. However, a mission he carried out in Africa against the rebel leader of The Leopard Army still haunts his dreams because the shot that ended the life of the sadistic killer also brought about the failure of his marriage. Now after five years, members of The Leopard Army have come to America to sell a diamond that will enable them to buy guns to carry on their rebellion, and they are seeking vengeance on Colt for killing their leader. But they also have targeted Colt’s estranged wife Sloan, and the two find themselves thrown together again as they become the prey of the vicious hunter known as Nimrod. If Colt is to save Sloan’s life, they must put their differences aside and work together as they begin a cross-country journey trying to elude Nimrod who has vowed he will not stop until Gray Feather and his woman are both dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town where she grew up. Until a few years ago she was working as an elementary school principal, but God opened the door for her to become a full-time writer in the Christian market. When asked what she writes, she replies, “Christian fiction–Southern Style.” Her books in both romantic suspense and historical romance with settings in the South have been recognized in the Daphne du Maurier Contest for excellence in writing mystery, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for writing romance, the Holt, and the ACFW Carol Awards.
Sandra enjoys hearing from her readers. To find out more about Sandra and her books go to http://sandrarobbins.net or send her an email at sandra@sandrarobbins.net
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by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love discovering new authors and I love romantic suspense novels so it was a no-brainer to agree to participate in the blog tour for “A Memory Worth Dying For” by Joanie Bruce. To my surprise and delight, Joanie also included a copy of her first novel, “Alana Candler, Marked for Murder”. I read and enjoyed both books and hope to find time to review the other one in the near future.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” has an unusual plot with both primary characters suffering from some degree of amnesia. Marti Rushing cannot remember anything concerning the events surrounding a tragic auto crash that killed her sister-in-law, her husband and Marti’s unborn baby. Angry because he believed a drunken Marti was responsible for the accident, her husband divorced her. During the three years following the crash Marti has moved from place to place because of a stalker and threatening communications but when she receives a letter begging her to return to Texas, she feels she has no choice but to do so.
Although some of what happens in this book is a bit of a stretch, I personally enjoy having my imagination challenged. The plot built upon itself as one dangerous incident after another menaced Marti and more than one possible perpetrator looked suspicious. Multiple plot twists and major surprises popped up along the way but were all resolved satisfactorily by the conclusion.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” is an enjoyable read with a theme of forgiveness and restored faith. I believe that those who do not tend to over analyze plot details but just love a good romantic suspense would enjoy this one.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
“Do Not Return To Texas!” Marti Rushing gets the message, loud and clear. If she returns to Texas, her life is in danger. If she stays in Tennessee, she’s safe. But when she receives a letter telling her that Daniel, her ex-husband and the love of her life, is dying, she knows she has to defy the stalker and return to Texas to see him. Three years ago, Daniel accused her of things she couldn’t remember doing. Without waiting for an explanation and after four wonderful years of marriage, Daniel kicks her off of his family’s Quarter Horse ranch. Now, three years after their separation, he walks into her art reception in Tennessee and acts like he doesn’t remember her. Does the memory loss have anything to do with the letter she received, or is Daniel pretending? Is he the one stalking her, or is it someone with a deadly, sinister motive? Ignoring the deadly warnings, she leaves for Texas, but on the way there, the attempts on her life begin. Will she be able to evade her pursuer’s attacks? Or will Daniel’s face be the last one she sees?
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.
GUEST POST FROM JOANIE BRUCE:
Hello everyone. My name is Joanie Bruce, and I’m happy to visit with you today and tell you a little about myself and my book, “A Memory Worth Dying For.”
The idea for this book actually started from a simple memory. Years ago, I watched a movie about a woman whose father-in-law ruined her marriage. That thought raised a question in my mind: What would happen if a married woman was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law, and her husband never stood up for her against his father?
Many questions and solutions emerged from that one idea, and the brainstorming began… One answer lead to another problem, and the answer to that problem produced another question. When all was done, the plot for this book emerged.
After adding suspense, mystery, love, and a growing spiritual aspect to that one idea, I was able to combine them to form an interesting plot. Finally, after several months of work, “A Memory Worth Dying For” was born.
I love this story because it shows forgiveness at its highest peak. Marti and Daniel have a wonderful marriage, but because of greed, selfishness, and a colossal misunderstanding, that marriage is dissolved. Even though they are separated, the love they feel for each other never wanes. Marti’s love for Daniel throws her into a dangerous situation, but that same love also gives her the perseverance and determination to stay in Texas and fight for the happiness of the man she loves even though her life is threatened if she does. I’m sure you’ve all read the Bible verse Joel 2:25a. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” That verse is the one Marti clings to throughout the story.
As I do my writing each day, I pray that God will teach me something. Writing this book taught me so many lessons. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but with the idea of practicing forgiveness in my own life. It also reinforced the knowledge that I should never jump to conclusions and get the facts before I make decisions. In this book, Daniel jumped to a conclusion and listened to gossip which caused the break-up of his marriage and unnecessary stress in his life.
Years ago, one of my Sunday School students gave me a book for Christmas called “In His Steps.” If you remember, that book started the campaign that encouraged you to ask “what would Jesus do?” before every action. I was convicted while reading that book because I knew I wasn’t doing things in my life for the Lord’s glory. So the next Sunday in church, I dedicated my life back to the Lord, and I began praying He would use me in whatever way He chose.
After those sincere prayers, the Lord began showing me how I could use my life and the talents He gave me for Him. It was shortly after that prayer I found out I had the ability to paint portraits, and not long after starting my art career, my first attempt at writing was accepted for a publishing contract. I realized then that following the Lord’s leading in my life and an attitude of gratefulness and obedience all worked together so the Lord would bless my efforts.
If you take anything away from this post, I hope it will be that the Lord can use anyone who is willing to be used. If you surrender your talents to him, no matter what your age or limitations, God can still use you for His glory.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I hope and pray that God blesses each of you in all of your accomplishments.
BLOG STOPS:
August 30: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
August 30: Cassandra M’s Place
August 31: Petra’s Hope
September 1: A Reader’s Brain
September 2: Quiet Quilter
September 2: Splashes of Joy
September 3: History, Mystery & Faith
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 5: Carpe Diem
September 6: Pause for Tales
September 7: Blogging with Carol
September 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 9: A Baker’s Perspective
September 10: bigreadersite
September 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
September 11: Daysong Reflections
September 12: just the write escape
September 12: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire and her books! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a29f
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by admin | Sep 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I read lots of books and probably have more on my TBR shelf than I will ever finish since new ones are constantly arriving. For that reason I am often hesitant to agree to read one by an author with whom I am unfamiliar which was the case with “Color of Danger”. But remembering that I have discovered so many favorites by doing just that I took a chance and agreed to review this book. I am so happy that I did!
“Color of Danger” is one of those page turners that I never want to put down in order to take care of the more mundane things of life like cleaning and cooking. The suspense built on nearly every page and I was held captive by the story. It was easy to imagine how it would feel to be the sister of a serial killer I thought had died then to learn of more murders with my brother’s unique calling card…and that I might be his next victim. Now that is a great idea for a book and I can tell you that Alexa Verde did a masterful job of fleshing out that idea!
The strong plot moved along at just the right pace with realistic characters I grew to like. I particularly enjoyed the twists and surprises at every turn plus the fact that I did not guess the guilty person too quickly. The romantic angle was not one of those love-at-first-sight ones that are often difficult for me to believe but advanced naturally. The spiritual element was convincing yet not overpowering.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Color of Danger” and will be looking forward to more quality suspense from this new author.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life as the sister of a serial killer is never easy, especially when former runaway Mari Del Lobo becomes a target herself. A recent crime has her late brother’s signature and MO, which Mari finds highly unusual, as she still blames herself for her only sibling’s death. Soon Mari encounters an unexpected — and a very attractive — ally in Dr. Luke Goodman.
Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask for help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul in Mari, Luke is determined to keep her alive, but it’s not easy to protect the stubborn ex-rebel.
To solve the mystery, renew her faith, and find love and redemption, Mari has to face her most dangerous enemy — herself.
“One of the best Christian romantic suspense novels I’ve ever read.” – JoAnn Durgin, JoAnn Durgin, USA Today bestselling author.
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alexa Verde writes sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder. She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She can claim her 15 seconds of Amazon fame with her books climbing to the #1 spot in Hispanic American and #3 in Christian Mystery & Suspense. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her popular series Secrets of Rios Azules. For giveaways (for example, Russian souvenirs), news, and recipes, please sign up for her newsletter at www.alexaverde.com. Twitter: @AlexaVerde3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor
GUEST POST FROM ALEXA VERDE:
Thank you, Sandra, for having me on the CelebrateLit tour, and heartfelt thanks to all the bloggers who read and reviewed my novel Color of Danger. Every review, every kind word, every blog post matters tremendously to me. Very excited to be here!
In some ways, the first book is like the firstborn child. There is no feeling comparable to the one when your “baby” is born. While Color of Danger is not the first book I’ve written, it is the first book I’ve published, and I’ve done the latter with much apprehension and trepidation. But this was a story I needed to tell, about love, forgiveness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
By then, my published works had ranged from senryu (Japanese poetry) to travel portraits to interviews, but it had taken me a while to find my voice in full-length books. However, once I realized I wanted to write Christian novels, I never veered off that road. I’m currently working on my first Christian contemporary romance, so my tagline might change. But for the Christian romantic suspense series, Secrets of Rios Azules, it is “Sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder.”
I was told Mari was an unusual heroine. She’s tough, strong-willed, and fearless, and at the same time, vulnerable and hurt. Color of Danger is not just a combination of a Christian romance and a serial killer mystery. It is more than a story of friendship between “Danger Girls,” though Mari is loyal to a fault and would give up her life in a heartbeat for those she loves. First and foremost, it’s about believing in God again. And that’s what I strive for every one of my books to be.
A love letter to God.
BLOG STOPS:
September 8: Daysong Reflections
September 9: Christian Bookaholic
September 10: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
September 11: SueStinnett
September 12: Carpe Diem
September 13: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 14: Mary Hake
September 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 15: A Baker’s Perspective
September 16: Quiet Quilter
September 17: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 19: History, Mystery & Faith
September 20: Bukwurmzzz
September 21: Blogging With Carol
September 22: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Alexa is giving away a $50 amazon gift card! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a367
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