by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
Before I finished my very first novel by Karen Barnett, I knew I had found yet another author whose books I must have. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to review them so far but I can assure you that if I happen to miss out on a blog tour, I will definitely purchase anything she pens. “Through the Shadows” met all my expectations and more.
The third book of Barnett’s Golden Gate Chronicles series, “Through the Shadows” takes place two years after the great San Francisco earthquake. The city is beginning to rebuild but many people have lost everything and the rich seem to get richer at their expense. Political corruption is rampant and an evil human slavery trade takes advantage of the innocents among the Asian community. It is to this volatile environment that young lawyer Charles McKinley comes to his uncle’s law practice because he wants to help others. Unfortunately his noble ambitions are squashed by the realities of his new job. Elizabeth King has also recently arrived in San Francisco hoping to atone for her mistakes by helping in a mission to the young rescued Chinese girls.
I loved this book! Elizabeth is just the kind of character I like – one who fights for the oppressed without a thought of her own danger, loving and loyal to those she cares for, yet fragile and wounded in spirit. Charles is the perfect hero also. He has such fine ambitions to help others and even when things do not go as planned, he always takes the high road. Working without sleep to prove himself worthy, he turned the other cheek time and again to those who wanted to undermine him and went out of his way to protect and serve those who needed him.
It was a joy to catch up with Elizabeth’s brother and sister as well as their spouses from the first two books of this series. Other familiar characters played important roles also. With plenty of drama, danger, misunderstandings, romance, and suspense, “Through the Shadows” held my attention through the end. It is a fine story of forgiveness and reconciliation plus learning to see ourselves the way the Lord sees us and accept his plans for us.
I am sorry to see this series end but I look forward to whatever Karen Barnett has in store for her readers next. I can’t wait!
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.
The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.
Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.
Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!
by admin | May 23, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Someone Like You” is a beautiful contemporary romance about second chances and the grace of God. Less-than-perfect primary characters are vividly portrayed with all their shortcomings which made me like them even more. Well except for that one supremely irritating narcissist who just never could get a clue about how grownups should actually behave.
I liked the story twist in that Julia and Zeke had parted ways years before due to differences in their faith only to have their roles reversed when their paths crossed again. I did think Zeke beat himself up just a bit too much over his self-perceived failures but then that really is what some of us tend to do in everyday life.
Ladybug the goat added just the right touch of humor at times when things could have become bogged down in emotions. What fun! Overall the plot was held together by just the right amount of action, tension, romance, and humor. And for those who really love romance, there are more than one romantic stories included in this book.
I mostly liked the way the story was resolved although it wrapped up just a bit too quickly for me. One thing I might like to see is a future novel featuring Hunter. Much as I disliked him and as badly as he behaved, I would love to read his redemption story. After all, it is never too late for anyone to find God.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.
A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.
With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?
Read an excerpt from Someone Like You HERE.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.
Find out more about Victoria at http://www.victoriabylin.com.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Janice Thompson just has to be the queen of taking a slight misunderstanding and stretching it for all it is worth into a hilarious scene or two. She is also quite adept in coming up with one-liners that might just have her readers laughing out loud or perhaps rolling in the floor. Janice is one funny author but she tempers the laughs with practical and spiritual wisdom that her readers can take with them into real life situations.
“Every Bride Has Her Day” is the third and final installment in the Brides With Style series. It wraps up Katie and Brady’s story quite nicely as they are the main focus of the series. Now that the pair are engaged, they have a wedding to plan but as can be imagined, there are multiple complications along the way. Everyone, and I mean everyone has an idea about when, where, and how their wedding should take place. No one seems to have a clue that it is their wedding.
Janice outdid herself with the romance in this one. Romance seems to be coming out of the woodwork and grabbing everyone in its path. Why, a girl cannot even get through her own engagement party without someone else receiving a proposal and weddings seem to be fair game for similar scenarios. So for those who just cannot get enough romance, “Every Bride Has Her Day” should provide it in abundance.
“Every Bride Has Her Day” is the perfect home town romance filled with the unique and quirky characters Janice is well known for. Aunt Alva alone is enough due to her witty and sometimes clueless statements.
I hate to see this series end and am also sorry that Revell did not see fit to renew this author’s contract. But I am happy to know that I will continue to see her light-hearted stories available in other outlets in the future.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
the author and by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Katie’s determined to make it down the aisle this time–but it may be easier said than done
Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can’t wait to start planning their life together. But it’s hard to focus on her own happily ever after when her calendar is filling up with celebrations for friends and family. Beyond that, it seems everyone around her has an opinion–and a strong one at that–on what Katie’s special day should look like. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her storybook wedding? Or will her overzealous friends and relations make a mess of everything?
Read an excerpt from “Every Bride Has Her Day” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | American Revolution, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Oh my, what a book! There is no way I can do justice in describing the absolute genius of Lori Benton. The way she gets right to the heart of her characters makes me feel like I know them. She is not afraid to tackle difficult situations but does it with such finesse and grace. I was blown away by the opening words of her very first book, “Burning Sky” but “A Flight of Arrows” dug deep into my soul and brought forth emotions I was mostly unaware existed. I am one who does not cry easily these days but this book brought me to tears.
“A Flight of Arrows” continues the story that began in “The Woods Edge” but those who have read Lori’s books from the very beginning might find some other familiar faces here. Just keep your eyes open for them. Anna and Two Hawks’ story is continued as he, Stone Thrower, and Reginald Aubrey attempt to locate William in the midst of heated battles with the British and their Indian war parties.
This book is so filled with quotable lines that it would be difficult for me to choose one to share. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, forgiveness and sacrifice, joy and grief. But most of all it is a glorious picture of the grace of God and how he works in hearts that are open to Him and how redemption can come through tragic circumstances.
I cannot say more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! You will not regret it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hearts are Divided
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance
Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.
Book 2 in the Pathfinder Series
Click here to download Chapter 1 of A Flight of Arrows
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.
