by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingCold as IceSydney Lane PressbyM.K. Gilroy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark won’t claim he has done it all in the world of publishing, but he has packed boxes, edited manuscripts, made sales calls, created marketing plans, directed design and illustration, started companies, consulted, agented the works of others, and written advertising and catalog copy. He’s authored, compiled, and ghost written books that have landed on an array of bestsellers lists and sold millions of copies. His first ghost writing project, The Wal-Mart Way, was done for Don Soderquist, Sam Walton’s longtime right-hand man.
In early 2012 he put on a new hat as a fiction author. His debut novel, Cuts Like a Knife, was released in April 2012 and was met with rave reviews from USA Today, Fresh Fiction, Publishers Weekly, and other leading national reviewers. His second novel, Every Breath You Take, second in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series, released in Fall 2012 to similar acclaim. Kristen Conner returns in Cold As Ice, which releases in Fall 2014.
Gilroy has extensive writing credits. He scripted and served as creative consultant for a two-hour training video that was honored with the Award of Excellence by the International Television Association. He has compiled and written close to fifty books and penned hundreds articles and curriculum pieces for a variety of periodicals and publishers.
Gilroy and his wife Amy reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. Their six children are Lindsey, Merrick, Ashley, Caroline, Bo, and Zachary—the youngest has now headed off for college, so he and Amy are officially empty nesters.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Detective Kristen Conner is back on a new murder case. She’s still fighting with her sister—and no surprise, someone new wants to kill her! He was a pillar in his Chicago neighborhood: popular school teacher, devoted father and husband, political activist on behalf of underprivileged children—and a master gardener who liked to plant flowers in his neighbor’s yards. What wasn’t to love about him? Who would want him dead?
When Detective Kristen Conner lands the case she knows from day one who the key suspect is. That’s simple. The person most likely to kill you is someone close that you know and love. But the wife? She was always at her husband’s side and just as passionate about his causes as he was. No way could this loving wife and mother of three be a killer. Right? Mix in her on-again, off-again relationship with FBI Agent Austin Reynolds, a quick trip to New York City where Kristen helps her media-star sister for a new apartment—only to discover the body of a man who appears to have been executed by a professional killer on a run through Central Park—and Kristen Conner is once again swept into a world of danger, intrigue, and a confusing love life.
What she doesn’t know just might kill her.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Cold as Ice, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Detective Kristen Conner is dedicated to her job and becomes extremely frustrated if prevented from doing it. For that reason she balks at mandatory visits to a therapist and is pretty unhappy that she is surrounded by protection after accidentally nearly stumbling upon an execution in Central Park while on vacation. A murder in her mother’s neighborhood is at the top of her list and she has no time to be worried about the Russian mafia.
“Cold As Ice” is a suspenseful book with plenty of action and danger as one would expect when dealing with cold-blooded killers such as the Russian mob. That scenario kept things moving right along while the closer-to-home murder provided more insight into the actual detecting process by the homicide department. A little romantic misunderstanding and family dynamics add a touch of realism to the story.
Overall, I enjoyed “Cold As Ice” but might have liked it better if there hadn’t been so many different points of view. At times it came very close to being quite confusing. Other than that, it was a pretty good read and I would most likely be interested in the next book in the series.
by admin | Aug 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Counting on a Cowboy” is both fun and poignant. The perfect follow-up to the previous “Betting on Hope”, it not only included a brand new romance between Monahan brother Bo and Abby Knightly, but the continuing story lines involving side characters add even more interest.
After visiting and falling in love with Wishing Springs, Texas with Hope in the first book, it is no wonder that Abby chose the cozy little town as a place to start over. Still grieving over major loss in her life, Abby has no desire to even think about another man but when Bo finds himself with a challenge he cannot handle alone, Abby’s resistance is poor.
With bigger-than-life characters who are also believable, “Counting on a Cowboy” is a story of healing, forgiveness, and love. I reached the end of this wonderful tale much too quickly and cannot wait for the next installment to find out what lucky lady will make confirmed bachelor Jarrod change his mind.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.
Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.
Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.
This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.com.
A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don’t miss Debra Clopton’s Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on
Debra’s blog.
by admin | Aug 19, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The second book in the Two Blue Doors series, “Reservations for Two” continues Juliette D’Alisa’s story as she balances preparations to open a new restaurant with a long-distance romance, her mother’s serious illness, and her search for the answers to secrets from her grandmother’s life. The reader is privileged to read along with Juliette as she discovers unknown facts from her grandmother’s past through letters mostly between her grandmother and her great-aunt. The book is also interspersed with recipes that are mentioned during the story.
From Europe to Portland to Memphis and back, it was fun to follow Juliette and sometimes Neil as they discovered local sights and food together. I especially enjoyed Juliette’s trip to Memphis because I have spent my life close to the city and am familiar with most of the places she and Neil visited together. Unfortunately, the Macaroni Grill on Poplar that they visited was destroyed by fire and had to be leveled.
I mostly enjoyed “Reservations for Two” and look forward to the next book in the series in which I hope to see all the loose ends tied up nicely and all questions answered. “Reservations for Two” is a must for those who enjoy reading tempting descriptions of food, especially gourmet quality food.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up.
Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?
As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?
Click here to download chapter one of Reservations for Two.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.
by admin | Aug 17, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I discovered Lisa Wingate’s novels, I certainly found true treasures. From her light-hearted contemporary romances to the more meaty stories in her latest Carolina Heirlooms series, I find myself totally immersed in them. I am not sure how it can be possible but “The Sea Keeper’s Daughters may just be the best one yet.
There are so many layers to this tale. On a basic level, Whitney is desperate to come up with the money needed to save the new restaurant she and her cousin plan to open. Then her trip to the Outer Banks to check on her ill step-father turns into something she could never have expected. The discovery of old letters from an aunt she never knew existed opens doors to family secrets that change everything for Whitney.
It is so very difficult for me to express just how good this book is. I loved everything about it. Reading the old letters along with Whitney revealed a part of our history that I did not know. The stories about the Melungeons actually made me wonder about some of my own ancestors. For me though, the very best part of “The Sea Keeper’s Daughters” was the intricate relationships in it and the way they evolved. It is such a wonderful illustration of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation as well as an example of how God can change a person’s dreams to match the plans He has for them.
No question – you NEED this book – and while you are at it, you might as well pick up the first two books in the series too. I don’t think you will be sorry. Even my sister who has a preference for true crime novels, loves this series.
This book was provided for review by Lisa Wingate and Tyndale House Publishers.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny.
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?
