by admin | Jul 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I was so charmed by Millie’s character in “After a Fashion” that I couldn’t wait to read her own story. Well, I finally had the chance and as expected I loved it. My only complaint is that it ended much too soon and now I have to wait again for the next volume of this wonderful series.
Millie’s character brought back memories of my grandmother who was feisty, funny, and had a similar tendency to get words mixed up. We still laugh about the time she told us that a person must be scenic but meant psychic. With all her fun-loving ways, I would like to think that in her younger days my grandmother may have been much like Millie.
Aside from my personal memories, “In Good Company” absolutely lived up to my expectations. It was humorous, romantic, and entertaining yet did not fail to impart a spiritual message as well. Peppered with numerous laugh-out-loud scenes from the very beginning, the story captured my interest and wouldn’t let go until the final page. I loved touching base with characters from “After a Fashion”, several of whom continued to play strong supporting roles.
Jen Turano is my go-to author when I need a light-hearted book that will be sure to cheer up the darkest mood. If you haven’t tried one of her novels, please do yourself a favor and pick up one (or all) of them.
This book was provided for review by the author through
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren’t always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.
Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.
At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
Read an excerpt from In Good Company.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, author of six books, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Jul 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Gone Without a Trace” is the second book I’ve read recently that featured a female detective and a PI who she immediately disliked. Fortunately the plots were anything but similar and I enjoyed both books.
The perpetrator in “Gone Without a Trace” was one messed up guy and the reader is given glimpses into his mind at various points during the book. I found it impossible to settle on the guilty party because every time I thought I had it figured out, a little more information was given about another character that directed suspicion in his direction also. I thought the author was genius in misleading the reader and the conclusion is both surprising and horrifying.
“Gone Without a Trace” is an exciting read from the beginning to its end. I thought the characters were strong and realistic and the suspense was broken by a developing romance (of course). I loved the way one disappearance was resolved earlier in the story and how that character helped solve the other case.
I highly recommend “Gone Without a Trace” to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The past is repeating itself–and time is running out
It’s been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds’s cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator’s missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she’s finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she’ll have to find a way to work with Alex–before it’s too late.
Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps you on the edge of your seat with a case–and a relationship–that is anything but certain.
Read an excerpt from Gone Without a Trace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is a published short story writer and cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
by admin | Jul 13, 2015 | Books, Children, Mystery
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJack Staples and the Ring of TimeDavid C. Cook (September 1, 2014)byMark Batterson and Joel Clark
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with seven locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and the two most recent, The Grave Robber and Jack Staples and the Ring of Time. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Eleven-year-old Jack’s ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.
Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Jack Staples and the Ring of Time, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 12, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I found Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor to be a riveting story that spanned three generations of women of one family. Although the story moved from past to present frequently, I never had a problem keeping up with the plot. I loved how the author put the story together with Heather discovering family secrets when she returned home to settle her father’s estate.
I also liked how those secrets were doled out one at a time as I learned new facts about each of the women that eventually resulted in more than one huge surprise – surprises that revealed just how closely the histories of these women were entwined and how similar their lives had evolved.
With ample drama, renewed romance, a touch of mystery, and a faith-based plot, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor contained every element that I require in a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Uncover a plethora of secrets and a mystery that tie two families together in Melanie Dobson’s new book, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor. Years ago, the body of Oliver Croft, heir of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor, was found drowned in the River Coln. Authorities searched for answers, but no one was ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.
When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.
Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.
Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.
Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.
Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and “Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana” won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
