by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Desperate Measures” is the third and final book in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series. As the series title suggests, there has been a multitude of secrets including why a mysterious plant is so important that someone is willing to kill for it. Then there are some personal secrets – secrets that have evolved from past hurts and the inability to trust others – and a determination to take care of matters independently.
As the conclusion to the series, “Desperate Measures” answers many of the questions that went unanswered in the first two books. It also built to a final and dramatic finale with a satisfying resolution both to the mystery and to the on-again-off-again relationship between Tom and Kate.
Plenty of action, danger, mystery, and suspense drove the plot and the interaction between strong, interesting characters kept me involved. I enjoyed this entire series and look forward to Sandra’s next novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate won’t be safe until all of Port Aster’s secrets are revealed
Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed “miracle plant” that tore apart her family years ago. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. She’s willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.
What people are saying about the Port Aster Secrets series
“Romantic suspense maven Orchard plunges readers into the fray immediately. The writing is über-dramatic and the action hectic.”–Publishers Weekly
“I couldn’t put it down.”–Margaret Daley, author of the Men of the Texas Rangers series
“A fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance.”–Lisa Harris, Christy Award-winning author of Dangerous Passage
Read an excerpt from “Desperate Measures”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, 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.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Summer’s List” is a contemporary romance that somehow has the tone of a fairytale. This novel was a unique read for me but it would be difficult for me to express exactly why. Perhaps it was the unusual dialogue in certain scenes that almost made it seem otherworldly. Regardless of why I found it unique, I did enjoy the time I spent within its pages.
The story itself is about Summer Snow, a young woman who has sacrificed her younger years to take care of her parents. Any romantic relationships have not worked out and she has recently ended one that should have been every woman’s dream – it just was not the right one for her. Summer’s grandmother breaks the sad news that her life could end soon due to the deteriorating condition of her heart. She presents Summer with a list that she wants Summer to complete and even stipulates that she wants Snow to follow the list with a friend from Snow’s childhood that she hasn’t seen in twenty years. As any reader of romance novels can probably guess, there just might be a romance in store for Summer but what roadblocks might stand in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Summer’s List” and its somewhat unusual cast of characters. There were moments of true joy and whimsy as well as others that were dark and filled with grief. A family mystery and conflict was resolved with healing for those involved due to the fact that one person involved followed the lead of the Holy Spirit and showed unconditional love despite being rejected and mistreated by others.
I always enjoy Anita’s books and “Summer’s List” was no exception. I hope others will enjoy it also.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.
Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Anita’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Fatal Trauma” is a fast-paced medical suspense that held my attention throughout its pages. Once again, Richard Mabry has written a novel that severely interfered with getting my household chores taken care of. I was pretty much useless until I finished reading it. The story immediately jumped into suspense mode on the very first page during a scene in the ER and the tension had very little relief until final resolution.
ER doctor Mark Baker finds himself in big trouble after the deaths of two members of a dangerous drug cartel. Not only is the cartel out for revenge against him and other ER staff, but the police suspect he is responsible for another subsequent death. Time is at a premium as Mark attempts to prove his innocence at the same time he is in fear for his life.
Numerous plot twists and surprises and excellent writing kept me turning the pages. Just the right amount of medical details were included to keep it interesting without overwhelming me with unwanted facts. I liked how the author worked a bit of romance and faith into the story without lessening the suspense.
I enthusiastically recommend “Fatal Trauma” as well as any book by Richard Mabry, M.D.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.
When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.
Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com/.
Thrilling New Read from Richard Mabry | ‘Fatal Trauma’ and the Perfect Prescription Giveaway
Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won’t want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry’s new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.
by admin | Jun 17, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Midwife’s TaleBethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)byDelia Parr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love’s First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she’s hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha’s world is shattered.
Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can’t remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it’s trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As an older reader, I am almost always happy to run across a novel that features a more mature heroine for a change. After all, not every woman marries young and lives happily-ever-after until she reaches old age. In The Midwife’s Tale, Martha Cade has been widowed for a number of years and her children are grown. Serving as a midwife, Martha believes she is following her calling and the legacy of previous generations of the women of her family. When her daughter runs away and Martha fails to locate her, Martha begins to come to the realization that perhaps she has been mistaken in some of her actions and beliefs.
I enjoyed reading The Midwife’s Tale. After a bit of a slow start, the story grew on me and proved to be quite a page-turner. I loved Martha’s heart to serve and her willingness to examine her own heart and motives. The contrast between Martha’s approach to childbirth and the new doctor’s approach were informative and interesting. I actual have witnessed a move back toward her methods during the past several years.
The Midwife’s Tale is an enjoyable tale with strong characters and a solid story line that has just a taste of romance. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
