by admin | Apr 5, 2015 | Books, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When a body buried over twenty years ago is exposed by a construction crew, local small-town police chief Lisa Grant is joined by Mac McGregor, a county detective sent to assist her with the case. As they work together to determine the identity of the victim as well as who buried the body, the evidence accumulates and things begin to heat up – both the case and a mutual attraction between Lisa and Mac.
As I have come to expect from Hannon’s earlier novels, the plot of “Buried Secrets” is filled with twists and surprises along with danger, suspense, and romance. Characters are well developed. I particularly liked the integrity shown by Mac and Lisa in their determination to wait until after the case is solved to pursue a personal relationship. The villain of the story is revealed fairly early on so that is not a surprise but the lengths this person goes to to avoid being connected to the case is more than enough to keep readers involved in the story.
“Buried Secrets” is an excellent romantic suspense that held my attention throughout. For those who enjoy contemporary Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely a book not to miss.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
“The queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) is at the top of her game with this riveting new series.
“An excellent suggestion for inspirational fiction fans as well as readers who enjoy Mary Higgins Clark’s subtly chilling brand of suspense.”
Booklist on Vanished
Read an excerpt from “Buried Secrets” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of 
Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com
by admin | Mar 24, 2015 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although set during similar time frames and in the same general area of colonial America, each of Lori Benton’s novels has been a unique read for me. I was instantly captivated by the pure poetry of the opening lines of “Burning Sky” and by the almost immediate action and suspense of “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn”. “The Wood’s Edge” seemed to take me a bit longer to get into because there was so much background needed to set the stage for what would happen later. I am so glad I continued reading it until I reached a point I couldn’t stop.
“The Wood’s Edge” is an epic historical novel with a pre-Revolutionary War setting in and around Schenectady, New York. The story is shared through the viewpoints of several characters who all play an important part in the overall plot. I was actually puzzled for awhile by the prominent part played by Lydia during the early portion of the story since the back cover indicated that Anna was the primary character. In actuality, in my opinion it would be difficult to assign any one character the leading role because each and every one of them were extremely important to the narrative.
I enjoyed reading how each character, both English and Native American, was affected by one event that changed their lives forever. The grief, anger, guilt, and sacrifice were just a few of the emotions experienced by various characters. What a beautiful plot with such deep feelings! If only American History classes could be taught with this much emphasis on the human experience rather than the hard, cold facts. “The Wood’s Edge” is such a beautiful example of the power of redemption and forgiveness. I especially loved the unexpected twists that brought the message home in such a new way.
I fear that to continue would be to chance revealing too much and ruin the story for others. If you love historical fiction, you NEED this book! If you are not a history lover, “The Wood’s Edge” just might change your mind.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?
Click here to download chapter one of The Wood’s Edge.
Purchase a copy of The Wood’s Edge HERE.
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.
by admin | Mar 24, 2015 | Biblical, Books
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe TombHoward Books (March 17, 2015)byStephanie Landsem
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:
I write historical fiction because I love adventure in far-off times and places. I’ve traveled since I was a teenager—backpacking through Germany and Eastern Europe, studying German in Salzburg, eating gelato in Italy, and riding camels in Morocco were some of the highlights. Travel kindles my imagination, fuels my love of history, and introduces me to one-of-a-kind characters. It’s the best kind of research.
When I can’t travel, I read. I love fiction, of course, but I’m often found behind a stack of history books or searching the web for historical tidbits. How people lived together, worked, and what they ate (I love food!) is usually what catches my imagination. No matter where or when we live, people are more alike than they are different. I love to find the similarities between our lives and those of the men and women of the ancient world.
I make my home in Minnesota with my husband of 22 years, four children, three fat cats, and a tortoise named Moe. When I’m not writing Biblical fiction, I’m feeding the ravenous horde of kids and their friends, volunteering at church and school, battling dandelions, and dreaming about my next adventure – whether it be in person or on the page.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.
Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.
Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.
Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love.
When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Tomb, go HERE.
by admin | Mar 19, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Path Made Plain” is the second novel in Sowell’s Seasons in Pinecraft series which offers an entirely different look at the Amish than is usually presented. Some might even think “What happens in Pinecraft stays in Pinecraft!” That would not be quite in the vein of what happens in Vegas but for the Amish, the more casual lifestyle that includes cell phones, flip flops, and three-wheel bicycles is certainly a change.
This novel features Betsy Yoder who was a somewhat irritating character in the first installment of the series. As the story begins, Betsy must adjust to the fact that Jacob, the man she wanted, has married another and she must make other plans for her life. What she really wants is to open her own bakery in Pinecraft rather than return home to Ohio.
Thaddeus Zook, who has left the Amish to work as a frowned upon pastry chef, shows up in Pinecraft after the death of his boss in the midwest. He is obviously not Amish anymore with his Englisch clothing, tattoos, and a motorcycle, but there is something about him that appeals to Betsy. Determined that he has left the Amish life behind, Thaddeus attempts to deny his obvious attraction to Betsy.
With a bit of suspense, other drama, some humor, jealousy, gossip, and of course romance, “A Path Made Plain” was fun to read. I enjoyed the change in pace from the usual Amish fiction offerings.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will the warm sun of Pinecraft thaw Betsy Yoder’s heart or lead her to greater heartache and danger?
Betsy Yoder lives with her great aunt in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, far from her family in Ohio. Heartbroken by a man who left her—and the Order—to marry someone else, Betsy instead pours her time and energy into her bakery, offering the village of Pinecraft delicious desserts from her Amish heritage, and is content in her hard-working yet peaceful life.
Enter the formerly Amish Thaddeus Zook, a pastry chef who has moved to Pinecraft after working in restaurants among the Englisch. While Betsy nurses a hesitant heart, Thaddeus shows a similar hesitancy about rejoining an Amish community. Though neither can deny the attraction between them, Thaddeus is hiding a past that could threaten their future together. Betsy has lost one love already; dare she risk loving another who has adopt Englisch ways? Or will Thad listen to the call of the open road and move on again . . . without the love of his life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Sowell is the Carol Award-winning and ECPA best-selling author of more than twenty titles. When she’s not crafting stories, she works as a freelance news reporter and columnist for her local newspaper. She makes her home in Copperas Cove on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She hangs out on Facebook at facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor and blogs at lynettesowell.blogspot.com.
