by admin | Mar 13, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Although Ada Brownell was an unknown author to me, I usually enjoy novels with a historic western setting so I decided to give “The Lady Fugitive” a try. I found it to be an engrossing story with solid characters and a strong message of salvation woven through it.
When Jenny Parks makes a desperate run for freedom from her abusive uncle, she continues to cross paths with William O’Casey, a peddler who is also committed to presenting an early moving picture, “The Passion of Christ” in the towns he travels through. As William frequently comes to Jenny’s rescue, the pair begin to develop some feelings for each other but between personal complications and misunderstandings, any hope for a future together seems doomed.
The plot of “The Lady Fugitive” moved at a steady pace and contained numerous plot twists and surprises along the way. With numerous positive characters as well as villains, there was never a dull moment. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How does a respected elocutionist become a face on a wanted poster?
Jenny Louise Parks escapes from the coal bin and her abusive uncle offers a handsome reward for her return. Because he is a judge, he will find her.
Determination to remain free grips Jenny, especially after she meets William and there’s a hint of romance. But while peddling household goods and showing a Passion of the Christ moving picture, he discovers his father’s brutal murder.
Will Jenny avoid the bounty hunters? Can she forgive the person who turns her in? Will she find peace, joy and love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ADA (NICHOLSON) BROWNELL’s prolific writing career began in her teens with writing for youth magazines. She taught youth much of her life. She and her husband had five children of their own. Nearly 300 articles of her articles and stories have appeared in 45 Christian publications, and she spent 17 years as a journalist, mostly at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. Brownell has a B.S. Degree in mass communications and a certificate of ministry from Berean School of the Bible, now Global University. She continues to write books; articles for Christian publications, and occasional op-ed pieces for newspapers.
by admin | Mar 13, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The gorgeous cover of “Ashes in the Wind” opens into a suspense-filled story that begins with a bang and continues full throttle until the very end. I found the book to be very well written for a first novel and I was held captive until I read the last word.
Sara Jennings, widow of a DEA agent, has been living under protection for two years after an attempt on her life shortly after her husband’s death. When her location is discovered, Sara decides to go back to her home and face the threats head-on. She is determined to clear her husband’s name as well as find the guilty parties. Although the DEA has had some success in shutting down drug traffic into Phoenix, it has become obvious that someone within their organization is playing both sides. Once they have a suspect, they cannot act without concrete evidence. The question is – can they stop him before anyone else dies?
“Ashes in the Wind” is non-stop action with scenes that had me holding my breath as Sara found herself in one life-threatening situation after another. Although there is a touch of romance, this story is primarily built on suspense and should appeal to both male and female readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will keep my eyes open for Peggy’s next novel. In my opinion, “Ashes in the Wind” can easily stand beside some of my other favorite suspense novels.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
DEA Agent Greg Jennings is dead—and now they’re saying he was dirty, on the take. His widow, Sara, hiding out in the Witness Protection program after an attempt on her life, refuses to believe it, though everyone else seems to have accepted it as truth. Everyone, that is, except Drug Enforcement Administration Agent James (Mac) MacIntyre, Greg’s best friend. When yet another attempt on Sara’s life drives her out of the Wit Sec program and back home to Phoenix, Mac makes it his personal mission to protect Sara and, in the process, to clear her late husband’s and his best friend’s name. With a ruthless drug cartel hot on their heels and a mole in the agency undermining their every move, Mac and Sara find themselves literally running for their lives—even as romance tugs at their hearts. Will they unearth the truth and outrun the danger in time to carve out a future for themselves?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peggy Levesque grew up in Minnesota as the second of eight siblings. In addition to her background in business, over the years she has led women’s Bible studies, served on church boards, coordinated volunteer assistance efforts into the community, freelanced the writing/editing/production of several publications, and has contributed to three anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and Tuesday’s Children, a weekly writing critique group. A recent widow, she lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with her children and grandchildren nearby. Follow her on Facebook at Peggy Levesque.
Learn more about Peggy at her website http://www.peggylevesque.com
by admin | Mar 12, 2015 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time fan of Colleen Coble’s books, I was thrilled to be included in the blog tour for her six-book series, Journey of the Heart. The first book of the series, “A Heart’s Disguise” is just the beginning of Sarah and Rand’s story and it left me wanting more. I anxiously await the next installment so I can learn what happens next.
A letter from the author informs her readers that these books were her very first and have been re-released after being out for print for quite a few years. Although Colleen has written many books since this series, her talent was so evident even in her earliest efforts and are more confirmation of why I love her books.
Mourning the death of her fiance to the Civil War, Sarah Montgomery lives with her quickly failing father and an over-bearing brother. Because of their encouragement and hoping to please them, Sarah agrees to marry Ben Croftner even though she does not love him. Shortly after their engagement, Sarah’s fiance Rand returns home very much alive. Lies and deception are exposed and things turn just a little ugly.
As the first book of most good series do, “A Heart’s Disguise” ended with more questions than answers. What happens next for Sarah and Rand? Will Rand ever trust her again? Will Sarah leave her family to follow Rand? What about Ben – will he give up on Sarah easily? I guess I will have to wait for “A Heart’s Obsession” to find out.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman searches for her lost love at the edge of the West.
The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery’s marriage before it’s even begun.
After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner—despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.
But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiancé, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife.
But could Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?
Learn more and purchase a copy at the Thomas Nelson website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. “Seagrass Pier,” the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble’s A Heart’s Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?
Celebrate book one in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!
by admin | Mar 12, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe” is a whimsical and cozy novel that nevertheless packs a significant spiritual punch. My reservations about a novel from Max Lucado were quickly put to rest as I settled in for an enjoyable reading experience. Not only is this author’s reputation fully deserved but his versatility is impressive.
Chelsea Chambers was a natural leading character and she had a wonderful supporting cast. I had a doubt or two when I realized one of the characters was an angel but Manny the clumsy, Star Wars loving angel quickly won my heart. I had several good chuckles because of his antics.
I enjoyed walking with Chelsea on her journey to forgiveness through numerous lessons and trials. I loved her compassionate and generous spirit despite negative events and financial struggles. As far as I’m concerned, the book ended perfectly and I was happy that I had the chance to read it.
“Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe” is definitely a winner and I recommend it to everyone.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea’s door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Max’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.
Find out more about Max at http://teamlucado.com/beforeamen/cbd.html.
‘Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe’ and iPad Giveaway BLOG CODE: In Max Lucado’s new fiction release, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, he asks, If you could ask God anything, what would you ask—and how would he answer? When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Join Max in celebrating the release of his new fiction book by entering his iPad giveaway and RSVPing to his Coffee with Max webcast!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on the Litfuse blog. Then tune in later on the 24th for his Coffee with Max webcast. RSVP here!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
