by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I pick up a book by Terri Blackstock, I know I can expect a page-turner filled with true-to-life characters, gritty and sometimes edgy situations, perhaps a little romance, lots of suspense, and usually redemption. “Twisted Innocence” fully met my expectations.
Third book in Blackstock’s Moonlighters series, “Twisted Innocence” features sister Holly Cramer whose somewhat stressed life is the result of poor past choices. Little does she realize that her life is about to become even more stressful as some of that past intrudes on her life once again – in dangerous ways that threaten those she cares about the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Innocence” and hate to see this series reach its end. I liked the author’s portrayal of Holly and Creed and the way their characters seemed to grow stronger and more mature under their difficult circumstances. I especially liked the emphasis on the fact that although we often have to reap the harvest of our bad choices, we are still loved by God and our mistakes can be forgiven if we choose to follow Him.
Terri Blackstock has definitely not lost her touch. Her skill at grabbing my attention will continue to keep me reading her books. Although the third and final book of the series, “Twisted Innocence” can stand on its own; however reading the two previous books will enhance your enjoyment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.
Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.
Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.
Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Terri’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
‘Twisted Innocence’ Nook Giveaway
In Terri Blackstock’s third and final book in her Moonlighters series, Twisted Innocence, readers are in for a story of suspense and redemption. Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Celebrate the series’ final release by entering Terri’s Nook giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Nook GlowLight
- The entire Moonlighters series
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Feb 25, 2015 | Alaska, Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ironically, I read “Sabotaged” while iced in for a week after one of our rare southern winter storms. I absolutely cannot imagine living in a place with so much snow and such low temperatures during the winter. When it comes to the frozen stuff I am a real wimp and prefer to just read about it. Dani Pettrey is one author who can make Alaska come to life in the pages of her books.
Featuring Reef, the black sheep of the McKenna family and veterinarian Kirra Jacobs, “Sabotaged” takes the pair on a race against time to find her missing cousin and uncle before the Iditarod race reaches its end and to discover and stop the person whose malicious plans could endanger hundreds. Essentially opposites, Reef and Kirra had been at odds for most of their lives but quickly grew comfortable working together on their common mission.
Once again Pettrey brought the entire McKenna family and friend together to help support each other, each using their particular gifts for the good of all. What else can I say? “Sabotaged” has a fast-paced plot filled with action, danger, surprises, and of course romance. Well-developed and familiar characters were easy to like (or hate).
I am sorry to see this series come to an end but look forward to whatever Dani has waiting for her readers. I recommend “Sabotaged” and the entire series.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska’s arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life–but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.
Read an excerpt from “Sabotaged” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.
Click HERE to enter!
by admin | Feb 24, 2015 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSeek and HideDavid C. Cook (September 15, 2014)byAmanda Stevens
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda’s first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent. Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help. When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although Seek and Hide is obviously fiction, it is a story that could very easily predict our future if we allow American society to progress is the direction it is so rapidly going. This novel depicts a United States that allows only a government sanctioned Christianity with a stripped down “official” version of the Bible. It is illegal to possess a true Bible and the Constabulary is determined to see everyone found with one put behind bars for reprogramming.
Several primary characters are featured in Seek and Hide with Marcus Brenner most prominent. Both Marcus and Aubrey Weston wrestle with strong feelings of guilt that influences everything they do and how they react to their circumstances. Lee is still haunted by an event from her past that has left her emotionally unable to trust others, especially men. Each of these well-defined characters plays a pivotal role in the novel and it was easy to become involved in their story.
Seek and Hide is a somewhat dystopian story that forecasts a potentially real nightmare life in the near future. With plenty of drama, danger, and soul-searching, the story contains unexpected twists and surprises that should hold the reader’s interest until the end. I liked how spiritual truth was woven through the story and the way Marcus and Aubrey were able to let go of their guilt and allow God to guide their way. The book reached a somewhat satisfying conclusion but some threads were left hanging – obviously to be continued in the next installment of the series.
by admin | Feb 20, 2015 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Allie Granderson has never found closure after her mother vanished except for one pink tennis shoe during the tornado that nearly destroyed their hometown of Mattingly. Obsessed with a toy compass and a Nativity yard figure, Allie is mostly lost with no one left but her father who regularly loses himself in a bottle. A series of unusual events just days before Christmas leads Allie and her best friend Zach on a quest to find her mother but they actually find themselves lost in the middle of a dark and mysterious wood. In those woods, the pair face unimagined fears and possible death as Allie’s determination to find her mother at times borders on madness.
I fear that I do not have adequate words to express what I thought and/or felt about “In the Heart of the Dark Wood “. Coffey’s genius with words and lyrical style are a pleasure to read. I found myself amazed at how well he was able to get into the minds of the children and relate their inner thoughts on what was going on in their lives, especially with Allie’s inauguration into womanhood. At times it seemed that neither of the children would survive their dangerous experience and I almost feared turning to the next page.
All-in-all, “In the Heart of the Dark Wood” was a superlative reading experience that will probably enter my mind at odd times in the future. I liked how such a horrendous experience ended up with some very positive results and how both Allie and Zach came away with wisdom and understanding that many adults never find.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A motherless girl hungry for hope . . . and the dream that could be leading her astray.
Almost two years have passed since twelve year-old Allie Granderson’s beloved mother Mary disappeared into the wild tornado winds. Her body has never been found. God may have spilled out his vengeance on all of Mattingly that day—but it was Allie’s momma who got swept away.
Allie clings to memories of her mother, just as she clings to the broken compass she left behind, the makeshift Nativity scene assembled in Allie’s front yard, and to her best friend, Zach. But even with Zach at her side, the compass tied to her wrist, and the Nativity characters just a glimpse out the window, Allie cannot help but feel lost in all the growing up that must get done.
When the Holy Mother disappears from the yard one morning, Allie’s bewilderment is checked only by the sudden movement of her mother’s compass. Yet the compass isn’t pointing north but east . . . into the inky forest on the outskirts of Mattingly.
Following the needle, Allie and Zach leave the city pavement behind and push into the line of trees edging on the Virginia hill country. For Allie, the journey is more than a ghost hunt: she is rejoining the mother she lost—and finding herself with each step deeper into the heart of the darkest woods she’s ever seen.
Brimming with lyrical prose and unexpected discoveries, In the Heart of the Dark Wood illustrates the steep transition we all must undergo—the moment we shed our child-like selves and step into the strange territory of adulthood.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Billy Coffey’s critically acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
