by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with the author, I decided to take a chance and request this book to review. I am so glad I did! Carrie Stuart Parks can definitely write a story to hold my attention.
The plot moved along at nearly breakneck pace with plenty of action, drama, danger, mystery, suspense, and touches of humor. Murder, conspiracy, religious cults, and home grown terrorists populate the pages of “A Cry From the Dust”. Gwen Marcey is a protagonist to love. A forensic artist who usually worked with law enforcement, Gwen’s work in Mountain Meadows reconstructing the faces of three massacre victims, Gwen finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. Although she is a recent cancer survivor who has also had to deal with divorce and a rebellious teen, Gwen refuses to give in.
Parks has deftly woven Mormon history into a modern story of murder and revenge. The page-turning suspense is tempered with a bit of levity from Gwen’s best friend who loves to use unusual words, Gwen’s huge Great Pyrenees, and Gwen’s own wry sense of humor. Unexpected twists and surprises are scattered throughout and the suspense increases with each page.
It looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “Must Read” list. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, “The Bones Will Speak”.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A secret from a grim page of American history threatens to destroy thousands of lives.
Gwen Marcey was tops in her forensic field. Then cancer struck, her husband left, and her teenage daughter engaged in active rebellion. Gwen’s best chance to start a new life was a temporary job in Utah reconstructing faces from an 1857 massacre site.
The Mountain Meadows Interpretative Center asked Gwen to reconstruct the faces of three intact bodies that were discovered from the wagon train massacre of more than 120 people by Mormon fanatics calling themselves Avenging Angels. But just as she is nearing completion on her reconstructions, things around the center turn deadly.
Gwen discovers the ritualized murder of a young college student with a stolen identity and is called on by the local police to use her forensic art skills to aid the investigation. Soon she discovers an uncanny resemblance between one of her reconstructions and the death mask of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church. And realizes that she’s the next target of the recreated Avenging Angels who believe she has an icon from the grave.
Gwen must weave through a labyrinth of Mormon history, discovering secret societies and festering grudges in a race against time.
Will she be able to stop another massacre?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer.
by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
At first glance, the dusty little New Mexico town of Last Chance would seem to live up to its name for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, the warm and loving residents of the community, especially Elizabeth Cooley, have helped a few people find a future and a hope even when things looked pretty hopeless for them.
Third book in the A Place to Call Home series, “At Home in Last Chance” features Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden. Kaitlyn has made some huge mistakes and bad choices in her life and sees no hope in overcoming her past. Back in Last Chance with her brother and the daughter she left behind, Kaitlyn is often tempted to run again but this time she just cannot bear to abandon her daughter. Steven has also returned to Last Chance, hoping to prove to his family that he can be responsible and dependable. He too has a history of running from his troubles and this time his love for his grandmother keeps him in Last Chance. Although both Kaitlyn and Steven have been warned about each other, as they become better acquainted, they find an empathy and understanding that draws them together. Can either of them trust the other – or even their own hearts?
Strong characters and a realistic plot held my interest in “At Home in Last Chance”. I have particularly enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Cooley in this and the previous books in the series. Her love and wisdom has played a pivotal role in the lives of Kaitlyn and Steven as well as the lives of the primary characters in the other books. It was also fun to catch up with the other familiar faces in Last Chance. A strong theme about letting go of the past and letting the Lord have the future was predominate.
I have enjoyed my time spent in Last Chance and would love for the series to continue for several more books. “At Home in Last Chance” can easily stand on its own but would be even more enjoyable if read after the previous two books. They are all worth the time.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when the life you’re running from won’t let go of your heart?
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going–out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don’t even trust themselves?
With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
by admin | Feb 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Lady Luck’s a Loser” was a fun-to-read and witty romance. With primary characters somewhat older than the usual ones found in most romance novels, it certainly had its appeal for this older lady. The unique plot was one that could easily find a place among reality based television series.
I enjoyed watching the “game” play out and how each participant revealed more about themselves as the story progressed. I loved the way some of the women became friends as they got to know each other. I also admired the integrity shown by both Dub and Marge that also won the hearts of others.
For readers looking for something a little bit different, “Lady Luck’s a Loser” is a sure bet!
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wealthy recluse W. G. Preston is looking to choose a wife and devises a Survivor-style game where the winner gets possibly the love of her life. The rules are never simple and one lady is sent home each month until only Mrs. Right re- mains. Will Lady Luck choose practical Audrey, who lied on her application; or Charlotte, the Southern Belle who knows all about antiques and how to please a man? Or graceful Virginia who has a secret, quiet little Natalie, or redheaded Holly with her Dolly Parton chest? Or Marge, the oldest who does her best to keep the peace between an ex-Miss America finalist and Vicki, the beautiful, daring vixen?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl has always loved to write and has published several books including the three novels of the Texas Romance series. For every good blessing – including 10 children (4 by birth, 6 by marriage) and 14 grandchildren – she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her husband of forty-six years and four grandsons, outside Clarksville, Red River County Seat, located in far Northeast Texas
by admin | Jan 31, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Steadfast Heart” may have been Lenore and Kolbein’s story but I’m afraid Abrianna and Wade hijacked it. I did like both Lenore and Kolbein but Abrianna’s vivacity just seemed to take over. I’ll admit to reading several other reviewer’s opinions and it seemed many felt the same. Unlike some of them, I didn’t find it to be a negative thing because I know that I can look forward to probably at least two more books that will expand the characters and story before the series ends. And I do mean that I look forward to it. I am in hopes that Abrianna and Wade will discover that their friendship has grown into an even more special relationship. I also am eager to learn more about the nefarious Mr. Welby and hoping he get his comeuppance.
“Steadfast Heart” has it all – love at first sight, drama, some mystery, plenty of humor, and faith. Tracie Peterson developed her characters with her usual skill and left me wanting to read more about them. Abrianna’s aunties were so quaint and humorous to read about and I look forward to spending more time with time as the series progresses. I feel that “Steadfast Heart” may just be the intro for the rest of the series where the reader will really get into the “meat” of the story. If Brides of Seattle is at all similar to her previous series, the overall reading experience will be excellent. I so look forward to “Refining Fire” and hope I can snag a review copy so I won’t have to wait until its publication in June to read it.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Despite her spoiled upbringing, twenty-year-old Lenore Fulcher isn’t pretentious. She simply believes a marriage should be built on true love. Her father, however, thinks she’s wasted enough time searching for the perfect husband. He wants to marry her off to one of his business partners–who is seventeen years her senior–an idea that is out of the question for Lenore.
Kolbein Booth, a young lawyer from Chicago, arrives in Seattle looking for his headstrong sister, who he believes may have answered an advertisement for mail-order brides. Sick with worry, he storms into the Madison Bridal School, demanding to see his sister, only to learn she isn’t there. But Lenore Fulcher is, and something about her captures his attention.
Is this the man Lenore has been searching for? She may not have long to find out…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s website at www.traciepeterson.com.
