Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart



MY REVIEW:

What an exciting and eye-opening adventure Rubart’s Well Spring series has been! Each installment has been filled with fantastical exploits into the spiritual realm as the Warriors Riding have fought against the forces of spiritual darkness. With each mission some ground was gained and a bit more truth was revealed but the battle was not over and the greatest challenge was yet to come. Simon’s increased visibility and the introduction of Miyo added an extra spark to the tale.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in the Well Spring series but of the all, I believe “Spirit Bridge” has to be my favorite. Not only was it a wonderful story but I was personally challenged along with each of the characters as they learned how their own pride, unforgiveness, and need for affirmation opened them to the lies of their enemy.

I shared triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow along with the Warriors Riding. At one point near the end, I was so touched that I wanted to stand up and cheer (but my husband was sleeping). There are not enough words to relate my feelings about events in “Spirit Bridge” but I would recommend it and the entire series to anyone who ever enjoyed a Frank Peretti novel and to those who haven’t. At this point I would like to go back and read through all three novels to glean any nuggets of truth that I missed the first time.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this entire series.

This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Spirit BridgeThe Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.

The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon’s final assault.

The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart’s Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

James L. RubartJames L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller “Rooms” and award-winning “Soul’s Gate,” the book that precedes “Memory’s Door” in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.

Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.

The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart
Love Inspired (June 3, 2014)
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom’s Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Katrine Brinkerhoff’s cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton’s heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint’s plan to protect her family. But she can’t let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.

Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?

Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.

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MY REVIEW:

The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart is a fast-paced historical romance that takes place during the Oklahoma land grab. The story is filled with loads of action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I had not read the previous two books of this series but it was obvious that if I had read it, several of the supporting characters would be familiar to me. Nevertheless, my enjoyment of this book did not suffer because I had not read the others. If time were to permit, I would probably enjoy reading them.

Both primary characters were strong and likeable. Katrine was lovely and appeared to be fragile but she had a backbone of iron. After Clint saved her life, she had no choice but to go along with his plans to keep her and her brother Lars safe from the men who threatened the entire area. Clint was a steadfast sheriff whose goal was to drive out the troublemakers and protect the town’s residents as well as those on surrounding farms. As Clint and Katrine spent more time together, their attraction grew but Clint held a personal secret that convinced him he should never marry. Would he be able to overcome his pain and let himself love Katrine? And will any of them survive the increasing violence of the men known as the Black Four?

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble



MY REVIEW:

The plot of “Seagrass Pier” is a unique one that features Elin, a heart transplant recipient who frequently experiences what seem to be memories of her donor’s murder. Nearly everyone is skeptical until suspicious incidents, threats, and a stalker convince FBI agent Marc that Elin, her mother, and daughter may actually be in serious danger.

“Seagrass Pier” was a page-turner from the very start and the suspense grew with each chapter. As the story progressed, the suspect list grew along with more than one surprising twist to the tale. Characters and dialogue were well developed and natural. As expected, a romance between Elin and Marc was inevitable yet 100% believable. Both Marc and Elin were flawed but admirable characters whose concern for others was obvious. Although not a predominate factor in the story, Marc and Elin’s faith during their trials was apparent.

I have read and loved nearly every book Colleen Coble has written. If I have missed one, you can be sure it will be in my possession asap. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to review “Seagrass Pier” when it was offered by the Litfuse Group and hoped to be chosen as one of the reviewers. Even if I had missed out, I would have already preordered the book and would now be eagerly awaiting its release date. So thankful I didn’t have to wait that long. I thoroughly enjoyed “Seagrass Pier” as well as the rest of the Hope Beach series and hated to see its end. I enthusiastically recommend it and any other book by Colleen Coble.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Seagrass PierIn a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger’s memories . . . before they cost her everything.

Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.

But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.

Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.

The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent is eager to help her: Agent Marc Everton, the father of Elin’s daughter.

Of course, he doesn’t know about that. Yet.

Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Colleen’s website.

Read a preview of “Seagrass Pier” HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Colleen CobleColleen 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/.

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg



MY REVIEW:

Melissa Tagg’s first novel “Made to Last” was a winner. Readers first met Blake Hunziker in it where he played a major supporting role. What fun to find him a protagonist in Melissa’s newest offering “Here to Stay”. I loved getting to know him even better and liked what I found. Autumn Kingsley was also a strong character who had given up her dreams to stay in her home town to run the family inn while secretly making plans to take a position in Paris. Although their families were long-time sworn enemies, when Blake and Autumn were persuaded to work together on the Christmas festival, they soon became friends or maybe more.

The plot moved at a steady pace with several twists and surprises along the way. Dialogue was at times witty and at other times quite profound. I enjoyed how the relationship between Blake and Autumn progressed so naturally. Both Blake and Autumn were people I’d like to know in real life. “Here to Stay” is a great stand-alone novel but even better as a follow-up companion to “Made to Last”. I recommend both and look forward to Tagg’s next novel “From the Start”.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Here To StayAfter playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…

If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa TaggMelissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers.  When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.