Daysong Reflections | So Many Books ~ Too Little Time!

Along a Storied Trail by Ann Gabhart

by admin | Jun 30, 2021 | Books

MY REVIEW:

It has been awhile since I was blessed to read a book by Ann Gabhart and every time I open a new one I remember just how much I like her novels. Along a Storied Trail is a perfectly delightful tale filled with the most wonderfully intriguing characters.

Tansy was a heroine with whom I could easily identify. She shared my love of books but that love pointed her to an entire world outside her beloved mountains that she wanted to see for herself. Meanwhile she has put her love of books into action by working as a packhorse librarian, taking books to neighbors hungry for them, sometimes during quite adverse weather conditions.

Besides colorful and sometimes quirky characters such as Perdita (you just have to read about her for yourself), the plot contains ample action and emotional scenes to satisfy most readers. A surprise romance also added to my enjoyment.

Tansy finds herself torn between the visiting author from the big city and her long-time friend Caleb who has recently returned to the mountain. I loved how the author portrayed both men in a positive manner while making it obvious whose strength of character was stronger.

Along a Storied Trail is a must read for book lovers as well as those who enjoy stories of mountain life. I encourage you to pick up a copy as soon as possible.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn’t mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in the books she loves. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it–or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long that she’s nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it’s easier to see what’s best for others than to see what’s best for oneself. Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Refuge, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, River to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

by admin | Jun 30, 2021 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance

MY REVIEW:

A Lady in Attendance was a story that held me enthralled from nearly its beginning. Featuring a young woman recently released after five years in a reformatory, the tale follows her experiences on her new job as a dental assistant and with the new friends she gains during that time.

Hazel is a young woman from a privileged background whose thoughtless actions resulted in false accusations and sent her to a reformatory. Once released, her family wanted nothing to do with her so Hazel was forced to support herself with employment as a lady in attendance to Dr. Gilbert Watts, a local dentist.

Although the plot begins a bit slowly it picks up its pace as Hazel, Gilbert, his brother Eddie, and two other friends work together to clear Hazel’s name. Plenty of mystery and unexpected twists provided an intriguing tale and a romance or two added even more interest.

All in all, A Lady in Attendance was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more books by this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink

by admin | Jun 29, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery

MY REVIEW:

Pint of No Return, first book in Dana Mentink’s fun new series provides a much needed dose of cheer and is the perfect poolside companion this summer. Not only is Mentink’s sometimes quirky sense of humor evident on nearly every page but this cozy mystery has a plot with enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes.

What is not to love about this entertaining tale set in the unlikely small town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon? With a few zany characters, a lovable failure of a service dog Noodles, a feisty heroine and small town flavor, the pages of this book turned much too fast and I reached the end before I was ready. Other characters such as nut farmer Quinn and his brother Doug add a more serious tone as well as the potential for a developing romance in future installments.

I thoroughly enjoyed Pint of No Return as expected because I love the versatility of this author and this book did not disappoint. From light-hearted romance to riveting suspense, Dana Mentink has my vote.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Pint of No Return

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release date: May 25, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

The first in new dessert cozy mystery series! A murder in town is bound to shake things up…

After her divorce from her thrice-married embezzler husband, Trinidad Jones is finally ready for a fresh start. So when she’s left one of ex’s businesses in Upper Sprocket, Oregon, she decides to pack up her dog, cash in her settlement, and open her dream business: the Shimmy and Shake Shop, introducing the world to her monster milkshakes. And even with a couple sticky situations underway, namely that the other two ex-wives also call Sprocket home, Trinidad’s life seems to be churning along smoothly.

That is, until she discovers her neighbor, the Popcorn King, head down in his giant popcorn kettle. When one of Trinidad’s fellow ex-wives is accused of the murder and Upper Sprocket descends into mayhem, it’s going to take a supersized scoop of courage to flush out the killer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

MORE FROM DANA:

Freakshakes. The name says it all, right? Allow me to explain. A freakshake is a milkshake festooned with so many extras (sprinkles, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, slabs of pie) that it is hardly liftable. It is the stuff my sugar fantasy dreams are made of! Now picture a freakshake shop called the Shimmy and Shake in the quaint and quirky town of Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon. Known as the “Swiss Alps” of Oregon, this fictional place is the new home to a woman named Trinidad Jones, a lady starting out on the second phase of her life after her husband’s betrayal. Sprinkle in a dose of Papa Luis, her darling Cuban grandfather (inspired by my own Cuban grandfather) who drives a classic Buick, and a devoted service dog flunk out named Noodles. You know what’s missing? A murder, of course! That happens shortly after Trinidad opens her new shop, and from there on out it’s a sticky, spine tingling, sweet and satisfying and slightly funny adventure in mystery land. I had an absolute blast writing the first installment in this series, and I’m knee deep in the second as I write this. Thank you for coming along on the adventure and I hope it’s as satisfying as a monster milkshake!

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 25

The Avid Reader, June 25

The Write Escape, June 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27

Blogging With Carol, June 27

Inklings and notions, June 28

Genesis 5020, June 28

Among the Reads, June 29

Daysong Reflections, June 29

Bigreadersite, June 29

For Him and My Family, June 30

Betti Mace, June 30

Worthy2Read, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2

Through the Fire blogs, July 2

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3

Lighthouse-Academy, July 4

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 6

Vicky Sluiter, July 6

Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, July 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 7

KarenSueHadley, July 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a a signed copy of Pint of No Return, an ice cream bowl and spoon set, and a $30 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e05/pint-of-no-return-celebration-tour-giveaway

Dark Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson

by admin | Jun 21, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have learned that I can count on Kimberly Rose Johnson for a well researched suspense that will keep me on the edge of my chair from beginning to end. In Dark Threat, TV reporter Trinity Lockhart pursues a lead from an informant that quickly morphs into a full-blown case for the FBI with Trinity under protection by members of Protection, Inc.

The plot of Dark Threat moves along at a steady pace that often picks up the tempo during critical points. I found the details about Trinity’s life as a reporter as well as FBI procedure, and the world of art theft to be an added bonus. It was fun trying to figure out who was behind the crimes and loved the twists and surprises along the way. The author sure fooled me! I also appreciated witnessing Trinity’s journey from basic faith to a full faith in God.

I have enjoyed each book of this series and look forward to more from this author in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:?

Book: Dark Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Reporter Trinity Lockhart pursues a story but then unwittingly becomes the story.

Acting on a tip from an anonymous source, Trinity investigates an art trafficking ring at a high-end Seattle gallery. She turns to handsome FBI agent Kyle Richards for help after being spotted by the crooks.

Kyle is drawn to the feisty reporter, but he can’t afford a beautiful distraction when lives are at stake. He must trust his friends at Protection Inc. to watch over Trinity while he investigates the gallery.

Will this couple overcome the impossible odds threatening to keep them apart?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes romantic suspense and mystery with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

MORE FROM KIMBERLY:

Dark Threat features FBI agent Kyle Richards. We first met Kyle in book one of the Protection Inc. series where he joined the team while working undercover for the FBI. He has since become an honorary member of the team and has been in every book since.

When I set out to write this series I planned to only feature the team members, but Kyle is practically part of the team, so he needed his own story too. I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Kyle’s head for this book.

As with most books, this one took research. Through the years I’ve done all kinds of research to understand the occupations of my characters. For the characters occupations in Dark Threat I did some different kind of research than I’ve done in the past.

I really wanted to understand how FBI agents think and operate so I listened to an audio book written by a former agent. The man was rough around the edges but it really helped me understand the atmosphere in which agents work. Then I read a book written by a female, former CIA as well as FBI agent. It was fascinating to see the differences between the agencies from a former agent’s point of view.

Trinity, the female lead in Dark Threat is a crime beat reporter. I pretty much knew nothing about the life of a television reporter, so I watched You Tube videos filmed by actual reporters about a day in their lives as reporters. One young woman did a series of videos, which I found extremely helpful. Another had the camera following her on the job. From her I learned about what it’s like to go out on location and how meal times during her day on the job were never guaranteed. She’d grab a bite when she could and sometimes she wouldn’t even be able to finish it because she had to rush to a breaking story.

Finally, I needed to better understand the art world. I have a college friend who is an amazing artist. She has a gallery in Boise, Idaho. I contacted her and picked her brain about art and art galleries.

As for anything related to law enforcement I asked my uncle who is a retired police officer.

The thing I loved most about talking to people about their professions is that one question often snowballed into a deeper conversation about the topic. My friend and my uncle would tell me things I didn’t even know I needed to know.

I think Dark Threat required the most research of all the books I’ve written. I’m not a huge fan of doing research, but I truly enjoyed every minutes of it for this book.

I hope you will enjoy reading Dark Threat even more than I enjoyed writing it!