by admin | May 4, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge is one of those heart warming books that grabs the reader’s emotions and doesn’t let go until the very end. Featuring Jazz, a famous retired international fashion model who just wants to settle down into a peaceful home surrounded by people she loves. She has found what she considers exactly the right place in Wishing Bridge where two of her dearest friends have already made their home but her peaceful world is rudely interrupted by an attempted attack by an unknown man. Jazz is afraid she will never find the peace she desires until her possible stalker is found. The fine folk of Wishing Bridge surround Jazz with their protection, love, and lots of prayers. One man in particular fights his attraction to her, believing that he is not good enough for someone of her position. Jazz meets Gus, her neighbor and falls quickly in love with his adorable son Emerson, not knowing the tragic secret Gus attempts to hide from the world.
I loved all the citizens of Wishing Bridge and the way they worked together in community, each one helping those in need as their own talents allowed. I loved the fairy trail created by Max for the children. I also loved Emerson’s enthusiastic little boy zest for life despite his serious illness. Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge is a tale that ends well despite a few harrowing side trails and tears along the way. For a feel good book, this is definitely one I would recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Peace may lie no further than your own front door.
Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of Welcome to Wishing Bridge & At Home in Wishing Bridge invites readers back to the small town where big dreams come true.
Supermodel Jazz Monroe is a survivor. The world thinks she’s at the top of her game but she understands the eating disorder that threatens her life and the lack of self-esteem that dogs her steps. When she comes to Wishing Bridge to help a friend, the warmth of the town embraces her. Here, waiting tables in a family-friendly Greek diner, Jazz begins to settle into the calm and joy of her new small town and the intriguing interest of two very different men.
But an unexpected attack shatters her peace. Fear threatens her newfound confidence. Friends, old and new, vow to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Can she trust them— and herself— enough to find the home she’s never had?
Welcome back to the town where hope and prayers mingle so that wishes really do come true.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over 50 novels and novellas. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over two million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.
She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October. Ruthy herself is in charge of the kitchen and her very own baked goods, jams and jellies are for sale. The farm gives Ruthy a chance to chat with real people… then turn them into fictional characters during the quiet of mid-winter, so be careful what you say!
She loves chatting with readers through her website blog http://ruthloganherne.com and hanging with readers and writers in Seekerville… www.seekerville.blogspot.com where coffee is always hot, fresh and good! She loves playing in the kitchen, too, with a wonderful group of regionally-inspired inspirational authors at the Yankee Belle Cafe www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com. On Goodreads, she’s (yes, you guessed it!) Ruth Logan Herne, and that’s how to find this prolific author on facebook, too!
by admin | May 4, 2020 | Books, Chicago, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Jen Turano has remained as one of my must read authors since her very first book. I am pretty certain that I have read them all and always recommend them to those who enjoy a bit of humor and suspense with their historical romance.
Once again this author has shared another of her signature tales with readers and once again I reached the final page with great satisfaction. As always, the plot is well paced with lovable, eccentric characters that will steal readers’ hearts. Plenty of witty dialogue that sometimes borders on bickering and some well placed slapstick humor added to my enjoyment. I loved being able to escape our pandemic quarantine for a few hours and spend time with Beatrix, Norman, Theo, Aunt Gladys, and the other fine characters who populate this tale. There are even several cats as well as Mort the mule who steal a few scenes.
Obviously Storing Up Trouble is another boy gets girl story but what fun is to had along the way. It was fun getting to know Beatrix with her kind and giving heart even though she did have a tendency towards mishaps. I also loved Norman who was so very eccentric and self-centered but became aware of his shortcomings through his friendship with Beatrix. And speaking of friendships, I loved Theo and how she blossomed throughout the book, mostly due to the influence of Beatrix and Aunt Gladys.
I could elaborate more but this is one book readers will want to read for themselves. It would be so difficult to avoid spoilers if I continue. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy ASAP.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.
Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.
But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix’s safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.
by admin | May 2, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Anchored by Death is the first novel I’ve read by Catherine Finger. It is also the third installment of the Jo Oliver Thriller series. I am actually scheduled to also review the first two books, apparently in reverse order. That should be interesting. I cannot honestly state that this book can stand alone although I was able to understand and enjoy it. I do believe that the missing background info from the previous two books would have enhance my enjoyment tenfold.
For the most part the plot moved along at a steady rate with action scenes sharing space with routine FBI and police research. The cast includes several interesting characters, particularly Jo Oliver and agent Nick Vitarello. Their relationship is complicated. The two work well together as an investigative team but their personal relationship includes a very strong emotional attachment. Jo’s past experiences have made it difficult for her to trust men and to also question her own ability to choose. A desperate search for a dangerous serial killer whose crime spree seems to be escalating takes Jo, Nick, and the rest of their team on a dangerous and suspenseful assignment that puts their very lives in danger.
Despite beginning with the third book of the series, I did enjoy it immensely and am happy that I have the opportunity to read the previous two very soon. They may not be in order but this book raised some questions about their past that I will enjoy seeing answered. From what I’ve read thus far, I recommend Anchored by Death but strongly suggest that readers begin with Cleansed by Death and Shattered by Death.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Anchored by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Christian Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: June, 2017
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything they hold dear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.
MORE FROM CATHERINE:
Thank you for your interest in the Jo Oliver thriller series. Today we celebrate Anchored by Death—book three in the series. The basic plot for this book came as a result of an FBI workshop I attended on how profilers track killers. A particular method was presented that really stuck with me. As I thought it over, I had the idea to combine a map of Wisconsin with the tracking technique I had learned, and I actually built the crime scenes around the theory. I then created a killer who would do the sorts of things I had mapped out, and in that order. This was a satisfying challenge for Josie and I enjoyed my research jaunts throughout Wisconsin while writing the chase and takedown scenes.
When Josie’s off the clock and spending time with family and friends, you can catch our heroine in the kitchen. Ever since her infamous Flourless Chocolate Cake appeared in Anchored by Death, fans have requested the recipe. For the epicurean readers, here is the recipe she used when preparing this special treat:
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks butter
¼ salt
6 eggs, room temp
1 ½ cups sugar (white granulated or brown will do)
Confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder for dusting top and cake stand
How To:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare springform or regular round pans with nonstick spray or butter and flour.
Melt chocolate, butter, and salt—microwave will work in a pinch—or add all to heatproof bowl and place over small saucepan of simmering water to melt without burning. Set aside to cool
Beat eggs and sugar until light and thickened, around 6-8 minutes. Fold in melted chocolate mixture until completely combined.
Pour batter into buttered and floured cake pan—springform or regular round—and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out wet but relatively clean.
Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa—Jo used a stencil for a quick and pretty design.
Thanks again for celebrating Anchored by Death—and know that I appreciate you. Readers are a special breed. As a lover of the written word and an author, I invite you to enjoy the read.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 22
Through the Fire blogs, April 22
Texas Book-aholic, April 23
April Hayman, Author, April 23
For the Love of Literature, April 24
Writer Without a Space, April 24
Inklings and notions, April 25
deb’s Book Review, April 25
For Him and My Family, April 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26
Betti Mace, April 27
Holly Jo Morris, April 27
Older & Smarter?, April 28
All-of-a-kind Mom, April 28 |
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 29
Blogging With Carol, April 29
Christian Bookaholic, April 30
Maureen’s Musings, April 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 1
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 1
Spoken from the Heart, May 2
Just Your Average reviews, May 2
Daysong Reflections, May 3
Bigreadersite, May 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4
Pause for Tales, May 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Catherine is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/f982/anchored-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Apr 30, 2020 | Books, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Erica Vetsch has done it again! The Lost Lieutenant was a perfectly delightful Regency era novel with a hero and heroine I adored. It was such a joy to observe as this totally mismatched couple navigated the course of an unplanned and unexpected marriage against overwhelming odds.
Both Evan and his new wife Catherine hid personal secrets from each other. Neither knew enough about the other to be comfortable in trusting them. Each was surprised that the other did not fit their preconceived expectations and were pleasantly surprised at what they found. Ample action and suspenseful moments kept the plot moving along at a steady pace. Vivid descriptions of the setting added to my reading pleasure. I loved how the Prince Regent seemed to show up at just the right moment to turn every potential disaster to their favor. It also didn’t hurt a thing that the villains got what they deserved.
One sentence was repeated several times throughout the story that almost seemed to be a punchline – “No one says no to the Prince Regent.” I could almost hear it being said in unison and kept expecting it to pop up again and again. I loved it!
The Lost Lieutenant was a wonderful tale that illustrated the Lord’s hand in the lives of His people as well as the importance of truth, faith, and trust. I highly recommend this book and any other by this author. The teaser at the end for The Gentleman Spy has me anxiously awaiting his story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He’s doing what he can to save the Prince Regent’s life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?
Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero–he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn’t think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.
Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn’t have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there’s something he can’t quite remember. It’s important, dangerous–and if he doesn’t recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone’s very life.
Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.
Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Twitter (@EricaVetsch), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).
GIVEAWAY:
