by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Mystery, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
Jaime Jo Wright writes the type of books I love – atmospheric stories filled with mystery and emotions with characters that I can care about. Echoes Among the Stones is just that sort of novel. A split-time tale set in both 1946 and the present day, the narrative focuses on Aggie Dunkirk and Imogene Grayson who Aggie knows as her grandmother Mumsie.
Imogene’s story begins with the death of her beloved sister and follows her attempts to discover the killer. Aggie’s story begins when she moves to live with Mumsie and takes a job as secretary for the town’s cemetery. As one strange and frightening event after another occurs, Aggie and her new archaeologist friend endeavor to discover how the events are connected and who might be responsible.
I absolutely adored this darkly fascinating story and enjoyed how the author connected the past and present. The plot moved at a perfect pace, teasing me along the way. Characters were well rounded and seemed quite lifelike. The book was a definite page turner and I hated to put it down for even a minute until I reached its end. Of course I was also disappointed that I reached that point so quickly. I am eager for Wright’s next offering. It will definitely be on my must read list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After Aggie Dunkirk’s career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn’t plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene–even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.
Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town’s cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past’s secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden–even if that means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister’s body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister’s case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and two children.
by admin | Dec 20, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Hauck has long been one of my favorite authors. The heroes and heroines of her books are often quite ordinary people that I can relate to yet they find themselves in rather extraordinary situations. Each and every one of her romantic tales is richly woven with a strong thread of faith and sometimes tiny touches of the supernatural. The Wedding Dress Christmas was no different. A story of childhood best friends, reunited after each had gone out into the world to follow their dreams, this touching tale demonstrates how dreams can disappoint or change unless one follows the leading of the Lord.
I loved how their friendship renewed itself so naturally as well as JoJo and Buck discovered that they might just want more than friendship. Buck was the perfect hero whose actions helped JoJo to heal from a past trauma. I loved the way he sacrificed his career to be with his seriously ill mother and for JoJo. Of course the somewhat magical wedding dress and the man in the purple coat from the previous novels of this series take center stage once again and help to point the couple in the right direction. It was also fun to catch up with characters from those earlier novels.
The Wedding Dress Christmas is a perfect read for an evening at home as the Christmas holidays approach. I recommend it and any other book by Rachel Hauck.
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: The Wedding Dress Christmas
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
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December covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.
For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.
Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.
When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .
Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.
JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
MORE FROM RACHEL:
Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!
I’m thrilled to share The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?
This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town of The Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books in The Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.
I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.
Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.
I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?
In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.
Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.
Yours,
Rachel
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, December 18
Through the Fire Blogs, December 18
Livin’ Lit, December 18
Robin’s Nest, December 18
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 19
By The Book, December 19
Wishful Endings, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19
Among the Reads, December 20
Genesis 5020, December 20
Life as Lanhams, December 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21
Daysong Reflections, December 21
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21
Bigreadersite, December 21
Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 22
Britt Reads Fiction, December 22
She Lives to Read, December 23
Empowermoms, December 23
Inside the Wong Mind, December 23
Mia Reads Blog, December 23
Splashes of Joy, December 24
Christian Bookaholic, December 24
Hallie Reads, December 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25 |
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 25
Blogging With Carol, December 25
For Him and My Family, December 26
Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 27
My Devotional Thoughts, December 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27
Mamma Loves Books, December 27
Betti Mace, December 28
Batya’s Bits, December 28
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 28
Quiet Quilter, December 29
mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 29
janicesbookreviews, December 29
A Reader’s Brain, December 30
Inklings and notions, December 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 30
Carla Loves to Read, December 30
Back Porch Reads, December 31
CarpeDiem, December 31
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!
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/f1fe/the-wedding-dress-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 20, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Nashville, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a native Tennessean I loved the Nashville setting of Deadly Commitment. Although not extremely familiar with the Nashville area, I have visited there several times and recognized many of the places mentioned in the story. Aside from the familiarity of the setting, I also found a riveting plot that held my interest until the very end. Well developed characters carried the story very well and the leads were very easy to like.
I loved how the author used two of the characters to illustrate how easily appearances and even actions can be deceiving with those who may seem trustworthy are actually a danger to us. I did not like Danielle’s fiance Robert who seemed to be a fake and a poser from the very beginning. I wanted to warn her against accepting his proposal. On the other hand I found Caleb to be genuine and protective. You can probably guess who I really wanted Danielle to like.
Deadly Commitment is a fast paced suspense with plenty of action, danger, and unexpected twists and surprises. I appreciated the author’s honesty in writing about the reality of drug use and how it affects not only the user but everyone in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening?the truth about her fiancé.
Deadly Secrets is a new fiction series with southern charm and big-city twists. Set in the author’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, it is filled not only with intrigue and suspense but subtle glimpses into how God is at work in the lives of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs . . . or maybe they aren’t so ordinary after all
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years, she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. She sold her first Christian nonfiction story in 2007. Her debut novel released in 2012.
by admin | Dec 13, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Marji Laine is a new author for me and I am happy to say that I enjoyed her latest novel Counter Point. The story of a foreign missionary who had a role in breaking up a drug cartel and the girl he left behind in the U.S., this book was both action-packed and filled with important life lessons about how God sees his children.
The tale is filled with multiple twists and turns and when I thought I had it all figured out, up jumped another surprise. I found the characters interesting but would have liked them to have a bit more depth. Cat was somewhat naive and took way too many chances, especially considering the multiple attempts on her life. That girl could also hold a grudge that wouldn’t quit. Ray was more mature but he had his own hangups as well as typical male behavior and lack of communication skills when it came to the woman he loved. As can be predicted, all the problems end up resolved with a probable happy-ever-after in store – but Cat and Ray had to jump quite a few dangerous hurdles to get to that point.
I particularly liked the idea of the Sunset Suppers that Cat provided to the homeless of her town and the relationships that were formed as a result. Numerous conversations about their faith and more than one escape from certain death kept the story focused on the Lord. It was gratifying to watch both Cat and Ray grow in their faith and for Cat to understand that she was already serving in the ministry God had for her.
Counter Point is a book worth reading and I do recommend it.
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: Counter Point
Author: Marji Laine
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 2016
Click here to get your copy.
|
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Someone is determined to finish the final assignment of a murdered hitman.
Her father’s gone. Her diner’s closing. Her car’s in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose.
Except her life. And a madman’s bent on taking that away.
Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart.
Keeping Cat safe from a fallen cartel leader might prove impossible for Ray, but after seeing his mission destroyed and several godly people killed, he knows better than to ignore the man’s threats. Cat’s resistance to his protection and the stirring of his long-denied feelings for her complicate his intentions, placing them both in a fight for their lives.
How can a small-town girl survive when ultimate power wants her dead?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet or at www.MarjiLaine.com.
MORE FROM MARJI:
COUNTER POINT takes place in a small town in East Texas. A family-owned diner provides the backdrop for many of the scenes. The owner, Cat McPherson, makes a point of smiling and chatting with everyone who stops by. Even the superior and difficult Mrs. Heath—of the Heath’s Point Heath’s, make no mistake. Mrs. Heath might think she’s all that, but she is still dependent on Cat’s diner for a slice of her favorite Magnolia Pie.
Have you ever had a piece of this custard paradise? Smooth, creamy, and with the minutest crisp of a glazed caramel on top of it. I can practically taste one now. This favorite of mine had to go into my book. I first tasted a Magnolia Pie (my adopted grandmother called it Buttermilk Pie because Magnolia Pie sounded too southern and she was from New Jersey) at a Christmas Eve celebration. It was my instant favorite.
I’ve searched for my grandmother’s recipe through old books that she gave me and a collection that she and several others put together when I got married. Sadly, I cannot find that original recipe that she used. But I think it must have been something like the one I was thinking of when I included Magnolia Pie in my book.
Let me know if you make this recipe! I’d love to enjoy a virtual slice of pie with you!
MAGNOLIA PIE
Ingredients:
3 eggs at room temperature
1 stick of softened butter
1½ cups white sugar
3½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk the eggs until foamy.
3. Cream together sugar, butter, nutmeg, and flour. Add the eggs and other ingredients, beating until smooth.
4. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely or chill before serving.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 10
For the Love of Literature, December 11
Betti Mace, December 12
For Him and My Family, December 12
Through the Lens of Scripture, December 13
Daysong Reflections, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16 |
Texas Book-aholic, December 17
As He Leads is Joy, December 18
Maureen’s Musings, December 19
Blogging With Carol, December 20
janicesbookreviews, December 21
A Reader’s Brain, December 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 22
Inklings and notions, December 23 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away the grand prize package of a “reading S’mores” Christmas Ornament, a book light, and copies of COUNTER POINT and the first book of the Grime Fighter series, GRIME BEAT!!
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/f2e9/counter-point-celebration-tour-giveaway
