Sunday, December 31, 2017

Book Review: Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason Blue Justice Book 1

Book Summary:

Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

With her signature fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Lynette Eason invites readers into a captivating new series where justice is a family affair.

About the Author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time, she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. She started her teaching career at the South Carolina School for the deaf and blind. In 1996, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door!

She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two teenage children.

Lynette’s books have appeared on the ECPA and CBA bestseller lists and have won several awards.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I read the summary I knew that it was a book that I wanted to read. I started it Christmas evening. Y'all. I read the entire book in one sitting. I was hooked after a few pages. Izzy had me so drawn in that I could not sleep until I finished the story. I loved the storyline with the two families and their connections to Law Enforcement. I am a huge fan of Law and Order SVU, the Chicago Series and always try and solve the case. With this book, when I thought I had it figured out, I was so wrong. There was a point where I threw the book because it took an unexpected turn. If you like on the edge of your seat, have to finish once you start then THIS is a must read book. The writing flows so easily, the characters are so real. I CANNOT wait to read book 2.

I received a copy of this book through Revell Publishing Blogging program, all opinions are my own.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Book Review: Imperfect Justince - By Cara Putman

ABOUT THE BOOK

Imperfect Justice (Thomas Nelson, December 2017)

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

CARA PUTMAN

Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

My Thoughts.

Wow. Just wow. It's not often that I am left speechless by anything. But I could NOT put this book down. Within the first 10 pages my heart was pounding. I wanted to scream at the detectives and police throughout the entire book. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I can't wait to go and see what else I can find by her. Her characters are crafted so beautifully that they seem real. The storyline could be featured on Law and Order. I did not read the first book in the series, but had no problem following along.

I received a copy of this book through the Litfuse Blogging program, all opinions are my own.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

BOOK REVIEW!!! SEEDS OF HOPE By Barbara Cameron

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seeds of Hope (Gilead, November 2017)

A heartwarming tale of discovering love right in front of you

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows–and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather’s farm, but he’s convinced the Amish life isn’t for him. There’s so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can’t be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather’s farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

BARBARA CAMERON

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award from RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I enjoyed the meshing of Plain life and English life. The two different ways of living are woven together in a delightful story. The characters are well developed and the story draws you in. I love Amish Fiction, and now am a huge fan of this author.

I was provided a copy of this book through Litfuse Blogging Progam, all opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW! Prayers for a Heart Shaped Life By Karen Moore

BOOK REVIEW!!!!

First and foremost I want to thank Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to review this book. I received a courtesy copy of this book, and was under no obligation to write a review.
I love Bible Snacks throughout the day. When I know that I cannot get my full quiet time, I like to read daily devotions ,emails, etc. This book was a perfect edition to my daily habits. Each page had different prayer topics that included scripture to back it up. I love how God works, Each day that I started, it was exactly what I needed. If your looking for something to "snack" on through out the day, this is the perfect book for you.

Thank you again to Barbour Publishing for sending me a copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Book Review Like Moonlight at Low Tide Author: Nicole Quigley On Tour with Celebrate Lit

like moonlight at low tide FB cover copy

About the Book

Title: Like Moonlight at Low Tide

Author: Nicole Quigley

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Release Date: 2012

When high school junior Melissa Keiser returns to her hometown of Anna Maria Island, Florida, she has one goal: hide from the bullies who had convinced her she was the ugliest girl in school. But when she is caught sneaking into a neighbor’s pool at night, everything changes. Something is different now that Melissa is sixteen, and the guys and popular girls who once made her life miserable have taken notice. When Melissa gets the chance to escape life in a house ruled by her mom’s latest boyfriend, she must choose where her loyalties lie between a long-time crush, a new friend, and her surfer brother who makes it impossible to forget her roots. Just as Melissa seems to achieve everything she ever wanted, she loses a loved one to suicide. Melissa must not only grieve for her loss, she must find the truth about the three boys who loved her and discover that joy sometimes comes from the most unexpected place of all.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Nicole Quigley is the author of Like Moonlight at Low Tide, a winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers “Carol Award” and “Genesis Contest” for best young adult fiction. Nicole works in public relations and spent many years in Washington, D.C. She now lives on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where she grew up. Nicole holds a B.S. from Appalachian State University, where she majored in Communications/Public Relations and minored in English. Her favorite place in the world is Western North Carolina, and her favorite place to write is a late night coffee shop, wherever she can find one open.

Guest Post from Nicole Quigley

Three Things I Hear from “Like Moonlight at Low Tide” Readers

When I first wrote “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” I thought my readers were going to get the same things out of it that I did. The book gets off to a start when Missy Keiser sneaks into her neighbor’s pool to go nightswimming. She thought no one was home until she sees the figure of an unknown guy standing in the dark, at the edge of the pool.

Missy was bullied when she was younger, but this story is about what happens after she is bullied. What happens if you got everything you ever wanted? Would it be enough? I think that when we really look at the reasons behind why we want things and why the things we want can become so big in our lives, especially in high school—we often find that there’s really a bigger question left for all of us.

Who is going to love me?

Since “Like Moonlight at Low Tide” debuted, I’ve been so honored to hear from readers who could relate to Missy’s story. One thing that has surprised are the things I hear about from readers time and again.

First, I always hear about the ending! I definitely wrestled with how to bring the book to a close. I won’t say more about it (no spoilers!), but I have to laugh because most readers tell me I was really close to hearing a lot more from them! Second, I always hear about a certain guy who becomes the male protagonist. Yes, girls, I have to admit that I loved writing him!

Lastly, I often hear the book was written “just for them.” That’s what touches me most of all. I wrote this story from the heart. It means so much to hear that it reached others, and often in ways I never predicted. I love that.

Once a reader picks up my story and brings her own experiences to it, it becomes something new. And it’s really special to connect with a reader on some of these heart questions that we all have in common. One reader who has really made an impact on me sent me a hand-made charm bracelet based on the book. She took Missy’s story, and she turned it into something entirely new. Her creativity is really special, and the bracelet is now one of my most treasured possessions

I love hearing from readers about what they liked (or even didn’t like) in Missy’s story. As it turns out, listening to readers is one of the very best parts of writing for them.

MY THOUGHTS

Here's the fun part --- since this was a young adult book, I have a guest review on this. My 16 year old Stephanie who is a HUGE book lover got a chance to read this story.

Here are her thoughts:

The story of Melissa was very well thought out. Her terrible home life, her rebel brother Robby, and a little sister to look after. Her character development was very progressive, which I enjoyed. She started out as a terrifed girl who was afraid of the bullies. She ended as a girl who was so sure of what she wanted who would not let peoples words change her mind. I had a lot of hope for Robby. Josh made me very happy. He never let his true feelings through and he was always there for Missy. He was the perfect solution to help her through her problems.

I loved how the story started. It gave me a glimpse into the end and made me wonder who that person was going to be. This book was a page turner and I was always wondering how things were going to turn out. I quite enjoyed book and I would recommend it to my friends.

My thoughts: Well written characters, great storyline. The appropriate audience is young adults. While I am considerably older, I did enjoy this book. My daughter gave a great review above :)

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Avid Reader Book Reviews, December 9

amandainpa, December 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 10

Multifarious, December 10

Rembrancy, December 11

allofakindmom, December 11

SusanLovesBooks, December 12

Reading is my Super Power, December 12

proud to be an autism mom, December 13

A Greater Yes, December 13

Texas Book-aholic, December 14

Power of Words, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

The Fizzy Pop Collection, December 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 16

Janices book reviews, December 17

Blogging With Carol, ecember 17

Carpe Diem, December 18

A Baker’s Perspective, December 19

Pause for Tales, December 20

Red Headed Book Lady, December 21

Bigreadersite, December 21

Pursuing Stacie, December 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nicole is giving away a $50 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c402

Thursday, December 14, 2017

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!!! The Hope of Christmas By: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett

About the Book

Title: The Hope of Christmas

Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Christmas

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Picking a Bride for Paul

When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.

Paul Baker follows his heart mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and gentile, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?

Typhoon Prompting

A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.

A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic BoatingMagazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

MY THOUGHTS

First and foremost I love this trio of authors. They are so talented and master crafters of their time periods. Such heartwarming short stories just in time for Christmas. All three have well developed characters. They throw you into the story and you cant put it down.

Picking a Bride for Paul

I loved Teddy and Paul. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways and you don't know what you have until it is right in front of you.

Typhoon Prompting

I love all things military history and this story reminds you of the dangers and country before self that our service men and women face.

A Dr. in the House

Emma made me smile thoughout this book. Such a strong woman in new uncharted territory.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit - all opinions are my own.

Blog Stops

Christian Author J.E. Grace, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 10

Genesis 5020, December 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 12

Have A Wonderful Day, December 12

Mommynificent, December 13

Inklings and notions, December 13

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14

Mary Hake, December 14

The Power of Words, December 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 15

A Greater Yes, December 16

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Radiant Light, December 18

Janices book reviews, December 18

Carpe Diem, December 19

A Baker’s Perspective, December 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 20

margaret kazmierczak, December 21

Pursuing Stacie, December 21

Maureen’s Musings, December 22

Blossoms and Blessings, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

BOOK REVIEW!!!! Holly, Ivy and Intrigue! On Tour With Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Title: Holly, Ivy & Intrigue

Author: Joanie Bruce, Alexa Verde, Denise Weimer

Genre: Mystery/suspense, Christmas

Release Date: November 13, 2017

Christmas Murder Mix-Up

“I have to get rid of her now.”

After four months of a blissful marriage, Paige is devastated to overhear her husband, Cooper, say those words to his best friend. Because of a suspicious Christmas gift, a gas leak, and a home invasion, Paige’s love for Cooper is tested to the limit. Will their marriage survive the Christmas Murder Mix-up?

Holiday Pursuit

When Brianna Rockwell’s brother finds himself in danger and disappears three days before Christmas, she does everything to rescue him. Brianna dodges bullets, escapes fire, and even turns to her longtime crush for help. But the closer she gets to solving the mystery and finding her only sibling, the more desperate someone gets to silence her forever…

A HOLIDAY INTRUDER:

Kelsey Jordan prefers upcycling junk and refinishing antiques for her store in a Georgia mountains town to being the center of attention. When a robbery and an unknown benefactor shove her in the middle of a decades-old mystery, and a real estate developer and a former baseball star compete for her attention, Kelsey isn’t sure who to trust.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Authors

As an avid reader, Joanie Bruce welcomed the transition from reading to writing and considered it a wonderful new experience to please others with her words. She has three published Christian suspense novels, and enjoys writing from her home in the country. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write, draw and paint, Joanie strives to use them to encourage others and to honor Him in all her accomplishments.

Alexa Verde penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has a bachelor degree in Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules.

DENISE WEIMER holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. An associate editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Denise is the author of The Restoration Trilogy, The Georgia Gold Series, romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, and ACROSS THREE AUTUMNS: A Novella of The Backcountry Brides Collection through Barbour Publishing (May 2018). This wife and swim mom of two daughters always pauses for coffee, chocolate, old houses, and to write any story God lays on her heart.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a book with 3 different stories, by 3 different author. The main theme is Christmas. They are quick, easy reads. I was drawn into each story within the first few pages. Included in this book are: Christmas Murder Mix Up, Holiday Pursuit, and Holiday Intruder. I liked them all. These books did keep me on edge of my seat. The only author I had read prior to this was Joanie Bruce. All the authors have a well developed storyline and characters. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat --- this is your book.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program. All opinions are my own.