Friday, April 28, 2017

Covert Kisses by Jane Godman

Covert Kisses (Sons of Stillwater #1)Book Description:
Sons of Stillwater: Jane Godman's heart-stopping new miniseries where no one is who they seem

Coincidence? The beauty who washes up on Mayor Cameron Delaney's private beach eerily resembles his dead girlfriend, Carla. But Laurie Carter, Carla's lookalike cousin, is actually an undercover detective. She's on the job, investigating Cameron's connection to a human-trafficking ring. Laurie knows she must keep her coverbut she's struggling to deceive the man she finds irresistible

When Cameron discovers why Laurie is in town, he's furious to realize he's being framedand stunned at his sudden feelings for the lovely agent. But as they uncover the traffickers, a savage serial killer targets Laurie. Can Cameron save the life of the woman he's come to care forand unmask the threat haunting his family and Stillwater?

My Thoughts:
Covert Kisses was a good, quick romantic suspense read.  Laurie looks almost identical to Cameron's dead girlfriend.  She needs that element to make her job easier.  She is there undercover to investigate him and his company to see if he is really as bad as he seems on paper.  Cameron is completely unprepared for Laurie to fall into his life and shake things up.  He didn't think he could ever have these feelings again.
I liked both Laurie and Cameron.  I don't think I would be as forgiving as Cameron was after learning about her deception.  The author did a good job with the bad guy and weaving him through the story and their lives.  It was intriguing that they knew throughout a lot of it who it was but couldn't do anything about it.  I wasn't expecting the story line to take the twist that it did and it completely intrigued me.  
Overall it was a 4/5 for me.  I want to read about Cam's brothers next!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Big Sky Showdown by Sharon Dunn

Book Description

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Witch by Denise Weimer

Witch: The Restoration Trilogy, Book ThreeBook Description:
Having restored Michael Johnson's ancestors' house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael's been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?

My Thoughts:
I will start this review by saying this is book 3 in the trilogy and I have not read books 1 & 2.  I think for the full effect of this book, you really need to read them.  That being said, you can read this one by itself, I just think you are missing some of the things the author is tying up.  It is dual time period with intriguing characters from both the past and the present.
I really loved the way the author started this book.  It was action from the start and had my attention.  The contemporary portion was involved as well with Michael and Jennifer.  There are parallels and there are questions throughout that you cannot wait to have answered.  I liked Jennifer and hoped for a particular outcome for her from the start.  The way God and faith are in the story was done really well and the lessons learned are applicable (to my life anyway).  I honestly think you can learn several different lessons from this book depending on your life experience and how you view things.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I think if I had read the previous ones I might have enjoyed this one more but it was still good.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Guest post from Denise Weimer

The first thing I want to tell you about Witch is … it’s not scary! Hang with me, and I’ll share more about the title.

The Restoration Trilogy mixes a unique tonic … the budding of a romance and friendships in a humorous, small-town community, a splash of suspense, and spiritual and emotional healing. Check out the summaries above.

The restoration my parents did on a real life doctor’s house and apothecary shop inspired this series. As I watched them work and learn about the historical line of doctors associated with their property, I realized how much a physical restoration project can mirror the spiritual work God wants to do in each of us. And that’s exactly what happens with Michael and Jennifer, who both conceal areas of brokenness from their pasts. As they come together to restore his family buildings, the stories they uncover about his ancestors reveal truths they need to apply in their own lives:

  • Family connection from the 1920s story of Georgia Pearl as they restore the house (White)
  • Forgiveness from the 1860s story of Charlotte as they restore the apothecary (Widow)
  • Faithfulness from the 1780s story of Verity as they restore the log cabin (Witch)

The title of each novel – and the cover – reflects that struggle of the historical heroine. Eventually each, as well as Michael and Jennifer, learn that only God, the Master Renovator and the Great Physician, can heal their broken places.

So here’s your prescription, should you choose to accept it by entering into this grand prize giveaway!

Grand Prize Gift Basket From Durham Apothecary & Museum: Take from a homemade tea pocket one of the selection of special teas. While brewing thy favorite tea, dispense liberally from the tea cookie tin onto a china plate. Prop up thy feet and commence thy reading journey through a print copy of White, Widow AND Witch! After a goodly time of rest and reflection, take up thy quill (ahem, I mean set of decorative pens) and record pearls of wisdom in thy new journal. When they husband and children begin to grumble, rise with fresh vigor to prepare a meal from Farmer’s Almanac Colonial Cookbook.

Second place prize: an e-book copy of Witch (or any other one book of The Restoration Trilogy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away:


A Grand Prize Gift Basket From Durham Apothecary & Museum: Take from a homemade tea pocket one of the selection of special teas. While brewing thy favorite tea, dispense liberally from the tea cookie tin onto a china plate. Prop up thy feet and commence thy reading journey through a print copy of White, Widow AND Witch! After a goodly time of rest and reflection, take up thy quill (ahem, I mean set of decorative pens) and record pearls of wisdom in thy new journal. When thy husband and children begin to grumble, rise with fresh vigor to prepare a meal from Farmer’s Almanac Colonial Cookbook.

Second place prize: an e-book copy of Witch (or any other one book of The Restoration Trilogy)

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b57b

Monday, April 24, 2017

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

Sandpiper Cove: A Hope Harbor Novel by [Hannon, Irene]Book Description:
Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.


My Thoughts:
Oh my word, I love this series.  Hope Harbor is really a place I would love to visit.  The third in the series, it can stand alone and is a great story about second chances.  Adam is an excon who has come to the small town to live a quiet life.  Lexie is the chief of police and the two of them meet through one of her investigations.  The instant attraction surprises them both and perhaps God has a hand in it.I just love how this author writes her stories.  She make the characters believable and likable, then she adds in faith in such a way that it is smooth and not forced at all.  Lexie is a good, strong female character who isn't looking for romance.  Adam (Stone) is more than just an excon but he has to realize that before he can move forward.  The story is one I would recommend everyone read.
It was a 5/5 for me.  
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place by Terry Spear

Book Description:

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Crowned (Beholder, Book 4) Cover Reveal by Christina Bauer


Crowned
Christina Bauer
(Beholder, Book 4)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: November 28th 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Beauty. Romance. Power. It’s all in the eye of the BEHOLDER.
At last, Elea has found the love of her life. Unfortunately, the evil Tsar Viktor is about to unleash an army of twisted mages bent on killing everyone Elea cares about… including the man who’s stolen her heart.
So what’s a powerful witch to do? Why, organize a league of magical warriors, of course!
Elea recruits and trains a fighting force to take down the Tsar. That’s challenge enough, but on the eve of battle, Elea realizes that her true enemies may be far more powerful than even Viktor: The deities Oni and Yuri could be out to destroy her as well. With major battles brewing on two fronts, Elea’s not sure that she’ll win, but with true love to inspire her, she’s certainly ready to fight.
Previous books in the series:


Author Bio:
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. It is now available as an audiobook on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

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Monday, April 17, 2017

Shattered Pack by Aileen Erin

Book Description:

Monday, April 10, 2017

Wooing the Wedding Planner by Amber Leigh Williams

Wooing the Wedding PlannerBook Description:
Wedding planner Roxie Honeycutt can make happy-ever-after come true for anyone except herself. Freshly divorced and done with love, she's okay with watching clients walk down the aisle. What's not okay? Sharing a charming Victorian house with accountant Byron Strong. He's frustratingly sexy and determined to keep her confused.

Roxie thought Byron's expertise was numbers, yet somehow he sees her for who she really is. Somehow he understands the hurt she hides behind a trademark smile. Suddenly romance is tempting again, even if it means risking another heartbreak.

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Roxie plans other peoples' happily ever afters.  She isn't sure after her heartbreaking divorce that she truly believes that happily ever after is possible.  Byron has had a heartbreaking life-changing event as well.  The whole town just doesn't know about his.  Together they could have a happy ending if they are both willing to risk the heartache. 
I like that the author has gone through this set of friends and given them all their own story.  It has been fun to get to know them and then check back in with them in the following books.  Roxie is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in happy ever after anymore but then again maybe she does.  I like that she is willing to put her heart out there, knowing that Byron is 'damaged'.  Byron is a great guy and I love his family (though sometimes I could have slapped him silly).  The author does a good job of making us care about these characters and always want more!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I do enjoy reading this series about these friends!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Classified Christmas Mission by Lynette Eason

Book Description:

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #2)Book Description:
SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD... 
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  I looked forward to it after the first book in the series and it was good.  The issues she and Griffin have are different in this book but still some of the same lingering issues.  Cat is determined to believe the worst and Griffin just wants her.  I adore the band of friends the couple has around them.  Griffin's family is wonderful.
I'm hoping Cat's family comes more into play in the next one.  I enjoyed the ones we met in this book and can't say too much because it would have spoilers then!  The journey they have to go through for Griffin's dreams to start taking shape is monumental.  I particularly liked how he did his task for the goddess.  The author threw in a couple twists that you kinda saw coming but that are still totally worth reading though to the end to understand.
It was a 4/5.  I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.

Monday, April 3, 2017

21 Days of Grace

21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God's Unconditional Love (A Fiction Lover's Devotional) by [Ide, Kathy]Book Description:
Christians have long loved devotionals, but today’s Christians are also developing a strong love for fiction. They want to read stories about characters they can relate to, who experience situations similar to their own, and learn from those examples how to live out their faith. For them, life lessons are more easily absorbed this way. 

21 Days of Grace fits all of these needs. It is a collection of engaging, inspirational short fiction stories written by new, intermediate, and well-known authors including Angela Hunt, Deborah Rainey, Cindy Woodsmall, Cecil Murphey, Robin Bayne, and more. 

Like Jesus’ parables, these stories deal with important life issues in a subtle, unpressured manner. And, as Jesus did, the authors follow up with life applications based on the stories, suggesting how the inherent lessons can be applied to the reader’s daily life.


My Thoughts:
Ok, I absolutely loved this book.  It is a wonderful hand-sized hardback book that is perfect to stick in your purse and take with you.  The authors that contributed to it are all wonderful and I enjoyed all the stories.  Stories with themes or morals are my favorite.  I am mostly a fiction reader and these little stories with their insights were perfect for me.
Anyway, this was different and absolutely something everyone should have.  A 5/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Meddlin' Madeline Such a Tease by Chautona Havig

Such a Tease (Meddlin' Madeline Book 2)Book Description:
Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she's sure he is?

Rockland:1901
In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You? With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?

However, her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?

Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.

Unfortunately, her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all?
 

My Thoughts:
Yes, I'm still a fan of this series.  Madeline had adventures in the last book and this one is no different.  Favorite characters are back and back at it.  Since Madeline isn't a typical female of her time period, in fact, she is quite modern thinking, her actions reflect this.  She investigates and is an amateur detective.  This also means she gets into some extremely interesting situations. I like how Madeline grows as a character from the first book through this one.  Trust is a key factor in this story and the overall theme of needing God was done quite well.  I thought the author did a great job staying in 'her time period' and keeping your attention throughout.  I cannot wait to see what she does next with these characters as I've now become quite a fan.
It was a 4/5 for me.  The slight issues I had with it are much outweighed by love of characters. Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.