Category: Author

The Killing Tide

by Dani Pettrey

First of all I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for their giveaway of The Killing Tide!!! I wanted this book so badly. Two reasons, I SO enjoy Dani Pettrey’s books…and secondly, my daddy was a Coastie. Growing up I always wanted to get stuff with their logo on it for my daddy. Do you know how hard that can be?? It’s like a forgotten entity…especially in Oklahoma, a landlocked state. However, my daddy was transferred there by the Coast Guard. Now that I live in DownEast Maine I hear A LOT more about the Coast Guard. That makes this series special to me. I entered several contests because my book budget was absent when this gem was released. Then life and health happens…and so Saturday I started reading this terrific novel…and Saturday, I finished. ( My Hubby says me buying books is a waste, but I do enjoy while reading them, and I sometimes re-read. Plus I collect them!😊 Books are never EVER a waste! ) Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and I’m thrilled and thankful I got to do so!

The characters are fantastic…and in an interesting twist some things about the characters you learn backwards ( just read the book, you’ll get what I mean). The suspense in this novel never ends. You jump in right from the first chapter…and just swim right through the book. Then BOOM, you are done! It’s a rush you don’t want to miss. Lots of action, just the right amount of romance.

My favorite thing about this book is how the author flows the prayers of the believers effortlessly through the novel. Just like I pray when faced with difficult things in my day. It made the characters more real and relatable to me. The faith theme is really good and just woven so well in the plot. The main female character really needed her head examined for some of her choices, but sometimes if your brothers underestimate you, you might just decide to try to prove them wrong! Not that I’d know anything about that at all. 😏

It’s a great book so run to the library, store, or the closest computer and get your eyes on this book!

I’m posting a more personal photo below. My daddy wrote a textbook called “Rules of the Road.” They put out quite a few editions because the rules change. If you click on the image it will take you to a page about the book. I use to have the textbook, but in one of our moves it didn’t make it I guess. Included is a pic of my daddy in uniform that was taken a few years ago.

Once again, big thanks to Dani Pettrey for writing a series about the Coast Guard and to Just Read Publicity Tours for the giveaway!

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE AND READ ABOUT THE BOOK MY DADDY WROTE.

Once Upon a Dicken’s Christmas

by Michelle Griep

REVIEW OF FIRST NOVELLA- 12 DAYS OF BLEAKLY MANOR

This is a short quick novella. I rarely thoroughly enjoy novellas as I did this one! There is so much mystery, suspense , intrigue, and romance packed into the pages of this enjoyable read. I’ve had it for a while, but I wanted to wait until closer to Christmas to read and review.

If you like novellas and shorter stories,I highly recommend this read. Great and interesting characters, much is hidden to be revealed at just the right time, and romance blossoms as well. Truly, this book is so well done considering the size…less than 200 pages. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable mystery read so go get it!!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

REVIEW OF SECOND NOVELLA- A TALE OF TWO HEARTS

Another fantastic Christmas Novella from this author. I will readily admit that I’m not a fan of novellas, but I so enjoyed the first in this series, and I was eager to read the second.

Wonderful characters, great story, lovely faith theme, and much Dickens as well. To top it all off, of course a happier ever after….maybe for more than one thinks.

Terrific story.

I won one book and received one from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

MY REVIEW OF THE THIRD BOOK-THE OLD LACE SHOP

A wonderful Christmas novella by Michelle Griep! She creates fascinating stories even in novellas. That’s no small feat since I’m not a big fan of them. Such a sweet story…and I always love children in books! A sweet read that’s enjoyable,fun, and some wonderful Christian morals enter twined in the story. The little girl touched my heart.

This collection is a wonderful touch of Christmas for any reader. I thoroughly enjoyed each unique story…so go get it to enjoy a wonderful feeling of the Christmas spirit.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The King’s Mercy

by Lori Benton

Lori Benton is a must buy author for me! She has such beautiful prose that sets the stage for her books. I savor every word in her books. I hate to admit this, but I’m sure you avid readers have sorta skimmed pages?? Am I the only horrible person that tends to do this in the slow parts of books?? Any guilty? Well , I am. However, finding a book written by Lori Benton is a treasure to savor…no skimming.

Her characters jump off the page and as I lose myself in the book, it becomes a movie. I fall in love with some characters, I cheer on for the right guy to win the fights, I cringe at the rudeness of others…I’m there, “a fly on the wall” watching it all. That is a Lori Benton book.

I think this book has the strongest faith and Christian theme than any other of her books. Now, I can’t promise that because my memory is faulty, but to me…it feels like the struggle Alex has with his Creator and Christ presents a terrific and strong Christian theme that makes it stronger in its spiritual message than in her other novels. It’s terrific…it even follows the story of a character in the Bible. Nope, no spoilers here…so just go get it and read it to find out.

Of course this book has its villains,too. Although it isn’t clear always who they are. One is a cruel man who takes advantage of younger women and children. This part of the storyline is difficult, but it is definitely a problem they encountered much during this time period…and sadly something our world still deals with because we live in a cursed world. The author handles this subject with great care, but I did want to mention it as some can’t handle stories like that. In the end there is joy and peace for those who seek the Lord…and justice for the villains.

It’s a wonderfully told story of love and redemption. The storyline is so different because it isn’t all a happily ever after exactly…but peace definitely reigns at the end…for the characters and the reader. Please don’t miss this beauty of a novel.

Always

by Jody Hedlund

What a wonderful novella to introduce a new YA series by Jody Hedlund! It remains true to what she always puts in her YA reads. The importance of inner beauty and strength, the truth that we can’t live all on our own, and the truth that love grows and happiness can be a choice.

I eagerly wait for the series to begin! This was a fantastic start, and I’m not a big fan of novellas. This one was very well done. I don’t usually review a novella that introduces a series, but I felt this one was vital to the series as a whole.

“…happiness is a choice we make no matter what life brings us, is it not?”

“God, I whispered as I stared unseeingly at the glowing coals. I haven’t wanted to rely upon anyone, have only leaned on my own strength and determination. But I have nothing left. I can do no more.”

I knew now as I’d known then that my father depended upon God for strength and guidance in a way I never had.”

Evermore

by Jody Hedlund

Terrific YA fairytale read by Jody Hedlund. Though I’m no YA, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters, terrific story, suspense, and a fantastic backdrop with knights, kings, and queens the reader is drawn into an exciting tale of a Princess who needs to regain her kingdom and become queen.

Some surprising twists and turns make this an even better read. I love the important morals and choices that are made, and the message that is given to young readers through this story. 

I definitely am looking forward to the rest of the series, and I do recommend the novella that sets up the story. I rarely say they are necessary, but to get a complete picture I highly recommend reading the novella “Always” before reading this one.

I bought the paperbacks, and they are gorgeous! Go get your ebook or paperback and be enchanted into another time and place!

The book Evermore and the novella that begins the series Always.

Spice King

by Elizabeth Camden

“God led us here,” Annabelle whispered. “ He planted a hope in your heart that was strong enough to send us a thousand miles across the country. There is a reason, and we’ll keep going until we find it. We can’t falter now.”

There is so much fascinating history in this read which is why I really enjoy this author’s novels. I never really considered that at one time salt and pepper was spicing up a dish-because it’s what they had. In this book, I really could feel the joy Annabelle experienced as she tried so many new spices and fruits that were incredibly rare in the early 1900’s.

The historical information about foods, Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian Institute, and so many other things made for a terrific and unique book setting. The Department of Agriculture played a huge role in our food supply-a much larger one than i ever knew.The characters are incredibly well done. I’m hoping for more from these characters in the future. This book combines so many good elements: It’s historical information and backdrop, information about the blind, incredibly well written and developed characters, and a forgiveness faith theme. All of the intertwined to make for a superb and enjoyable read.

In this case you can judge the book by its cover, and the cover is magnificent!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I never wanted to be blind, but if it’s the price I must pay to have found Walter Talbot…then I’m glad it happened.”

Diamond in the Rough

by Jen Turano

Another just plain fun book from this author. I could sympathize with the main character. I’m a klutz…have been all my life. She gets involved in so many “catastrophes” that her grandmother is seeking help. Poppy is such a great main character, and I love the things that come into play from previous books…especially the mention of someone getting stuck because of an interesting bustle! This author is always sure to get giggles and outright laughter from her books. Reginald is wonderful opposite Poppy. The story, characters, and faith theme all combine for another winner of a read from Ms. Turano. No one in Christian Fiction produces a novel like hers. Go buy any of her reads…and have fun! This is one of her best yet.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Finding Lady Enderly

by Joanna Davidson Politano

BOOK BLURB

“Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden. “

MY REVIEW

It’s another terrific read from Ms. Politano! Her books are terrific stories with vivid settings and wonderful characters. However, they are much more than that! The story the reader reads is a shadow of sorts of the true meaning of the words on paper. A type of allegory to get your mind thinking…what if this is me? Is this what I portray? 

I love how this author can write the most fascinating tales with double meanings. This is another book by this author not to be missed. Don’t miss the deeper meaning either

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own .

Clear Confusion By Kathy M. Howard

MY REVIEW

Clear Confusion has some great character development and a good plot. The story has a good flow to it except for the few times the point-of-view quickly changes. I was use to that further on in the story.

“…the simple fact that she also knew Jesus was a huge encouragement. She felt strangely strong and confident in that memory alone.”

This is a read for those who enjoy romantic suspense or who enjoy a strong faith theme in their reads. The faith part and the references to forgiveness, mercy, grace and more was well done and definitely puts this book into the Christian genre. I enjoyed the faith aspect of the story very much.

I had much of it figured out, but the ending was a surprise. That’s quite an accomplishment since I read a lot of suspense books. Of course, the book gets its happily ever after for the main characters. However, the secondary characters story is left open. I wouldn’t mind reading that story.( hint 😊)

If you like romantic suspense, them I recommend this read. It was a good, enjoyable read with a lot of faith elements that makes the reader feel good once the story concludes.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

EXCERPT

1:40 p.m. 

“Did you find the girl yet?” he asked, fearful of the answer. 

“No! Last time I saw her was when she disappeared into that crowd at the bus terminal. Man! I almost had her, too. Ya think it’s poss’ble she got on a bus instead of drivin’ off in a car?” 

“I doubt it. She didn’t look like the type to take a bus.” He shifted the phone to the other ear. 

“Well, keep your ears low to the ground. No one’s lookin’ for us at the moment. She’ll pro’bly talk, if she ain’t already. Don’t know what she’d say, though, other than what she saw us do. You’re convinced she didn’t see our faces; and if that’s true, she won’t be able to identify us. Kinda hard to pin something on us without an ID.” 

“It was an accident. Maybe she’ll just forget about it and let it go.” He tried sounding hopeful. 

“Accident or no accident, Roland don’t like it when we get sloppy. And he definitely don’t like it when there are witnesses.” 

“Did you tell him about her yet?” 

“Nope. Was hoping to take care of her on our own without lettin’ him know we messed it up. Just keep an eye out, will ya? Let’s don’t worry about Roland right now,” he nervously suggested. “I’ll fill him in soon enough.”

ABOUT THE BOOK CLEAR CONFUSION AND A GIVEAWAY

Click on this Image to read more about
CLEAR CONFUSION
BY
KATHY M. HOWARD
and enter the giveaway

Underestimating Miss Cecilia

by Carolyn Miller

“Perhaps this trial was yet another way God was trying to gain her attention,so she would focus more on Him, and not let the distractions of this world steal her thoughts and emotions.”

I enjoyed this read and the fun characters that really drive the plot. Cecilia and Ned are both flawed characters as Carolyn Miller’s usually are. If you are fond of the girl falling in love with the boy next door or the prodigal son returns home in a wonderful historical setting this book is for you.

I really like how well this author natural weaves a strong faith message into her books. This one is no different. It truly belongs in the genre of “Christian Fiction.” Throughout the book the reader sees how the faith of the characters affects their everyday decisions as well as those decisions that are going to affect their entire life.

It’s a lovely story with the characters learning as they grow giving the reader a chance to ponder if perhaps he could do a better job at putting the focus on God in our lives as well.

“Understand that God’s plans are for good, not to be a weighty burden. Remember that He is with us, in both good times and challenges, empowering us for His work.”

I received this book through the publisher. All opinions are my own.