Archive | August, 2017

#BookReview: A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

30 Aug

With a mystery to solve and characters to champion, A Name Unknown is a delightful read! Rosemary Gresham and Peter Holstein are refreshingly unique in their characterization, and I loved the humor and wit of the banter they share. A cleverly crafted story line that combines elements of suspense and romance, White treats readers to a wonderful Edwardian experience. Engaging and entertaining, A Name Unknown leaves me eager to continue the Shadows Over England series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family’s German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors’ scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he’s more than his name?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

20 Aug

Fisher’s wonderful storytelling brings history to life in The Return! Betsy Zook and Tessa Bauer are two young women who experience tumultuous journeys. Inspired by true events, the details of their stories are affecting and emotional. I was fascinated by this glimpse into the past and enjoyed the intertwining of historical and Amish fiction in this compelling tale. Although The Return revisits characters found throughout the Amish Beginnings series, this novel takes place many years later and can also be read as a stand-alone story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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The winner is…

20 Aug

I am so sorry for the delay in drawing and announcing our winner! Without further ado, the winner of a Kindle copy of Season of Hope and a $5.00 Amazon card is Melanie Backus!

Thank you so much, Alexa, for sharing this generous giveaway!
Thank you, dear readers, for visiting my blog!

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#BookReview: Fault Lines by Thomas Locke

17 Aug

Fault Lines was my first foray into Thomas Locke’s writing. While science fiction is not my normal reading pleasure, I was intrigued and fascinated by this story line. The narrative began a bit slowly for me, but it steadily gained momentum with each turn of the page. Thomas Locke blends science and technology in a techno-thriller that is sure to engage and entertain fans of the genre. I enjoyed this cleverly crafted tale and look forward to reading more of the Fault Lines series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

As a security expert, Charlie Hazard is all about taking control of the situation. But when the stunning Dr. Gabriella Speciale draws him into a secret psychological project, risk parameters are shattered. Every move brings him to the edge of one fault line after another, and Charlie struggles to stay clear of a maelstrom of entangled dangers.

The research team abandons the lab on the Florida coast and flees to a mountain refuge in Italy. The battles in Charlie’s mind are overtaken by real life attacks. He must grapple with the daunting realization that a conspiracy is taking hold on both internal and external levels. Can Gabriella be trusted, or is she just part of the scheme?

Leave behind your assumptions about the way the world works, and race along the unknown corridors of human consciousness in Fault Lines.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

15 Aug

Chasing Secrets is an exciting suspense! Haley and Steven are complex characters, and their story is brimming with intrigue. The drama and danger unfold quickly, and the cleverly crafted plot kept me guessing until the end. With its thrilling twists and turns, Chasing Secrets is my favorite of the Elite Guardians, a series I recommend for suspense readers who enjoy strong characters and unique story elements.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she’s made a career out of taking care of others. But after an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her–and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he’s not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

14 Aug

Dramatic and emotional, Beloved Hope is a beautifully told tale! As I began reading, I was immediately drawn in and captivated by the story that unfolds. Hope Flanagan’s strength is admirable, and my heart ached for her and all she endured. I love Tracie Peterson’s storytelling and look forward to continuing the Heart of the Frontier series!

Although I have not read the first book in this series, I was able to enjoy the continuing story line. I do hope to read Treasured Grace soon, as I am eager to know more about the background of the characters and the beginning of their journeys.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, she lives with her sisters, Grace and Mercy, and Grace’s new husband, Alex. As she spends her days tending their flock of sheep, Hope’s mind and soul are slowly healing. Yet, though she was once surrounded by suitors, she has no interest in giving her heart again after the man she loved died in her arms.

Hope’s precarious new peace is shattered when those responsible for the massacre are captured and put on trial. She is asked to testify against them, but she’s not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days.

As Hope struggles to free herself from the pain of her past, Lance Kenner, an Army lieutenant, brings an unexpected ray of light into her life. But what will Lance think of her if he learns the truth behind her anguish? And what secrets lie in his past?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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Friday Freebies

11 Aug

 

Hidden by Vannetta Chapman

Kindle

Dana Jacobs would rather forget the night of tragedy and violence that marred her childhood. She is now the supervisor in charge of the Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is prepared to handle any threat—biological, chemical, conventional, cyber, even nuclear. Benjamin Marshall is newly assigned to Dana’s office. Straight from a six-year military deployment, he is not what Dana wants or needs.

Ben knows God has a reason for putting him in this place at this time—to help Dana. When a local school is threatened, they open a case which leads them on a chase through the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest, pursuing a man filled with a bitterness Dana can understand. But her anger is different. It’s justified, it remains hidden inside, and it hurts no one.

Can Dana face her own mortality? And when she does, can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven?

 

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Kindle | Nook

Marie Carrington is running from a host of bad memories. Broke and desperate, she’s hoping to find safety and sanctuary on Prince Edward Island, where she reluctantly agrees to help decorate a renovated bed-and-breakfast before it opens for prime tourist season.

Seth Sloane didn’t move three thousand miles to work on his uncle’s B&B so he could babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her. He came to help restore the old Victorian–and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart.
The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they’ve got. Can these two wounded souls find hope, healing, and perhaps a bit of romance on this beautiful island?

Step into the Red Door Inn, a lovely home away from home tucked along the north shore of fabled Prince Edward Island. It’s a place where the wounded come to heal, the broken find forgiveness, and the lonely find a family. Won’t you stay for the season?

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Spotlight + #Giveaway: Season of Hope by Alexa Verde

10 Aug

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2uKf5cy

Kelly Young wants to heal after losing her husband and to raise her little girl the best she can in her hometown. But her new neighbor, former wide receiver Brandon Carmichael, seems to intend to demolish his fixer-upper and her hopes for peace and quiet. When he helps her to repair her home, keeps her flower shop business afloat, and makes her hope and love again, could it be that Brandon is exactly what she needs?

After a forced retirement, Brandon Carmichael is angry and lost, one step away from the familiar path of self-destruction. Moving to a small town at his friend’s suggestion, Brandon surprises himself by getting involved in its community and starting to fall for his pretty neighbor, single mom Kelly Young. But when his past collides with his present, can he forgive, love, and live fully again?

 

Thanks to the generosity of Alexa Verde, one lucky commenter will win a Kindle copy of Season of Hope and a $5.00 Amazon gift card!  

Prizes will be gifted through Amazon, so commenters must have an Amazon account.

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment letting us know where you stand on fixer-upper projects.  The giveaway ends Thursday, August 17 at midnight CDT. The winner will be chosen and announced on Friday, August 18.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog and/or share the giveaway. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries! This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on the number of entries.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you leave projects to the professionals?  Do you have a fixer-upper story to share?    

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#BookReview: Inherited: Unexpected Family by Gabrielle Meyer

9 Aug

It is a such a pleasure to visit the historical community of Little Falls and its residents! Elizabeth Bell and Jude Allen are strong, determined characters, and Meyer brings their story to life with vivid imagery and emotion. Their unexpected partnership causes sparks to fly, and I loved the way their relationship developed amid a myriad of complications. Inherited: Unexpected Family is a tender tale and a wonderful addition to the Little Falls Legacy series. I can’t wait to read more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

After arriving in Minnesota Territory with her sisters to claim their late father’s hotel, Elizabeth Bell is shocked to learn her inheritance comes with a handsome co-owner. After too long working for a domineering boss, Elizabeth yearns to be in control–of the hotel and her life. But Jude Allen won’t sell his share, and Elizabeth refuses to leave.

After arriving in Minnesota Territory with her sisters to claim their late father’s hotel, Elizabeth Bell is shocked to learn her inheritance comes with a handsome co-owner. After too long working for a domineering boss, Elizabeth yearns to be in control–of the hotel and her life. But Jude Allen won’t sell his share, and Elizabeth refuses to leave.

Rescuing soiled doves and giving them hotel jobs is Jude’s way of redeeming his past. He’s counting on rough frontier life driving his new business partner away before she learns the scandalous truth and demands he stop his mission. But he may have underestimated Elizabeth…and the power of love to turn a complication into a bright new beginning.

Connect with Gabrielle:
Website | Group blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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#BookReview: To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

8 Aug

To Wager Her Heart is a heartfelt journey back in time, combining fact and fiction and immersing readers in Nashville’s diverse history. There is much to love about Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge and their emotional journey. From the wonderful characterization to the compelling story line, Tamera Alexander captivated me with the third and final Belle Meade novel. I love this remarkable series and highly recommend each novel to fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Join Tamera TONIGHT to celebrate the release of To Wager Her Heart!

 

About the book:

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn’t tear them apart first.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father’s name. One man holds the key to Sy’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville’s society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison’s fiancee—and what has broken her heart.

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy’s roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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