Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

#BookReview: Murder Comes by Mail by A.H. Gabhart

21 Jun

Murder Comes by Mail

Murder Comes by Mail by A.H. Gabhart

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn’t particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses–a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn’t last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs’ concerned citizens.

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves–because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

 

My thoughts:

Murder Comes by Mail is sure to delight cozy mystery fans! Gabhart weaves an intriguing suspense while capturing the essence of small town living and bringing to life a cast of colorful characters.

Equal parts charming and chilling, this mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I loved Deputy Sheriff Keane and his determination to catch a killer and protect the people closest to him. With its twists, turns, and surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Comes by Mail and am eager to continue this entertaining series in Book 3, Murder Is No Accident!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Ann H. Gabhart

A. H. Gabhart is Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home, several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but Ann is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown’s courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky.

To learn more about Ann and her books, please visit her website.

 

$1.99 Sale- Be Still My Soul

20 Jun

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof is only $1.99 for a limited time!
Don’t miss this beautiful story!

Sale- Be Still My Soul

Purchase links:
Kindle | Nook

 

Be Still My Soul

Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.

Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

#BookReview: More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

20 Jun

More Than Rivals

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/28PaLSN

In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them–some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart–but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill–and transform their town.

 

My thoughts:

“To me, it’s just basketball. The sport is the common denominator that brings us all together. Colored or white, it doesn’t matter. It’s just a game.”

More Than Rivals is a poignant story! Ken Abraham brings the time period to life as he shares the story of an unlikely pairing and a championship game that transformed a Tennessee community. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, and I enjoyed their amazing journey.

Based on a true story, More Than Rivals is an informative glimpse of history, as well as a touching tale of friendship!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

16 Jun

No Other Will Do No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VZZeBb

Men are optional. That’s the credo Emma Chandler’s suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women’s colony in Harper’s Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight–and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma’s plea arrives, he bolts to Harper’s Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she’s not a girl any longer. She’s a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn’t deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

 

My thoughts:

I loved this delightful story! Boasting a unique story line, mystery and danger, and swoon-worthy romance, this Texas tale captivated me from beginning to end!

Karen Witemeyer brings Harper’s Station and its residents to life with her signature humor and charm.  Emma Chandler and her aunts are strong characters, presiding over the women’s colony they founded. When trouble comes calling, Emma reaches out to a man she knows she can trust, Malachi Shaw, and the story that unfolds is engaging and entertaining and one I highly recommend!

With memorable characters and a community you’ll want to visit again and again, No Other Will Do is one for the keeper shelf!

 

karen-witemeyer

Christy Award finalist and winner the ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.  To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.  

 

 

No Other Will Do

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: Medical Judgment | E-Reader #Giveaway

14 Jun

Medical Judgment

Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry, M.D.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PjHaAz

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

 

My thoughts:

If you enjoy medical drama laced with suspense, Medical Judgment just might be what the doctor ordered!

Recovering from the tragic loss of her family, Dr. Sarah Gordon finds herself the target of harassment. As the threats escalate, she begins to suspect those around her and is unsure who to trust. I am a fan of medical dramas, and while the medical elements were not as prevalent as I hoped, they were present and engaging. The elements of intrigue and suspense were woven through the narrative and several characters came to mind as possible perpetrators. Although I would have liked more depth of story, Medical Judgment was enjoyable and kept me guessing until the end.

 

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

medical judgment - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Medical Judgment
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

medical judgment - enterbanner

 

Dr. Mabry

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Medical Judgment

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Medical Judgment.

#BookReview: Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

13 Jun

Deception

Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1Uwdahd

Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her mistakes in the past—but then her past arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Does he know her secret? Is he the one behind the growing list of attacks against her? And if he is involved…does that mean her sister is, too? With nowhere else to turn, Jewel must rely on police chief Colin Winters—the first man to make the widow question her resolve to never love again. But will he stay by her side when her guarded secrets are revealed?

 

Deception graphic

My thoughts:

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another action-packed adventure in Deception! The drama unfolds quickly in this fast-paced story, and danger lurks around every corner. I really enjoyed the intrigue of Jewel and Colin’s story; it kept me turning the pages as I puzzled over secrets and suspects. I also enjoyed the vivid imagery of the Alaskan wilderness and the inspirational threads that were woven through the narrative. Deception is an exciting tale and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

highresgoddard-HR-2-2-e1382722351811

Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Connect with Beth:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

#BookReview: Forever Safe | Goodreads #Giveaway

10 Jun

Forever Safe

Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1thi1MY

Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancé. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard.

Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe.

As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for?

 

Graphic- Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

My thoughts:

I loved this enthralling story! Jody Hedlund masterfully weaves history, mystery, and romance, creating a tender tale that is not to be missed!

Victoria Cole and Tom Cushman are wounded characters who share a beautiful and inspiring journey. Both running from past hurts and fears, I really appreciated their emotional and spiritual growth, and I loved the development of their relationship. I also delighted in Tom’s parents, James and Zelma. The wit and wisdom they offered Tom and Victoria was such a wonderful part of the narrative.

I have loved each Beacons of Hope novel, and I believe Forever Safe is my favorite of the series! I do hope Jody Hedlund will continue sharing these beautiful novels set among our nation’s lighthouses!

Enter the Goodreads giveaway now to win 1 of 5 copies of Forever Safe!

 

Jody Hedlund bio pic

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest| Instagram

 

Forever Safe

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

$0.99 Sale- A Place in His Heart

7 Jun

A Place in His Heart Promo

Purchase a copy:
Kindle | Nook

 

A Place in His Heart

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons.

And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.

This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.

#BookReview: The Beautiful Pretender | Once Upon a Kindle #Giveaway

6 Jun

The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NZuPiD

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

 

My thoughts:

I absolutely adored this story! With nods to The Princess and the Pea and Beauty and the Beast, Melanie Dickerson has penned another splendid medieval tale you don’t want to miss!

As the Margrave of Thornbeck is tasked with finding a suitable wife, deception and danger loom. Avelina and Reinhart are emotionally compelling characters who swept me along in their journey, and I reveled in its intrigue, danger, and romance. Oh, the romance! I loved Avelina’s response to Reinhart’s question about her thoughts on marriage. This beautiful passage was one of my favorites!

The Beautiful Pretender is lovely story that enchanted me from beginning to end!

 

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

beautiful pretender - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
  • A Kindle Fire tablet
  • A $25 Amazon gift card
  • The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll
beautiful pretender - prize collage

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie’s blog.

beautiful pretender - enter banner

 

Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

 

The Beautiful Pretender
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about The Beautiful Pretender. 

#BookReview: His Prairie Sweetheart by Erica Vetsch

2 Jun

His Prairie Sweetheart

His Prairie Sweetheart by Erica Vetsch

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/25xPiBJ

After being jilted at the altar, Southern belle Savannah Cox seeks a fresh start out West and accepts a teaching position in Minnesota. But between her students’ lack of English, the rough surroundings and sheriff Elias Parker’s doubts and distrust, Savannah’s unprepared for both the job and the climate. However, she’s determined to prove she can handle anything her new town throws her way.

Elias gives it a week—or less—before the pretty schoolteacher packs her dainty dresses and hightails it back home. But no matter how many mishaps he has to rescue her from, Savannah doesn’t give up. Yet the real test is to come—a brutal blizzard that could finally drive her away, taking his heart with her…

 

My thoughts:

His Prairie Sweetheart is a delightful tale! Savannah Cox and Elias Parker are wonderful characters, and I loved the pairing of this Southern schoolteacher and Minnesota sheriff! Theirs is an engaging story filled with humor, adventure, and romance. Erica Vetsch’s love of history is evident, and I reveled in the real-life historical details and events she included in the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend His Prairie Sweetheart!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

To learn more about Erica and her books, please visit her website