Tag Archives: Contemporary fiction

#BookReview: Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

25 Mar

With a penchant for quirky characters, Melody Carlson once again treats readers to an entertaining story with an eclectic cast. The uniqueness of Courting Mr. Emerson is not only found in its characters, but also in their stories. While I would have appreciated a bit more depth in some aspects of the storyline, I did find it to be an enjoyable read overall.

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

 

About the book:

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause–and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around–which to him seems like all too often. He’s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

21 Feb

Never Let Go is a suspenseful tale that kept me guessing until the end! Willow and Austin are interesting characters, and I cheered them on as they raced to solve a kidnapping cold case. Their story is filled with twists and turns, and a rekindled romance adds emotional depth to the mix. I enjoyed this introduction to the Uncommon Justice series and look forward to Heath’s story in the second book.

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

 

About the book:

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

4 Jan

Code of Valor is tension-filled and action-packed! Suspense builds as Brady’s and Emily’s story unfolds, and it is certainly one that kept me guessing. Great characterization and engaging plots are hallmarks of Eason’s writing, and fans of the Blue Justice series are sure to enjoy its latest installment. For those who haven’t read the series, Code of Valor is a story that can easily stand on its own. I enjoy the St. John family dynamic and look forward to more of their crime-fighting endeavors.

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

 

About the book:

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe–and catch those who would see her dead.

Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn’t trust many people. And even though she let the detective who saved her life in on a few pertinent facts about why she was being attacked, there are some things you just don’t share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that the secret she is keeping just might get them both killed.

Learn more about the book and the author.

 

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#BookReview: Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate

1 Aug


Tending Roses is a tender and touching tale! Wingate deftly portrays the emotions of motherhood and the intricacies of family ties as Kate’s story unfolds. The entire cast of characters comes to life, but none more so to me than Grandma Rose. Her journey tugged at my heartstrings, and my emotions were stirred by the stories she shared and the wisdom found within her words. Tending Roses holds a special place on my keeper shelf and is a novel I highly recommend!

 

About the book:

When Kate Bowman temporarily moves to her grandmother’s Missouri farm with her husband and baby son, she learns that the lessons that most enrich our lives often come unexpectedly. The family has given Kate the job of convincing Grandma Rose, who’s become increasingly stubborn and forgetful, to move off her beloved land and into a nursing home. But Kate knows such a change would break her grandmother’s heart.

Just when Kate despairs of finding answers, she discovers her grandma’s journal. A beautiful handmade notebook, it is full of stories that celebrate the importance of family, friendship, and faith. Stories that make Kate see her life—and her grandmother—in a completely new way…

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#BookReview: Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

10 Jul

Dead Drift is an exciting conclusion to the Chesapeake Valor series! I have been eagerly awaiting Luke’s story, and it did not disappoint. Secrets are revealed, and questions are answered as the drama, suspense, and romance unfold. Pettrey crafts complex and engaging characters, and I have loved each story she has penned. I can’t wait to see where the next adventure leads!

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

 

About the book:

Private Investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving Luke Gallagher after he disappeared. Now he’s back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster that will shake America to its core. Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist’s next target?

Learn more about the book and the author. 

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#BookReview: Light My Fire by Susan May Warren

21 Jun

Light My Fire is a page-turning novella! I loved the Alaskan setting and was delighted by the tie-in to the Montana Fire series. Tucker and Stevie’s adrenaline-fueled adventure boasts elements of suspense and romance, and I was captivated by their story. Light My Fire begins the Summer of the Burning Sky trilogy, and I can’t wait for more!

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

 

 

About the book:

Former bad-boy Tucker Newman has learned his lesson—as the temporary team leader of the Jude County Smokejumpers, he’s all about following the rules to keep his team safe. Especially when he has to partner with a group of local low-security prisoners to knock down the raging fire. But the prisoners are not who they seem, and when they stage a break, kidnapping one of his teammates, he’ll have to break every rule he knows to get her back.

US Marshal Stevie Mills knows that to get the job done, she must work alone. She simply can’t risk another person getting hurt because of her. When she discovers that a wanted fugitive accused of rape and murder has not only been set free to fight the fire—but is now on the lam with a hostage– the last thing she needs is a zealous smokejumper getting in the way of her pursuit.

Whether they like it or not, Tucker and Stevie must join forces if they hope to save lives, and in the meantime, they just might discover a new definition for the word teamwork, in book 1 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Storm Front by Susan May Warren

28 May

Combining risk and romance, it is always a pleasure to revisit the PEAK Rescue team! Warren brings to life a dynamic cast of characters whose camaraderie is tangible, as is the turmoil they face. In Storm Front, Ty Remington and Brette Arnold share a dramatic and emotional journey where “life and love hang in the balance”.  I enjoyed their action-packed adventure and eagerly await this series’ finale. While each of the Montana Rescue books can be read independently, I recommend reading the progressing storylines in order for a greater understanding of the characters and their stories.

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

 

About the book:

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved–and lost–walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn’t expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked–no, ran–from over a year ago. She had her reasons–good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn’t the kind of man to give up–not on the missing students, or on her.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

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#BookReview: Where Hope Begins by Catherine West

23 May

Where Hope Begins is a meaningful and memorable story! From the captivating characters to the stirring story line, my emotions were engaged from beginning to end. Each turn of the page pulled me deeper into Savannah’s journey of heartache and healing, and I reveled in the laughter and the tears. West tackles several tough topics and does so with grace and hope, offering readers a multitude of truth and wisdom to linger over and savor.  Where Hope Begins is a beautifully told tale and highly recommended read!

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

 

About the book:

In the aftermath of her husband’s act of adultery and abandonment, Savannah must finally face the ghosts that haunt her and discover for herself whether authentic faith, grace, and ultimate healing really do exist.

When her husband of twenty-one years leaves her, Savannah Barrington believes she’s lost almost everything she’s ever loved. With her daughter in college and her son in boarding school, Savannah retreats to her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, where hope and healing come in the form of an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, a touch of magic, and a handsome man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove she’s still worth loving.

But when her husband asks to reconcile, Savannah is faced with the hardest challenge of all: Forgiving the unforgivable. Somehow she must find freedom from the chains of their past and move forward, or face an unknown future without him.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

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Join Catherine West TONIGHT for a FB LIVE Party!

22 May

Join Catherine West TONIGHT for a FB LIVE party to celebrate the release of WHERE HOPE BEGINS!
https://www.facebook.com/CatherineJWest/

 

Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness…

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.

Learn more about Where Hope Begins.  

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Love Inspired #BlogTour, #BookReview, and #Sweepstakes!

15 May

I have long enjoyed the Love Inspired line of books and am excited to be sharing a few of their recent releases as well as their blog tour sweepstakes!  For those who aren’t familiar with Love Inspired, they release twelve new books each month; six books for those who love contemporary romance and six books for those who enjoy some danger with their romance.  “Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness, and hope.”  

 

The Wedding Quilt Bride
by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King’s offer of assistance—but she isn’t prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret—or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

 

The Rancher’s Secret Child
by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo’s simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had—and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she’d only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad—but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

 

Bound by Duty
by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she’s secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she’s not in league with the criminal—she’s in danger. It’s up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

 

Primary Suspect
by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend—and then attacked at the crime scene—fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence—and in his promise of love?

 

My thoughts:

Primary Suspect is an exciting tale of suspense and romance! Rife with drama and danger, the tension builds as Mitch and Dana’s story unfolds. Although Primary Suspect is the fifth book in Laura Scott’s Callahan Confidential series, it is the first one I have enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more.

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

 

One winner will WIN a $100 VISA card!  

Click the graphic below to enter the sweepstakes!

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