A Song Unheard ~ Review

A Song Unheard
Shadows Over England #2
By Roseanna M. White

Willa Forsythe has a new assignment - one that she had never thought would come her way. She is tasked with getting close to Lukas De Wilde because of his father. Lukas is believed to possess a cypher key created by his father and Willa is to secure it for the English government using her unique skills as a thief.

As a famous violinist, Lukas was touring when his home and country were overrun by the German army. With his mother and sister still somewhere in Belgium Lukas has little chance of finding them with his home gone. With her untrained natural skill with a violin Willa couldn't be more pleased with her assignment. But getting close to a mark is never a good idea especially this time.

With her past, Willa is determined to not get too close to Lukas especially with his reputation. And she's determined to not fall to the same fate as Rosie. Love is overrated and Willa knows she will never experience it - her parents proved that all too well when they abandoned her all those years ago.

But when it becomes obvious that others are after Lukas as well, Willa's mission has just become that much more difficult and she just may have to call on her "family" for assistance if she is to get the key before foreign interests claim it for their own.

A Song Unheard is set in 1914 during the early days of the First World War and is centered in Wales and Belgium as Willa and Lukas's stories play out while the life that his mother and sister unfolds in an equally intriguing manner.  This is the second book in the Shadows Over England series but one can read this book without first reading the previous book of the series A Name Unknown.  This book is complete in itself as it focuses on Willa as a primary character with the other characters in secondary or supporting roles. The story is easy to follow and quickly draws in the reader. This a story of second chances and finding a peace that is beyond what we can create for ourselves. I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
If Betraying Her Heart Means Saving Countless Lives, Will She Find the Courage?
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I--to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales. 

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that key, or her own family could pay the same price his surely has.

I Will Not Fear ~ Review

I Will Not Fear 

My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire
by Melba Pattillo Beals

Sometimes it is hard to realize just how short a time ago we had such a segregated country. When one doesn't live through an event it feels farther away than it truly is. But the hatred and tyranny that Melba had to face just to have a chance at equality is truly unimaginable to me. I went to a school that had a well-balanced mix of students of every color and color had no bearing on my choice of friends. But sixty years ago this was not an expectation one had in the segregated South. 

Melba's fight for equality and fair treatment though began before her birth as her Grandmother India fought through persistence to get her delivery to be allowed within the walls of a white hospital. But her fight didn't end with her graduation from high school but rather continued on to her higher educational endeavors and her fight for acceptance into the world of journalism as both a woman and a person of color.

There are moments of heartbreak and moments of joy and triumph that will touch the heart of the reader. And the sustaining force in Melba'a life was the faith that her grandmother shared with her. A faith that allowed her to go forth each day into what could be her last. A faith that sustained her as she raised her children and struggled to keep them safe in a world that was a dangerous as the one she negotiated as a teenager.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to see faith in action in the face of a fallen and hate-filled world. This is not light reading and each chapter should be taken in slowly and thoughtfully so as to have the greatest impact on the reader's own life. This would make an excellent book club choice and be a good addition to the shelf of any library - public, school or personal.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine 

African American students chosen to integrate 

Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But her story of overcoming didn't start--or end--there.

While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes you on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith we all need to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world.

Encouraging and inspiring, her story offers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

In Spite of Lions ~ Review

In Spite of Lions
By Scalette Pike

First off let me just say this is an absolutely gorgeous story that I highly recommend to any reader who wants to get lost within the pages of a fantastic story!

Anna is determined to leave the life she has known behind and if breaking with the protocols and expectations of society will aid her she will do it. Offering none her surname but rather her first name. By faith, Anna set out on her new life with her final destination unknown.  Boarding a ship to an unknown destination was not what was to be expected of a young lady of Anna's social standing but she was determined. 

And this journey led her to Mary Livingstone who with her two children was returning home and her husband David in the southern reaches of Africa.  Unfortunately, the captain of the ship she boards knows Anna from her former life and she knows Captain Dunna as well and the knowledge benefits neither in their estimation of the other.

But despite the hardships of weeks aboard ship Anna is not dissuaded from the path of faith that she is following. Attaching herself to Mary Livingstone Anna soon finds herself traveling into Africa to Kolobeng to aid Mary and lodge with the Livingstone family.

Anna's journey will change her as she leaves behind the pain that has shaped her but one can never run from the memories that one carries... Anna will discover who she truly is and just how far she will go for those she loves.

In Spite of Lions will introduce the reader to a world only briefly touched upon in history books. The harshness and isolation of Africa in the 1840s and 1850s is both daunting and beautiful as seen through the glimpses one is offered in this book. But be forewarned there will be a sequel that one will most eagerly be awaiting.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

How does a young lady of means escape her high society fate? By booking passage on the first ship to Africa and promptly tossing her petticoats overboard! Now Anna is trading London’s luxuries and restrictions for the wild unknown. Of course, shedding her old life would be much easier without the disapproving looks of a handsome sea captain and the demons in her past haunting her from worlds away.

About the author:

Scarlette Pike became a writer by being an avid reader of Georgette Heyer and many other Regency authors. She is a senior in UVU’s English program with an emphasis in Literature Studies. In Spite of Lions is her first finished novel inspired by her love for the Regency era. The story has been carefully researched in order to preserve and promote historical accuracy.

Excerpt:

“My future was vague and friendless. I had no indication of where I would sleep, who should help me, or how I could reach a new home. I had made no plans and knew little to nothing of how to fend for myself. I had never spent a single night away from my mother’s house. Yet faith, when used in proper context, dismisses anxiety with an iron hand. Carts and horses pushed along the street, trying, I believe, to make as much noise as they were capable of. Vendors cried out from their seats on the ground and little boys and girls ran down the center of the road. Yet from the mayhem I could discern the Thames rushing by, singing her methodical and lovely song. I was a quiet island in the midst of chaos. I realized now that I had always been so.”

Christ Chronological ~ Review

Christ Chronological
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

This is a unique and interesting way to present the four books of the Gospel. All four books are presented in a chronological format. The four Gospels are side-by-side when they are relating the same events. When all don't present the same event only the book or books that do are on the page. This is different from a Parallel Bible in which the same text is presented in various translations/versions.

Are you thinking "Oh, how will I be able to tell the books apart?" Don't worry each book is printed in a different color. Matthew is blue, Mark is green, Luke is red, and John is purple. There are notes throughout to guide the reader along and these are in black.

The entire Gospel message is presented from before the Birth of Christ opening with John's narrative on the beginning and concluding after the Ascension with John's testimony that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus.

The textual portions of this Bible go from page 5 to page 139 which is followed by 5 lined pages for notes. The book is hardcovered and is approximately 9" x 9-1/2". The cover has in the lower portion a thorn pattern with the upper portion showing rays spreading upward as from the rising sun.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
CSB Christ Chronological provides a unique way for readers to experience the life of Christ in chronological order with each Gospel writer’s account of events side-by-side. Featuring a parallel format, commentary notes for each section to provide background and context, and color-coded text to differentiate between the accounts in each Gospel, readers are able to gain a fresh perspective on the life and ministry of Christ. 

CSB Christ Chronological features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.

The Corrector ~ Review

The Corrector
A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller #1
By Ethan Jones

When a CIS covert operation goes wrong Javin Pierce is sent in to clean up the mess a Corrector for the Candian Intelligence Service. And he is good at what he does, leaving little trace of what went wrong behind.

This time a team has failed in recovering a damaging flash drive - one that could have international repercussions for anyone who has been fingered in these classified and encrypted files. Istanbul is about to be of great interest to more than one intelligence agency and the clock is ticking down in this race.

When complications arise Javin and his partner Claudia Aquarone find themselves crossing borders and dealing with a needed source of intelligence who may or may not be what he claims to be. With betrayal, a real possibility Javin's level of trust in those around him is about to take a hit. And with the operation, he is undertaking trust is a necessary key to success.

And a word of warning - never betray a Corrector - you may not live to regret it...

The Corrector is the first book in a new series by author Ethan Jones. For fans of his books starring Justin Hall and Carrie O'Connor you won't be disappointed in Javin Pierce. Javin has issues and is dealing with a recent loss that could possibly have an effect on how he handles his missions. Altogether an interesting and intense  new series launch.

About the Book:
When covert operations go wrong, the CIS sends in . . . The Corrector.

After a botched retrieval operation, Javin Pierce is sent in to complete the mission where others failed. But, before even getting started, Javin and his less-than-trusted partner, Claudia, must deal with a devious terrorist plot. Their search leads them to a flash drive containing scandals that could topple world governments and plunge Europe into absolute chaos if they do not retrieve it in time.

How will The Corrector fix this disastrous mission? Uncertain if they can even trust each other and unprepared for the shocking truth that could cost their lives, Javin and Claudia must stop the treasonous plot, retrieve the elusive drive, and save themselves and the entire European continent, all without leaving a trace . . .

The Corrector is the first in the brand-new adrenaline-drenched Javin Pierce spy thriller series. It is a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat adventure for fans of Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and Tom Clancy that guarantees Jones’s status as the next spymaster author.

Phoebe's Light ~ Review

Phoebe's Light
Nantucket Legacy #1
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Phoebe Starbuck has always known what she wants and no one can dissuade her once her mind is made up.  And Phoebe has decided that Captain Phineas Foulger is the man she is to marry. Though he is considerably older than her - she knows that he is perfect for her.

Phoebe's stubbornness just strikes Matthew Macy as wrong - she was once promised to him. But that was before he was put out of the church, before he lost his father, and before his family was in debt. Phoebe still has an effect on Matthew but her head and heart have seemingly been turned by the Captain's charm and perhaps his wealth.

When Phoebe gets her husband, she soon finds herself on an adventure like she always desired but following her own desires may not be just what she had always dreamed it being. Worse Matthew has been employed by Captain Foulger as the ship's cooper. But Matthew has made a promise to Phoebe's father to be there when she realizes the mistake she has made. Soon the sea has made its presence known to Phoebe and little gives her comfort aboard ship. Only the gift of Great Mary's journal from more than a century ago offers her distraction. And marriage to the Captain is not what she expected though her fragile health aboard the ship surely has some bearing upon his manner.

Phoebe's Light takes the reader on two different journeys Phoebe's and Mary Coffin's. Mary grew up in Puritan Massachusetts, a land where religious freedom is just a dream for the Quakers and Anabaptists who sought it within the colony. This intolerance led the Coffin family to settle on Nantucket. But Nantucket wasn't the easy life that Mary's father led them to believe rather it was one of hard work on a land not willing to be easily tamed. Together these two stories come together and offer a glimpse into the early days Nantucket Island while America was still a group of colonies under the rule of a distant monarch. 
 
This is the first book in a new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Nantucket Legacy if this book is but a taste of what is forthcoming is sure to delight fans of historical fiction. Focusing on Nantucket's Quaker roots one is struck by the intolerance of those seeking religious freedom for those seeking the same. This book is also an examination of how one goes about determining the path one's life should follow. Is there an inner urging? Is this self? Or is it God?  I highly recommend this book it is an interesting and enjoyable read that one will enjoy sharing with a friend or two and perfect for a book club discussion.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Macy, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.

Twofer Murder ~ Review and Giveaway

Twoffer Murder
By Lauren Carr
Narrated by Anita Alger 
              and Mike Alger

It was supposed to be a simple guys-only fishing trip in the Appalachian Mountains. But nothing is ever so simple especially when murder is involved. But while Mac, Murphy, David, Tristan, JJ, Joshua, Gnarly (yup bad news for the food) and Storm are enjoying the joys of a murder mystery and fishing their better halves are having an experience of their own. And the fishing is good for some of them.

Archie, Jessica, Dallas, and Sarah are attending the Sherlock Mystery Writers Guild Conference where the late Robin Spencer is to be honored with a lifetime achievement award. What better place for a real murder to take place than in the midst of a mystery writers conference. And it is here that Dallas sees someone from the past who is about to give her a decided down and bring Cameron Gates into the mix - the Black Diamond, a notorious hitman.

Both cases have perplexities that keep the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. And when there are containers of cheese balls involved it can get down-right messy! And as to who in this wide and varying cast of suspects is the guilty party - get ready for twists that will turn you completely around. This is a one who-dun-it that will keep the suspense up while breaking up the couples into separate groups.

The story is narrated by Anita Alger and Mike Alger - and before you ask no they don't read by character gender rather the story is read by which portion of the story is unfolding. When its the guys fishing trip turned murder investigation it is read by Mike. When it is the women's writers conference it is Anita doing the reading. The book is broken into two parts for downloading so that it is quicker and doesn't take up all of your device's storage if it is limited.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Audiobook Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Narrated by: Anita Alger / Mike Alger
Length: 13 hours 20 mins
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Jan 2018
Tour dates: Feb 12 to 23, 2018
Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing).

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!

To read more reviews, please visit Lauren Carr's page on iRead Book Tours.
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Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Audible

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: 

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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