The Mountain Midwife ~ Review

The Mountain Midwife
By Laurie Alice Eakes

Ashley Tolliver is the local midwife, as have generations of Tolliver women.  But she has dreams of taking her skills and training to the next level with medical school.  But if she leaves who will care for those she leaves behind?

Hunter McDermott thought he knew who he was, until he received a message in his voicemail.  An unknown caller claims to be his mother and she needs his help.  Suddenly his life as he knew it is in chaos and he is determined to track down the truth.  But to find out the truth he needs to find the midwife how delivered him over 30 years ago.

But what he finds is Ashley Tolliver a young woman too young to be who he is searching for. Ashley is on her own search - a young woman, in desperate need of medical attention, has disappeared along with her newborn.  Finding this young woman soon is imperative.

But the Appalachians are a dangerous region to venture if you don't know what you are heading into. And neither Ashley nor Hunter fully know just what they are getting themselves into.  And venturing into the unknown can be deadly.

It is interesting to compare this book with Laurie's previous books about midwives and how the occupation changed over the generations and yet didn't change.  There are some many today who are turning to midwives rather than doctors and yet it wasn't that long ago that midwives were the only option.

This is an intriguing book that will be sure to keep you reading and be prepared for some twists that will keep you guessing as to the ultimate outcome.  I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone in search of a well-written story.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.

Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth to a baby at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as she tries to take the dangerously bleeding woman her to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.

Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.

Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of her own family she has long put aside in favor earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that make her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?

The Feathered Bone ~ Review

The Feathered Bone
By Julie Cantrell

Her world seemed perfect.  Close friends that she had had since childhood.  A loving husband.  A daughter who is pride and joy.  But in an instant her life comes undone.

A class field trip to New Orleans was a perfect day until one student went missing.  Amanda Salassi promised her best friend that she would keep their girls in her sight.  But a few minutes was all it took and Sarah was gone.

Ellie and Sarah had been best friends forever and Sarah's loss propels Ellie into a world of isolation, depression, and guilt.  As her daughter disappears into her pain Amanda's marriage seemingly implodes.

Finding Sarah is their one hope in the midst of their grief and guilt. But when the region is devastated by Katrina hope slowly starts to slip away.

This is a story in which historical events over the last few years are combined in such a way as to create a moving and compelling story.  Depression, abusive situations, trafficking, abduction, and a natural disaster - these events take place over several years so that this book does not read like a disaster movie with everything taking place over a series of hours or days.

Be sure to have a box of tissue nearby as you read through The Feathered Bone.  Tragedy and the triumph of the human spirit are portrayed with a surprising parallel to a bird feather.  This is a book you won't want to miss reading.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

“Feathers—no matter what size or shape or color—are all 

the same, if you think about them. They’re soft. Delicate. But 

the secret thing about feathers is . . . they are very strong.”

In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace.

Unable to cope with her guilt, Amanda’s daughter sinks in depression. And Amanda’s husband turns destructive as he watches his family succumb to grief. Before long, Amanda’s whole world has collapsed.

Amanda knows she has to save herself before it’s too late. As she continues to search for Sarah, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking hope and purpose in the wake of so much tragedy and loss.

Set amidst the murky parishes of rural Louisiana and told through the eyes of two women who confront the darkest corners of humanity with quiet and unbreakable faith, The Feathered Bone is Julie Cantrell’s master portrait of love in a fallen world.

The Newsmakers ~ Review

The Newsmakers
By Lis Wiehl 
    and Sebastian Stuart

She thought she was finally about to raise above her past - her roots, her mistakes, her secrets.  Erica Sparks has just landed the job of her dreams - a journalist, a field reporter for GNN a rising star in the cable news world.

Erica's first assignment grabbing a quick 5 minute interview with the Duchess of Cambridge.  But before the interview takes place a tragedy strikes.  Right place, right time Erica makes the most of her timely placement scoping all the major networks with her live coverage.  Before the day is over Erica is a star reporter and GNN has become the station.

Knowing that fame is fleeting Erica is determined to keep pushing for stories of importance.  And the tragedy that made her is one that Erica can't let go of.  She's determined to the cause and the NTSB's blanket computer malfunction doesn't cut it as far as Erica is concerned.  But GNN doesn't want follow-ups, they want the next big story.

But when tragedy strikes a second time on Erica's watch, she has to wonder is it pure coincidence or something more sinister.  Is Erica about to become the next live on-air tragedy for GNN?  Or is she merely paranoid?

Get ready to see the world of news and those who report it in a whole new way...  If you have ever felt that news story were manipulated to compel you to see the world their way you are even for an even bigger shock. The news isn't merely being reported or manipulated it is being manufactured in a way one has never suspected.

Lives are in the balance as the ultimate story unfolds and Erica is caught on the front-lines of a story that could potentially bring the country to its knees.

If you like intrigue and conspiracy fiction with romance you will want to pick-up a copy of The Newsmakers.  If you are looking for something different from your normal reading fare this may be what you are looking for.  I had never read one of Lis Wiehl's books before so I went at this one with no expectations other than being intrigued by the cover.  The cover does this book justice, perfectly suiting it.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

What if it turns out that the newsmakers 

are actually making the news happen?

Television reporter Erica Sparks has just landed her dream job at Global News Network. Beautiful, talented, and ambitious, Erica grew up dirt poor, worked her way through Yale, and is carrying a terrible secret. She moves to Manhattan to join GNN, leaving Jenny, her adored 7-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband. Erica’s producer at the network, Greg Underwood, is handsome and compelling. Scarred by her divorce, Erica is wary of romance, but there’s no denying the mutual attraction.

On one of her first assignments, Erica witnesses a horrific Staten Island ferry crash. Then she lands a coveted interview with presumptive presidential nominee Kay Barrish. During the interview Barrish collapses. Erica valiantly tries to save her with CPR. The footage rivets the world—GNN’s ratings soar and Erica is now a household name.

But she’s troubled. What a strange coincidence that both events should happen on her watch. It’s almost as if they were engineered. Is that possible?

Erica’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her life and that of her daughter in danger. Her investigation leads her into the heart of darkness—where the future of our democracy is at stake.

Light of the Last ~ Review

Light of the Last
Wars of the Realm #3
By Chuck Black

Drew Carter has never been in as much trouble as he is now.  He attacked two federal agents, took out a gang (without any fatalities), was accused of attacking a campus, and has been arrested.  And then there are the invaders that he alone can see.

Who are these beings that seem to be at war just outside the visual perception of every other person?  And why has he been blessed / cursed with this gift?

Drew Carter's life is about to change in a big way once again, but this time his unique skills are about to be called upon by the U.S. Government.  There is a catch though, he needs to sever all ties with his current life. Can he truly cut Sydney out of his life forever?

Light of the Last brings answers as to Drew's importance and why he has attracted the attention of Heaven's legions and the Fallen.  The War of the Realm is listed as being a trilogy so this is suppose to be the concluding book in this series.  While the story is wrapped up there is room for more to be explored if not in a series continuation perhaps in a spin-off series.

Cloak of the Light is Drew's story while Rise of the Fallen is Validus's.  Light of the Last is the exciting culmination of these two stories and it is action packed.  This series introduced me to Chuck Black and I have not regretted a single moment spent between these covers exploring the world as seen through the eyes of Drew Carter and those tasked with watching him.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book

To Fight What Others Can’t 

You Must See What Others Don’t

After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war. 
 
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency. 
 
It’s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
 
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.

CHUCK BLACK, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical combat communications engineer, is the author of thirteen novels, including the popular Kingdom Series and The Knights of Arrethtrae series. Chuck and his wife, Andrea, have six children and live in North Dakota.

Dani Pettrey Interview

Today, I'm pleased to share with you my recent interview with Dani Pettrey who just released her newest book Cold Shot (which is the debut book of the Chesapeake Valor series).

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1) Dani, your last series was based in Alaska while Chesapeake Valor is set across the country, what is the biggest difference that you've noticed in the two regions?

Well, the Chesapeake Bay area is home for me so the biggest difference I’ve noticed is the great ability to fully research all the areas I’m sharing with my readers. While Alaska is a really well known area based on reader email and discussions I’ve had with readers—so many people have visited Alaska, the Chesapeake region seems to be a little-known area, but it’s a gorgeous area with such a vibrant history and rich maritime heritage. I love getting to share my backyard with readers.

2) In just one to three words how would you describe the following characters: 

Griffin: steadfast, wry sense of humor and passionate. 

Declan: hard-working, loyal, and serious.

Parker: intelligent, playful, and gorgeous.

Finley: brilliant, tenacious, and joyful.

Avery: strong, brave, and vulnerable.

Tanner: caring, persistent and compassionate. 

Kate: determined, creative, and loving.

3) Of the characters you've written about whose life would you want to live if you had to choose?

Great question. It took me quite a while of thinking on this one. I’m going to say Finley’s. I love teaching. I homeschooled my girls while they were growing up and taught at homeschool co-ops, and Finley is an adjunct professor at Towson University in Forensic Anthropology. She travels the world for investigations and pleasure, and I adore travel. Plus, she gets to be with a man very much like my husband—steadfast, wry sense of humor, and passionate. :)

4) How many books do you plan on having in this series?

There will be four books in the series. I’ve just finished the rough draft on the second book, which is Parker’s story. Next, I’ll be starting the third book, which is Declan’s story. It’s been so fun writing about such interesting men and women.

5) Which would you choose coffee, tea, or cocoa?

Coffee mixed with cocoa :) 

Dani, thank you for taking time from your schedule for this interview. 

Thank you so much for hosting me! Really, fun and interesting questions. 

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Want to learn more about Cold Shot? 

Visit Dani's website and check-out my review of this suspenseful and intriguing book 

If you are so inclined to purchase Cold Shot for yourself or as a gift (books make great gifts) I've included various links to retailers who are offering Dani's book :

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Indiebound
Books-a-Million
Christianbook

Fire and Ice ~ Review

Fire and Ice
Wild at Heart #3
By Mary Connealy

The Wilde sisters are back but Shannon and Kylie are soon to depart for their new lives with their respective husbands.  Bailey is about to be on her own, confined to her lonely out of the way homestead through the long winter months.

Unfortunately Gage Coulter has discovered that Bailey is a Miss just like her sisters.  And even more unfortunate is Gage's immediate need of a wife.  And Bailey is the only woman he thinks can handle the pending disaster coming to his ranch straight from Texas!

For the right deal Bailey just may agree to Gage's proposal, but not without her own provisions added.  Which will come first?  Love or death?

This is a book that fans of Mary Connealy will enjoy.  Historical fiction with romance that isn't deep reading.  I'd say this is diversionary reading that will leave some readers laughing while others will be rolling their eyes.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Saddle up for mysteries and laughs with the Wilde sisters! Bailey Wilde is the oldest sister--and the one who takes care of everyone else in her family. But after her sisters marry and move away, her little homestead becomes bleak and lonely, especially during the long winter months. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan concocted by her neighbor, Gage Coulter. 

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune by being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of excellent grazing land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to this land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it. So he makes a proposal...

Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders finally loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in the process?

About the Author: 

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has over half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild At Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more atwww.maryconnealy.com.

The Forgotten Recipe ~ Review

The Forgotten Recipe
An Amish Heirloom Novel #1
By Amy Clipston

When Seth died her future died with him.  Jason only wanted to offer Veronica his sympathy.  He was with Seth when he died and he knew how important Veronica was to his best friend.  But when he came face-to-face with her he couldn't say a word.

A long forgotten recipe has given Veronica something she thought she had forever lost. But her Mammi's raspberry pies have given her a purpose.  And she has attracted a regular customer in Jason Huyard.

He only meant to share in the sorrow that Seth's death caused, but instead he lost his heart.  Can he ever hope to win to Veronica's heart?  Or did Veronica bury her heart with the man she loved?


A delightful book about second chances.  My only complaint with The Forgotten Recipe is I would have liked a glimpse at this recipe that so enchanted all who tasted it.  This is the first book in a series and I hope the hope chest and the maybe mystery surrounding it is further explored in future books.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, 

 Veronica Fisher finds solace in the old recipes 

stored in her mother’s hope chest—and in a 

special visitor who comes to her bake stand to 

purchase her old fashioned raspberry pies.

Veronica Fisher is devastated when her fiancé, Seth, is killed in an accident at work. Seth’s friend, Jason Huyard, was with him and blames himself for Seth’s death. Although Jason has never met Veronica, he feels as if he knows her because Seth talked about her constantly. After the accident, he can’t seem to get Veronica out of his mind.

Two months later, Veronica is cleaning the attic and comes across her mother’s old hope chest. She finds an old recipe and soon discovers that baking helps her cope with her grief, so she opens a bake stand to sell her pies.

Jason starts visiting the stand weekly and their friendship grows, but Veronica isn’t ready to court again. And Jason harbors his secret regret of not being able to save Seth.

Veronica’s mother must convince her that she can’t completely give up on love. But when the truth is revealed, can she forgive Jason for not telling her he was there on that fateful day?