Bottled Madness ~ Review

Bottled Madness
In the President's Service #7
By Ace Collins

Bottled Madness is the 7th episode from In the President's Service which follows Helen Meeker and her small group of "secret" agents who are working to undermine those who are secretly aiding the Nazi.  Their quest to stop Alistar Fister has lead them into Louisiana and a confrontation with a deadly foe.

But alligators are the least of Helen's problems.  A 70 year old mystery is about to come to light as a strange illness strikes select members of the government and law enforcement.  What is causing this rash of madness?  Is a plot by Hitler, or is it an enemy closer to home?

As Alistar's future is in doubt Fredrick Bauer is in need of a new recruit to aid him in his behind the scene efforts.  His newest recruit is not what he expects and may have a few surprises in store for him.

In Bottled Madness the team suffers another loss and there is a surprise at the end which may or may not shock some readers.  Get ready for more intrigue in this race to stop those who are determined to topple the the Allies.

I was provided a copy of this book by TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review, but hasve since purchased a paperback copy of this book.



About the Book:
Starting with a dramatic scene that pits Helen Meeker against a cranky and very hungry alligator, Bottled Madness takes readers on a dangerous but thrilling ride through the next episode of “In the President’s Service.” From explorers to politicians to people of all races and cultures, the legend of the Fountain of Youth has called to anxious hearts through the ages. World War II was no exception, and one of the cruelest men of that era or any other, Adolf Hitler, was willing to pay exorbitant amounts to get his hands on the supposedly magical elixir. With lives hanging in the balance, Helen Meeker and her team, believed by many to be dead but who are in fact very much alive—at least for the time being—must race against time to protect themselves and others against the curse that accompanies the Fountain of Youth legend.


About the Author: 

 Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals, and Lassie: A Dog's Life. Based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, He continues to publish several new titles each year, including a series of novels, the first of which is Farraday Road. Ace has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and Entertainment Tonight.

Sins of the Past ~ Review

Sins of the Past
A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
By Dee Henderson,
         Dani Pettrey,
           and Lynette Eason

Fans of romantic suspense and Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason will enjoy these three novellas.

First up
Missing
By Dee Henderson

John Graham's mother is missing and foul play is suspected in her disappearance.  Who could have taken her and why?  And in John's mind is it because of him?  Did an enemy that he bring down in the name of justice target his mother or was she just a random target of opportunity?  The clock is ticking and Lieutenant Sharon Noble of the Chicago police force is on the case.  The clues are few and her friends have no idea where she could be.  Will John Graham get what he really wants for Christmas?  Or will he left with answer-less questions instead?

Second
Shadowed
By Dani Pettrey

The McKenna children have never known the truth about their parents and how they really met.  In July 1979, Yancey, Alaska, was a site of international intrigue and murder.  Libby Jennings was a top ranked international swimmer when a series of events brought her to the attention of Ben McKenna. When Libby and Ben find one of the swim competitors dead they are caught up in a potentially explosive international incident that could escalate the Cold War with Russia.  Was Libby's Russian competitor's death just a tragic accident or the result of something much worse?  And was Libby somehow responsible for her former friend's death?

Third
Blackout
By Lynette Eason

Years ago Macey Adams was accidentally caught up in a robbery gone horribly wrong.  The problem is she can't remember that night and someone is determined to make sure she never does.  Her neighbor Chad Latham is determined to help Macey stay alive.  And helping her remember that long ago night seems to be the only way to keep her safe.  They just have to live long enough for Macey to remember.  But how do you remember what your mind has blacked out?

These three stories are each under 130 pages and a great way to discover a new author if you haven't any or all of them before.  And if you have read these authors before this will be an enjoyable quick read to tide you over until their next book releases.

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


About the Book:

Secrets and lies.  Danger that will never go away.

Join three beloved masters of romantic suspense

for novellas where the past will not stay buried.

In Dee Henderson's Missing, a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.

Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with Shadowed, introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector.

Lynette Eason's Blackout, delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

Beyond the Silence ~ Review

Beyond the Silence
By Tracie Peterson
   and Kimberly Woodhouse

For a year Jimmy Colton has refused to speak.  His mother's violent death was the apparent catalyst and the people of Angels Camp, California, are willing to point their fingers at the man who lost both his wife and son on the horrible day.

Woodward Colton has been living with his grief and pain for a year.  He lost his beloved wife, his 6 year old son stopped talking, and the people he called friends and neighbors turned on him.  He knows he needs help for Jimmy if he ever hopes to hear his son's voice again.  And Lillian Porter seems to be the answer to his needs.  She's not from California so she hasn't heard the vicious gossip accusing him of his wife's murder.  She also sympathizes with his son's pain.  Her lack of experience as a nanny doesn't seem to be a problem in his eyes.

Lillian Porter is determined to break away from imposed prison her grandfather has made their home. Trapped within the confines of her "glided cage" Lillian is determined to fulfill the dreams of her heart - living in California and maybe someday a family and home of her own.  But to do so she must first break free from the grandfather whom she has always loved.

Offering Jimmy her love and undivided attention may be just what is needed to break the silence that has held him captive for a year.  But who could be so vicious and cruel?  Two people know parts of the truth but until they can put it together no one is safe.  And piecing together the truth may be the only thing that will keep them alive because the killer is closer than they suspect.

Beyond the Silence is an excellent book.  It is set in 1891 California and life is anything but easy in the last part of the 19th century.  Luxuries that we often take for granted are not in existence. Traveling is by train or coach, watering is a by-the-hand operation (bucketing), communication is by letter or telegram, there are no phones for emergencies, and DNA evidence in a crime is unheard of. Get ready to take a step back in time and enjoy the journey.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

The Quieting ~ Review

The Quieting
The Bishop's Family #2
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

David Stoltzfus has a problem - his church is in denial and wants to ignore the issue of Freeman Glick and the lot switching.  And then there is his family - his nieces Abigail and Laura have come to help him and the family out.  And even worse his mother has come to "fix" the family's problems and to get Katrina and Abigail husbands!  

Life is never easy when his mother is around - if only he could find the courage to tell her how he really feels about her "help".  But Tillie Yoder Stoltzfus isn't about to take the time to listen to anyone when she has a plan - and she has a plan that will make everything better and Stoney Ridge may never be the same again.

Abigail has every intention of helping her Uncle David and her cousins to get their lives organized and efficient.  But she has other motivating reasons for being in Stoney Ridge and husband hunting isn't one of them.  Abigail has been helping her father with his genealogical research and their current client lives in Stoney Ridge.  But a vital family link is missing from all the information they have come across and Abigail is here to track down this missing gap.  But first she has to find this unknown client.

The Quieting is the second book in The Bishop's Family series and another glimpse into life in Stoney Ridge.  Further changes are coming to Stoney Ridge and a crisis is about to come to a head - and both the Glick and Stoltzfus families are at the center of it.  Doing what is best for those around you is never easy and sometimes we do the wrong thing for the right reason.  But once the wrong has been committed our response may make all the difference in how it is perceived by those around us.

This is a excellent addition to the Stoney Ridge story - those who love visiting the Amish of Stoney Ridge will be able to visit with some old friends and make some new ones.  Get ready for an enjoyable week-end excursion with this newest book from Suzanne Woods Fisher.

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

It was a well-laid plan--but it wasn't her plan . . . 

It's all her grandmother's fault. For the last few months, Abigail Stoltzfus has helped her father with his genealogical research, hoping that breaking through a client's brick wall would also break his melancholy. But now her intrusive grandmother has set her sights on marrying off Abigail and insists she come to Stoney Ridge, where there is a plethora of eligible bachelors.  
 
Except that Mammi is mistaken. There are no eligible bachelors in Stoney Ridge, barring one, and he's all wrong. Dane Glick has the wrong last name and the wrong relatives--including the bishop who is at odds over a church matter with Abigail's uncle, minister David Stoltzfus.  
 
As the conflict grows, setting family against family, it's becoming clear that the path to a solution may lead to a Quieting--a removal of a church leader. But for which one? And when Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

The End of Law ~ Review

The End of Law
A Novel of Hitler's Germany
By Thérèse Down

The purity of the nation must be protected at any cost and those who could possible weaken the nation's might must be purged from existence.  But when the next weakest link could be your own flesh and blood what will you decide?

In 1933, Hedda Schroeder becomes acquainted with two SS officers, one of whom she marries.  Walter Gunther is driven to achieve honor in the name of German achievement and supremacy.  She didn't know who she was marrying but she is about to find out.

In 1941, Germany's T4 euthanasia programme is  a celebrated success - a success that the average citizen knows nothing about. Working behind the scenes on this project are Hedda's father Ernst Schroeder, her husband Walter, and Karl Muller a man she once knew.  

But when the T4 programme threatens their own families these men must decide where they will ultimately place their loyalties.  Is it with the Fuhrer and the Nazi party?  With their own family? Or with God?  These decisions could very well decide not only the future of the German people but their very souls.

In the  quest for dominance many ceded logic, reason, and sanity to the insanity of Nazi despotism.  

It is interesting to read some of the changes that Germany underwent under Hitler.  One was that women who were professionals were no longer allowed to work - the highest honor a woman could now hold within Germany was that bearing the next generation of Aryan purity.  I also found the references to rewriting the Bible to remove Jewish references interesting. 

There are some rather disturbing scenes in regard to the T4 programme in this book.  The cruelty of the human race against those it has classified as unworthy was and is shocking.  This book though dark is well written and engaging as one watches the various characters as they face evil and either confront or embrace it.

This would be an excellent choice for a high school historical fiction book report title.  Those who are fascinated by World War II history will find this an intriguing book with the majority of it taking place in 1941, with a brief stage setting in 1933.  This is not a feel good book, though there are moments when one feels triumph at a small victory.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Two SS officers—both involved in Hitler's Final Solution, both in love with a beautiful woman— but only one can live with his conscience 

Berlin, 1933: as Hitler rises to power; the law--designed to protect and serve--becomes twisted to the will of those who dream of a pure Aryan race.

SS Officer Walter Gunther is intensely loyal to the Third Reich. His readiness to kill without question or remorse would seem to make him the ideal candidate to lead the T4 euthanasia programme.  SS officer Karl Muller, a trainee doctor and engineer, is also brought into the programme, and assured that his work is consistent with the Hippocratic oath he's due to take.

Their mandate: to kill the "unworthies"--not just the Jews, but crippled children, the mentally ill, homosexuals.  Hedda, Walter's wife and old acquaintance of Karl, has no idea of what their work entails. Until, that is, the fate of their families is at stake, and each must confront afresh the choices they have made.

This dark, tense novel is a compelling story of human tragedy, and man's potential to revel in, or fight against, the evil actions of a corrupted nation.

The War of Words ~ Review with Giveaway

The War of Words
By Amy Neftzger

War has been waging across the kingdom it seems forever.  The kingdom is fighting a sorcerer whose enchantments are confusing reality for those sent to fight against his mysterious army of shadows.

Daily attacks are the norm as the war continues, while magical means are sought to help rid the kingdom of this evil darkness that has spread throughout.

Rumors of an unreadable book could be the key that they seek, but if none can read what is within what hope does this fabled book provide?  Kelsey, a young officer in the king's army, is determined to find this book and wield whatever weapon it may offer.  But she can't do it alone and has to rely on the friendship of a local soldier and her few friends who are scattered throughout the kingdom.

This is a war for reality and truth.  To win they must discover how to use their most powerful weapon the word, which has the potential to yield good or evil depending on the user's intent.

This is a fantasy that is intriguing in how this world and its war are based on the power of word and truth. Middle grade readers should enjoy this book and this is a world that I wouldn't mind revisiting though this story appears to be complete in and of itself.  I could also see this book being used for an afternoon classroom read-aloud selection.  Highly recommended for those looking for fantasy and adventure in a fun clean read.

I was provided a Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Sometimes there's no better way to understand reality than through fantasy, and the best way to find truth may be in a book - if you can find the right one.

Battles against darkness, a quest for truth, and a search for the book that no one can read are all part of the fantasy adventure in The War of Words. As an evil sorcerer wages war by using mysterious shadows and seeks to gain control by confusing the residents as to what's real and what isn't, the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of Kelsey and Nicholas.

As the youngest officer in the king's army, Kelsey fights the evil sorcerer s shadows on the battlefield as she explores the kingdom searching for the key to winning the war. Nicholas, a young sorcerer in training who is mastering his craft, discovers how the right words can change the course of the future.

Explore an enchanted maze, uncover the power of words, and learn about friendship in this whimsical tale.

​Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Book Depository

Author's Bio:

Amy Neftzger is the author of fiction books for both adults and children. She has also been published in business and academic journals, as well as literary publications. A few of her favorite things include traveling, books, movies, art, the Oxford comma, and gargoyles.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 print copies (USA)  

1 of 5 ebooks (international)

1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards (international) 

(12 winners)

12 prizes in all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Long May She Wave ~ Review

Long May She Wave
100 Stars and Stripes Collectible Postcards
By Kit Hinrichs

This is a delightful treat to open.  With the appearance of a book one is instead provided with an assortment of patriotic/flag themed postcards.  There are 100 postcards with 50 unique images so that one has 2 of each.  This "book" (measuring 6-5/8"h x 4-3/8"d x 4-1/2"w) could quite easily sit upon the shelf of your home library and not stand out.

I thoroughly enjoyed examining the postcards from this collection.  With images dating from as far back as 1861 one gets a unique perspective of the esteem with which the American flag and various patriotic symbols have been held throughout the history of the United States.

There was a picture of Lady Liberty from circa 1915 that my sister and I both thought was from the 1970's because of the way she was dressed.  This is a fun way to explore history and share time with family.

This would be a perfect gift to give to someone who enjoys American history.  This would also be a welcome addition for any homeschooling library.  With 2 of each postcard, send out one or two or better yet stamp and address them to yourself and send them to that friend or family member who is just to busy to let you know they are o'kay, who knows maybe you'll finally hear from them.

*Please be aware that the author has a book of the same name also available which is from 2013. 

I was provided a copy of this postcard book/box from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
From one of the world's leading graphic designers comes a stunning tribute to America's most enduring icon-the Stars and Stripes.The Revolutionary Congress resolved in 1777 that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation." Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, and designer clothing, and rock-and-roll albums; and faithfully honored every 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. Compiled from one of the largest collections of American flag art in the world, these postcards showcase more than 200 years of artistic interpretation and innovation.   From patriotic banners and folk art curiosities  to modern artistic masterworks, this historic cache of images has been lovingly curated and packaged by legendary designer Kit Hinrichs.


About the Author:

KIT HINRICHS is considered one of the world's most influential graphic designers and is partner in the global design firm Pentagram. He has more than 3,000 Stars and Stripes artifacts in his collection, which has been exhibited at the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York and the San Jose Museum of Art. He lives in San Francisco.