Saffire ~ Review

Saffire
By Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer has a way with words that transport one into a story.  Saffire is set in 1909 in the American Zone of the Panama Canal. This marvel of construction is going to create a passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

But there is a mystery tied to this construction and James Holt has made it his mission to help young Saffire, a mulatto girl who is looking for her mother. Saffire is convinced that her mother did not desert her, but can find no one to help discover the truth. But something about Saffire's story touches James heart. Something about this young girl reminds him of his own daughter.

James Holt's search leads him outside the safety of the American Zone where he discovers there is more than a missing woman. There is political unrest and even the possibility of German intervention stirring up rebels.

The construction of the canal is explained in part and it is a fascinating process.  Also of interest are the musings of James Holt as he observes these events, pitying future generations because the greatest achievements of humanity have already occurred.

Though the main story takes place over just a few days the story doesn't feel rushed or too short. This is a world that is in the midst of change. Those who are native to Panama feel they have exchanged one master for another. The racial injustices and inequalities faced by those who were not white are shocking and yet, sadly, not surprising. Sigmund Brouwer creates a story that creates a vivid canvas that teems with life.

 I love the historical aspect and the research notes that the author provides at the end of the book.This is a highly recommended read, perfect for a book club setting or individual pleasure reading.

I was provided an advance review copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

I reminded myself that once you start 

to defend someone, it’s difficult 

to find a place to stop. But I went ahead 

and took that first step anyway. . .

  
For President Teddy Roosevelt, controlling the east-west passage between two oceans mattered so much that he orchestrated a revolution to control it. His command was to ‘let the dirt fly’ and for years, the American Zone of the Panama Canal mesmerized the world, working in uneasy co-existence with the Panamanian aristocrats.  

It’s in this buffered Zone where, in 1909, James Holt begins to protect a defenseless girl named Saffire, expecting a short and simple search for her mother. Instead it draws him away from safety, into a land haunted by a history of pirates, gold runners, and plantation owners, all leaving behind ghosts of their interwoven desires sins and ambitions, ghosts that create the web of deceit and intrigue of a new generation of revolutionary politics.  It will also bring him together with a woman who will change his course—or bring an end to it.
  
A love story set within a historical mystery, Saffire brings to life the most impressive-and embattled- engineering achievement of the twentieth-century.

For more information about the book click here.

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer ~ Review

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer
By James L. Rubart

No good deed shall go unpunished ~ when Jake Palmer attempts to step in and help a stranger his life is destroyed.  Everything is put on hold for eighteen months, his marriage ends, and he is left with scars that are more than skin deep.  He helps others find their worth but he can't find his anymore.

A chance encounter on a plane with an elderly man is about to change Jake's life if he'll accept the challenge that is coming his way.  But to face the future and the present he must first confront the pain of his past. And he must be willing to fight for it.

When The Long Journey to Jake Palmer started out I didn't think there was going to be the spiritual thread for which James Rubart's books are known for.  I was wrong, when Jake starts searching for a legendary corridor for which the lake he is visiting is known for the spiritual comes into the story. The lost corridor of Willow Lake can only be located in the early hours of the day (think pre-dawn) and not all who seek it can find it. But finding it is rumored to give the seeker their deepest longings if they can find this corridor and enter it. But there is a price.

Fans of James Rubart will enjoy this latest offering from him. Everyone has a deep hidden secret one that holds them back from experiencing the life they were created to live. Sometimes it is a fear of not being enough. Or the pain of being a disappointment. Or shame of the physical, outward appearance. But God is waiting for us to seek Him out, so that we can move past what is holding us back from what He wants to give us. This is a moving story that will make you stop and think. I love the hidden gems of truth that the author weaves into his stories that are just waiting to be discovered.

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


About the Book:

What if there was a place where 

everything wrong 

in your life could be fixed?

Corporate trainer Jake Palmer coaches people to see deeper into themselves—yet he barely knows himself anymore. Recently divorced and weary of the business life, Jake reluctantly agrees to a lake-house vacation with friends, hoping to escape for ten days.

When he arrives, Jake hears the legend of Willow Lake—about a lost corridor that leads to a place where one’s deepest longings will be fulfilled.

Jake scoffs at the idea, but can’t shake a sliver of hope that the corridor is real. And when he meets a man who mutters cryptic speculations about the corridor, Jake is determined to find the path, find himself, and fix his crumbling life.

But the journey will become more treacherous with each step Jake takes.

The Christmas Angel Project ~ Review

The Christmas Angel Project
By Melody Carlson

You just know Christmas is around the corner when Melody Carlson's new Christmas book comes out.  And one can be assured of a delightful story that tugs at the heartstrings.

Abby Wentworth is an angel, everyone who knows her agrees and she's the friend that keeps her friends together.  But when Abby unexpectedly passes away her friends are sure nothing will ever be the same again. Without Abby who will they turn to when they need a sympathetic ear or shoulder to cry on or a boost of encouragement?

But Abby has last gift for her book club friends, one that she had just finished getting together for them.  And this gift may be the needed incentive to inspire her friends and give them a reason to continue on for a little longer.

Fans of Melody's annual Christmas stories will be delighted with this newest addition. Tragedy could tear them apart or help them find life's greatest moments are still ahead. Everyone needs something different and somehow Abby knew just what they would need to get through the holidays without her.

Melody's books are ones that family and friends enjoy as a yearly Christmas staple as they leave the reader with a warm feeling at the end.  These are Christmas stories that leave you in a proper Christmas mood - joyous with a hopeful spirit that looks forward to what comes ahead.  No the characters don't have perfect lives but they have a contentment that is uplifting.  This is a perfect afternoon read with a favorite cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider and a few Christmas cookies to go with.  Would be an excellent book club selection for November or December.

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


About the Book:
Abby Wentworth is the glue that holds her book club together. So when she unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the rest of the women in the group are stunned, saddened, and sure that, without her, the group can't continue.

They gather "one last time" to open gifts Abby left behind, little knowing how it will change each of their lives--forever.

Revell has an excerpt that you can read online

Bossy Flossy ~ Review with Giveaway

Bossy Flossy 
By Paulette Bogan

Flossy is just plain bossy, there is no other way to describe her.  She bosses around her toys, her kitty, her mom (which didn't end well Flossy ended up in TROUBLE), her classmates, and her teacher (another not so good idea on Flossy's part).  It seems as if Flossy is on a path to stardom as the world's bossiest person.

But one day everything changes - she meets Edward and the title for bossiest kid in the world is up for grabs!  But sometimes the best way to end bossiness is to experience for yourself and be on the receiving end of all the pushiness.

This is a cute book that is perfect for teaching an important lesson about being a person other people enjoy being around.  Friendship is a give-and-take type relationship and no one like always being told you have to do it this way.  Suggestions are welcomed but takeovers aren't.

This book is also a great way to explain to siblings that just because something works for them this won't necessarily work for bother or sister.

The reader could also discuss the book with their child asking how they would feel if Flossy came in and took over what they were working on or playing at. This is a perfect learning resource at home, school, or daycare situation.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Flossy is the bossiest girl around. She's bossy at home and she's bossy in school. She's bossy to her friends and she's bossy to her cat. Sometimes she's even bossy to her teacher! Flossy doesn't understand why no one will listen to her. One day, Flossy meets Edward, a boy who may be just as bossy as she is. Has Flossy finally met her match?

Buy the Book:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, Chapters Indigo

Author's Bio:

Paulette Bogan admits she was bossy as a child. She is the author and illustrator of Virgil and Owen, which was chosen as one of Bank Street Best Children's books of the Year 2016, Virgil & Owen Stick Together, which won a Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal for Picture Books, and Lulu The Big Little Chick, which won a Children's Choice Book Award. She lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs. They ALL think she is STILL bossy. But they've never told her to go to her room!

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win a package of 3 children’s books by
Paulette Bogan:

Bossy Flossy, Virgil and Owen, and
Virgil and Owen Stick Together

plus a $20 Amazon Gift Card
(Open to USA and Can)

2 winners, giveaway ends Oct 8

Enter the contest now because I'm not bossy

and you really want me to come to your home!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Candidate for Murder ~ Review, Book Trailer and Giveaway

Candidate for Murder
A Mac Faraday Mystery #12
By Lauren Carr

Spenser, Maryland, is caught up in the season - election season and the news is bad.  The two candidates running for mayor have lower popularity ratings than anyone running for office should have. And then there are rumors about both candidates that could spell doom for the small resort town of Spenser.

With Mac Faraday away on his honeymoon with Archie it is up to Police Chief David O'Callaghan to save the election and Spenser. And he has the perfect plan ~ Gnarly! But quickly what was political statement of protest becomes something bigger when Gnarly becomes the overnight front runner in the race. Unfortunately for Gnarly his opponents are willing to do anything to win this election - including digging into his past looking for any buried bones he may have hidden away.

With Gnarly's military service and even his status as an American citizen called into question Gnarly's friends have their work cut out for them with the election drawing near. And when a murder comes into the mix this election season just became a whole lot more complicated.

As the present and the past collide in this latest installment of the Mac Faraday Mystery series Gnarly has his work cut out for him running a campaign, protecting those closet to him and uncovering a threat to national security.  For most people this would be an impossible task, but Gnarly isn't most people and with his highly developed intellect this is one German Shepherd that could go as far as the Oval Office if he so desired!

Candidate for Murder has it all murder, intrigue, betrayal, and just enough scandal to make the national news. And then there's the story involving Gnarly, a burning building, and a family of cats... If your looking for a candidate who can think on his feet you may have found him, just be sure to carefully guard your dinner plate.

Overall this was a highly entertaining book with some interesting moments that you're left shaking your head at the absolute insanity of the situations that could very likely happen.  And I have to say all the scenes involving Nigel were priceless especially when Gnarly was involved. I totally loved the cast of dogs in the book and their unique personalities.

Politics will never be the same with Gnarly on the ticket...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

It’s election time in Spencer, Maryland, and the race for mayor is not a pretty one. In recent years, the small resort town has become divided between the local year-round residents who have enjoyed their rural way of life and the city dwellers moving into their mansions, taking over the town council, and proceeding to turn Deep Creek Lake into a closed gate community—complete with a host of regulations for everything from speed limits to clothes lines.

When the political parties force-feed two unsavory mayoral nominees on the town residents, Police Chief David O’Callaghan decides to make a statement—by nominating Gnarly, Mac Faraday’s German shepherd, to run as mayor of Spencer!

What starts out as a joke turns into a disaster when overnight Gnarly becomes the front runner—at which point his political enemies take a page straight out of Politics 101. What do you do when you’re behind in a race? Dig up dirt on the front runner, of course.

Seemingly, someone is not content to rest with simply embarrassing the front runner by publicizing his dishonorable discharge from the United States Army, but to throw in a murder for good measure. With murder on the ballot, Mac Faraday and the gang—including old friends from past cases—dive in to clear Gnarly’s name, catch a killer, and save Spencer!

Buy the book:   Amazon

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries. The twelfth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series, Candidate for Murder will be released June 2016.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Book Trailer:

Giveaway:​

Prize: ​

Win a Fire Tablet, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB
(Open internationally)

Winner will be person to use #Vote4Gnarly most often

Giveaway ends Sept 24.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Reluctant Duchess ~ Review

The Reluctant Duchess

Ladies of the Manor #2

By Roseanna M. White

In The Lost Heiress we were introduced to Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham. The Reluctant Duchess continues the story in which Brice took possession of a rare treasure from Justin and Eden in an attempt to protect them from those seeking these jewels. With the threat of death now focused on him instead Brice is not in a position of seeking out a bride.  But it seems others have plans for him that include marriage.  And Lady Rowena Kinnaird's family seems determined to see her wed to this English duke and far away from the Scotish Highlands she has called home.

But Brice feels lead to marry this young woman, who is nothing like one would expect of an heiress or the daughter of an earl.  Rowena's life is in danger and Brice is her means of escape, but Rowena is not willing to participate in the subterfuge those closest to her are willing to perpetuate to secure her marriage and her future.

Rowena is a young woman who has been broken and she is unable to trust freely making her a perfect pawn in the treachery that the reader observed in The Lost Heiress as Rowena becomes the newest target of Kitty's friendship.  

Can Rowena learn to trust again before it is too late? Or will she forever be broken and separated from a relationship with the God her new husband urges her to seek? And can Brice see his wife for who she is beneath the layers and years of hurt and betrayal? Can they find her true worth and value?

The Fire Eyes are a continuing lure throughout as Brice works to keep them hidden away until Brook can decide what to do with them - these jewels that have cost her so much. But will they know cost Brice the very woman who is working her way into his heart?

Historical fiction with a touch of intrigue - the perfect way to pass a week-end! These are characters one can empathize with though those who are focused on their selfish desires are harder to identify with. Set in the later half of 1912 in Scotland and England one is taken into another world that is only 100 years ago and yet there are such differences in custom and technology from what we experience today.  If you haven't read the previous book you can still easily follow along and get caught up at a later date.

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

About the Book:

Will Fleeing the Scottish Highlands Only Leave Her in More Danger?

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she's never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl.

Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she'll end up in more danger than she fled.

Proof ~ Review

Proof
Bloodline Trilogy #1
By Jordyn Redwood

Dr. Lilly Reeves is a dedicated ER physician when her life is thrown into chaos when she is attacked. She is the the fifth known victim of a suspected serial rapist, a man with distinctive physical characteristics. The attack has left Lilly in a state of unbalance - her life is slowly unraveling and she is left in a state of anger and fear. Her dedication to her job and empathy for her patients was stolen the night she was attacked.

Detective Nathan Long is determined to get this monster off the the streets. With the evidence he leaves and the description given by his victims he should be easy to find. But no clue as to his identity has been found. When Nathan reaches out to Lilly he is drawn to her in a way that he hasn't been to the other victims.

When an incident occurs in the ER, Lilly believes she's found her attacker. But when the evidence points to someone else, Lilly knows that it is up to her to find the proof needed to get this criminal off the streets and to protect the innocent lives he is now targeting. With no one seeming to believe her Lilly is on her own.

But someone believes her and is working to discover the truth before Lilly's life is cut short by the man who has made her his number one enemy. And very few people have survived once he has them in his sights.

This is not a lighthearted read due to the very nature of the story, but it is well written and intense. There is a subtle undercurrent of a spiritual message throughout that offers Lilly something she has never before experienced - hope that God does love and care for her. This is the first book in the Bloodline Trilogy and worth the read if you can handle the subject matter and the utter depravity of the perpetrator.  The DNA and medical information is completely fascinating and may open a world you've never before contemplated.

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

About the Book:

Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it’s the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find--and punish--her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty if science says he is not?

About the Author:

Jordyn Redwood is a nurse by day, novelist by night. She has specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades. As a self professed medical nerd, she reads medical textbooks for fun. This led to the creation of Redwood's Medical Edge-- a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn loves to weave medical mystery into her story lines and see how her characters navigate through the chaos she creates.