Still Life ~ Review

Still Life
Chesapeake Valor #2
By Dani Pettrey

Someone is out there.

   Watching her.

           WAITING.

Avery Tate has left behind her work with Parker Mitchell - she can't compete with his memories of Jenna McCary. But when her best friend doesn't show at the art exhibit where she's a featured model, Avery knows something is wrong. But when the police refuse to take her concerns seriously based on Skylar's past Avery turns to the one person she knows will help her - Parker.

But the evidence that they uncover leads to more questions than answers.  And it appears that Skylar's past may have finally caught up to her - a past that Avery feels responsible for. Can they pull the clues together in time to save Skylar or is the exhibit photo a hint that they are too late?

As the team works the case, Special Agent Declan Grey has another case come up that could have far reaching implications. A person with known terrorist ties has managed to slip into the country and unless they act fast he could disappear leaving destruction in his wake. And when an unexpected link to the past is found connecting to this case the chances of mere coincidence slight. But what could the long unexplained disappearance of Luke have to do with smuggled refugees, a dead federal agent, and a terrorist?

Still Life could be even more suspenseful than the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series Cold Shot. The list of suspects is long and the reasons behind possible motivation plausible. Get ready for a case that might be impossible to prove unless the killer made a mistake.

If you've read the first book in the series you have to read this one and reading the books in order is a necessity. And this book will be one that will keep you reading - it is most definitely a "one more chapter and then I'll put it down book" and the put down comes when the last page is turned.




About the Book:
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. 

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. 

As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

The Seekers ~ Review

The Seekers
Amish Cooking Class #1
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

For eight years Heidi Troyer has been married yet she and Lyle have not been blessed with any children to her great disappointment. With hours of the day that need to be filled Heidi borrows an idea from her Aunt Emma, but instead of quilting classes Heidi decides to teach cooking classes.

But Heidi's classes are not quite what she expected - in addition to the cooking classes her students begin turning to her with problems and challenges that they are experiencing. But the experience was one that offered her a chance to share her faith and the love of God to those who sought out her class.

The differences in the five people who take her class are a contrast in both age and life experiences. There is an unwed-mom-to-be, a troubled Vietnam Veteran, a widowed single mom, a just engaged woman, and an Amish neighbor who lost his wife. Could a more unlikely grouping learn to cook and form friendships that last beyond the six week class? Come to Walnut Creek, Ohio and find out in this newest series from Wanda Brunstetter. And for those who like Emma and Lamar - they make an appearance in this book.

This first book while complete in that this cooking class is finished there is a promise of what is to come in future books. And the promise of what is to come is one I look forward to discovering.

An added bonus can be found in the back of the book in that the 6 recipes that Heidi teaches her class are included. There are also discussion questions perfect for book clubs that may decide to make this their reading selection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Unlikely Friendships are Formed

in an Amish Cooking Class...

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm.

A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students. But Heidi’s cooking lessons soon turn to life lessons as they each share the challenges they are facing.

Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

Stars in the Grass ~ Review

Stars in the Grass
By Ann Marie Stewart

Abby McAndrews's world is perfect until one day. What should have been a happy time of making memories that would bring a smile for years to come becomes an event that could break not only her but her family forever. The summer of 1970 turns Abby's nine year old world upside down and she realizes all too clearly the fragility of life.

This is a book that will touch the reader on an emotional level as Abby, her brother Matt, and her parents come to terms with the loss that they never expected and try to go from five to four. But the loss brings with it a lot of what-ifs. And a life of what-ifs brings feelings of guilt, anger, and fears.

Stars in the Grass is the year that follows. As everyone deals with the loss differently Abby and Matt at time feel as if they have been lost to the dead - that they no longer matter and no one would hear them even if they knew had to express what they are feeling.

This book will move you to tears, or at least make your eyes well as this family struggles. Though one could never say "I know what you are going through" one could at least be aware of the struggles and pain that one going through a similar situation might be experiencing. Highly recommend this book for those who want an emotional component to their reading. And it might be a good idea to have a few tissues nearby while reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
The idyllic world of nine-year-old Abby McAndrews is transformed when a tragedy tears her family apart. Before the accident, her dad, Reverend John McAndrews, had all the answers, but now his questions and guilt threaten to destroy his family. Abby’s fifteen-year-old brother, Matt, begins an angry descent as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.

Set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—an authentic story of faith and life after loss.

Race to Win ~ Review with DVD giveaway

Race to Win
Starring Danielle Campbell, Luke Perry,
Aiden Flowers, Candice Michele Barley,
Amy Brassette, Thomas Francis Murphy,
and Lance E. Nichols

Awarded the Dove® Foundation Seal of Approval and approved for all ages.

Race to Win is a film that is about family and pulling together in the face of tragedy. The sudden and unexpected death of Gentry Rhodes has left his family in turmoil as they struggle to not only come to terms with his loss from their lives but also the unexpected debt they now find themselves facing.

His daughter Hannah feels that she is the one who must hold the family together and come up with a plan to earn the money they need to save their home and her father's dream. But as is often the case the man holding the debt over them is not willing to give them time to come up with the money (he'd probably make an unreformed Ebeneezer Scrooge proud).

Though dad, played by Luke Perry, dies early on in the movie he makes "visits" to his family offering them encouragement and even sharing a secret with one family member that will keep the viewer wondering what he revealed.

This movie is appropriate for all ages to view without parents cringing at unexpected scenes that their children might see. There are a couple scenes that take place in a bar / pool room. Those who know horses might roll their eyes at a few scenes but if you only have a passing familiarity with them you won't notice.  Overall it is a good film and one you'll be able to enjoy with your children.

I was provided a review copy of this movie by Grace Hill Media with no expectations of a positive review ~ all expressed opinions are my own.

Heart-warming family movie celebrates love 

and the resiliency of the human spirit

RACE TO WIN

Stars Luke Perry & Danielle Campbell

Courage is all you need to win

I have the pleasure to offer 1 copy of this DVD to a US resident. 

Please enter below for a chance to win a copy of this February 14th release!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Justice Delayed ~ Review

Justice Delayed
A Memphis Cold Case Novel #1
By Patricia Bradley

Andi Hollister's sister is about to get justice - the man that she loved, the man that killed her 18 years ago is going to be executed in just a few days. But Andi's world is about to be upturned when a letter hints at someone else being the guilty party. But could someone else truly have committed this crime and if so can they prove it before it is too late?

Detective Will Kincaide is determined to discover the truth even if it costs him personally because his cousin is the accused and his best friends are the victim's siblings.

But someone has been guarding this secret for 18 years and they are determined to keep it that way - even if an innocent man pays the price. Unfortunately for Andi it appears that she has come to the killer's attention, or it could be her unique talent for finding trouble.  And Will is determined to keep her safe even if it turns out to be the most difficult aspect of this not-quite cold case.

Time is short and when their best lead disappears their improbable case just became nearly impossible...

This is suspense at its best - suspects are plenty but the clues are vague and after 18 years some of the clues have dead-ended. As one reads one suspects one character and then another one does something that makes one second guess the conclusions one has made. The emotional ups and downs that the characters experience as the book progresses are believable and make the characters more empathetic.

This is the first book in the Memphis Cold Case series and I'm interested to see where the author goes from here and who the series will focus on as the main character.

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


About the Book:

In one week, the wrong man will be executed for murder.

Let the chase for the real killer begin.

Eighteen years ago, TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The convicted killer sits behind bars, his execution date looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned didn't do the crime, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the man who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. Andi and Will must find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But what can happen in only a week? Uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and, perhaps, falling in love?

With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites you to crack the case--if you can--alongside the best Memphis has to offer.

Oswiu ~ Review

Oswiu: King of Kings
The Northumbrian Thrones #3
By Edoardo Albert

Following the murder of his brother Oswald, Oswiu has taken the throne. But the death of the high king has torn the alliances that had once held the kingdoms together. Add to that treachery and betrayal within his own kingdom and Oswiu has a lot of work to do if he hopes to rebuild his brother's kingdom.

As Oswiu and Penda each manipulate and position themselves to make alliances to strengthen their claims but at the same time the old and new are vying for the hearts of the people. Will the old gods lose to the new God and his message of salvation spreading through the land?

This is a period of violence and upheaval that was truly a dark age but this was the foundational shapings of a nation that still stands. One can honestly say that perhaps the choosing of those whom one calls friend and adviser is the most important decision one can make when leading. Throughout this series a poor choice can lead to regret and even loss of life.

I really enjoyed this chance to explore this time and place in history.  The author Edoardo Albert brings to life the characters - some of whom the reader can empathy with, while others make one cringe as they enter the scene.  There is a synopsis of the two previous books at the beginning of the book to refresh the reader's memory as well as a listing of the important personages from the book (and series). The author includes historical notes at the end of the book allowing the reader and insight to the few literary liberties that occurred as well as a glimpse into what happened after this story ended. This series must be read in order to fully appreciate and understand the subtle and not so subtle undercurrents of a land and people on the cusp of change.

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


About the Book:

In the third entry chronicling the rise of Christian kings in Britain, Oswald dies and the great pagan king Penda becomes overlord in his place. To stand against the increasingly powerful Penda, Oswiu, king of Bernicia, tries to unite the smaller neighboring kingdoms by marrying a daughter of Deira. But the struggle for power leads Oswiu to order the assassination of the king of Deira. He wins the throne but loses the approval of the people. In atonement, he establishes a monastery at the site of the slaying. 

What will happen when Oswiu and High King Penda at last meet in battle? Though the kingdom may become politically one, both the Celtic and Roman strands of Christian faith vie for supremacy, mirroring the king's own struggle for power. 

The Returning ~ Review with Author Q and A

The Returning
A Seer Novel #3
By Rachelle Dekker

She will risk everything to lead them out of darkness...

For 20 years Elise has had no idea who she is. She's been lied to. She's been told that her parents rejected her because she was different - because she was unable to be altered by the Genesis Serum.

But change is coming and the daughter that was stolen from Carrington and Remko Brant is about to discover the truth of who she is. And Elise's discovery is about to be the catalyst that will awaken the people of Authority City if she survives long enough to awaken to the truth of who she really is.

When the Light within Elise is awakened she has a gift to call to the light that has been forgotten by those who have fallen to the influence of either the Genesis Serum or the darkness that has entered the souls of those who rule. In this battle she is not alone, a group of seven has left the Seer city behind - chosen for this time - called to help restore the memory of what was.

The skip in time though not unexpected did leave a sizable gap in the story from the reader's perspective. What was Elise's childhood like? How did Jesse get from betrayer and "friend" of those outside Authority City to Authority President and what was his friendship with a younger Elise like? What was life for those living in Trylin City like? These are questions that unfortunately are only hinted at through passing thoughts or short conversations.  This time jump does not detract from the story or the series and even makes sense in that the main characters in this story Elise and Jesse needed to be older to fully grasp and appreciate the world that is on the verge of change and even fulfill their roles in the change.

This world is set more than 200 years in the future and the government system that was set into place to protect the citizens has shockingly become corrupted in its vision. Having read the previous two books it is interesting to watch how each book saw a different leader heading Authority City and each was under the influence of a darkness that seemed to grow as the books progress. It is also interesting to watch Carrington and Remko grow as people throughout the series. It is highly recommended that one read the books in order to fully appreciate and understand this world.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers with no expectation of a positive review - all expressed opinions are my own.

About the Book:

They say the Awakening is coming.

That she’s the key.

But can she find her identity in the light

before she perishes in the dark?

Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant’s baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they’ve never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he’s ushered the city into a new era of “peace”—one where the Scientist Roth Reynard’s Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.

But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned—a truth she’ll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.

About the Author:
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing was her critically acclaimed debut novel. Rachelle graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. 


Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com. 


Author Q and A:

The theme of identity is explored in all three Seer books. How does forgiveness relate to identity? 

For me, forgiveness is more about the one who feels wronged than the one who committed the wrong. What if, for a moment, you believed that nothing could harm you? That you, as a believer, are seated at the Father’s table and standing with him? Can anything harm the Father? If you believe no, then can anything harm you—the true you, the true spirited self? So then, forgiveness becomes more about letting go of false belief and stepping into the true identity that the Father gave to you. I know it’s radical, but belief like that could change the world, don’t you think?

The Returning focuses on Carrington and Remko’s daughter Elise. Tell us more about Elise’s character and her growth throughout the book. 

Elise starts the book in a pretty dark place. She grew up without parents, believing she was abandoned, only to discover there’s an entire world that has been kept from her. Her journey can be divided into two parts, in my opinion: first, learning who she really is; and second, learning how to live that out. It’s the same journey we all take, and I believe that makes her pretty relatable.

You talk about the power of belief in the book. What is the purpose of faith, and what makes faith so powerful in people’s lives? 

Belief and faith are everything. We form our own realities. We make judgments based on the past and what we think the future will bring; then we shape our idea of what we are capable of around those beliefs. Imagine if we truly believed we were infinite sons and daughters of the creator. How different would the world look then? When we believe and have faith in who the Father calls us, then the world looks pretty different.