11.13.2018

On Magnolia Lane ~ Review

On Magnolia Lane
A Blue Ridge Romance #3
By Denise Hunter

Pastor Jack McReady has feelings for Daisy Pendleton but he knows she sees him only as her pastor. And then there is the difference in their ages nearly ten years - which Jack feels might be a  problem in Daisy's eyes.

When his best friends get together to help him out Jack finds himself with a profile on a dating app - he can't imagine what his congregation will have to say about that! Or worse all the single women might think he is looking for a pastor's wife. Fortunately, it is under the name TJ rather than Jack but when the nudge that his friends gave Daisy is replied to Jack is worried that Daisy will be hurt if he doesn't respond.

Getting to know Daisy outside of his professional life becomes the highlight of his week but what will happen when Daisy finds out that Pastor Jack is also TJ. Will the trust and new found friendship that they are developing be destroyed forever?

Daisy is all for helping anyone she can but accepting thanks or gratitude is just not something she's comfortable with. And the issues she's allowed to lower her estimate of herself over the years well they just prove that she's not the type of person someone like Jack (or any guy with a degree for that matter) should be stuck with. The guy she met online - TJ - he's safe, basically a stranger, someone she can share things with, things that might lower her friends' estimate of her.

When Jack asks for Daisy's in organizing a massive fundraiser for the local girls home - he knows that she'll be able to pull it off. But when Daisy learns of a secret that if true could destroy all that she knew, she knows of only one person to whom she can go to with her grief. Will it be Jack? Or will it be TJ?

On Magnolia Lane is if not the best book in this series at least tied for the honor. I really like Jack's character and the personal struggle he faces when it comes to Daisy and his alternate identity of TJ. Daisy's fears and insecurities are understandable as cruel words have a way of sticking around and reminding one of their stings at the most inconvenient times. All too often one judges one's own achievements or lack of achievements against those of others, which is just wrong as each person is unique in their own skills and abilities. Like life, this book has moments that run the full spectrum of emotion that most can relate to.

This would make for an interesting book club selection and I would love to hear all the different takes on the various situations that arose throughout the book. For those unfamiliar with the Blue Ridge Romance series, you don't have to read the other books before enjoying this one, as each is complete in and of itself. Fans of contemporary romance fiction will want to curl up in a warm corner with a cup of tea and invest an evening or two in this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:


Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. 
But finding the courage to tell her
becomes problematic when his secret feelings 
lead to even bigger complications.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same.

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love.

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble


About the Author:
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Connect with Denise:

Instagram Tour Stops:

Monday, November 5th: @sarahandherbookshelves
Tuesday, November 6th: @thecaffeinated_bibliophile
Wednesday, November 7th: @rissi006
Thursday, November 8th: @_ebl_inc_
Thursday, November 8th: @jennblogsbooks
Friday, November 9th: @livethecozylife
Friday, November 9th: @thesketchyreader
Saturday, November 10th: @kim_reads

Review Tour Stops:

Monday, November 5th: Book by Book
Tuesday, November 6th: Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Wednesday, November 7th: View from the Birdhouse
Thursday, November 8th: Amy’s Book-et List
Friday, November 9th: The Sketchy Reader
Monday, November 12th: The Romance Dish
Tuesday, November 13th: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, November 14th: Romantic Reads and Such
Thursday, November 15th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
Thursday, November 15th: Run Wright
Friday, November 16th: Jathan & Heather
Monday, November 19th: Fiction Aficionado
Tuesday, November 20th: Empowermoms
Wednesday, November 21st: From the TBR Pile
Friday, November 23rd: Kritter’s Ramblings
Monday, November 26th: The Lit Bitch
Monday, November 26th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, November 27th: Read Eat Repeat
Wednesday, November 28th: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
Thursday, November 29th: Splashes of Joy
Friday, November 30th: What is That Book About

Dead Sea Rising ~ Review

Dead Sea Rising
Dead Sea Chronicles #1
By Jerry B. Jenkins

Nicole Berman has a theory that she thinks will change the history of the Middle East as we have always believed it to be. But to prove her theory she needs the permission of Saudi Arabia to lead an archeological dig to find the evidence she is sure exists. But will the Saudis allow a woman to lead a dig, though she has the experience she's never before lead a dig?

When tragedy strikes her mother all thoughts of a dig are momentarily put on hold. But when a perceived accident turns into an investigation with both Nicole and her father, Ben number one on the police suspect list both are naturally surprised. Who could possibly want to attack Virginia Berman?

As the present day is played out the reader is offered two additional story-threads that are important to what is unfolding in Manhattan. We are given glimpses of Ben Berman's life as an angry 18-year-old, who in an attempt to prove something to both his parents and himself enlists and is sent to Vietnam. Vietnam is rough as Ben is assigned to a hospital tasked with getting the injured stabilized and shipped out to other out of combat hospitals or back on duty.

The other story-thread is set in 2000 B.C. in Shinar, Mesopotamia, which is under the rule of Nimrod, who has taken the name of Amraphel for himself. The main focus of this thread is on Terah the chief officer of Nimrod and his life. Terah and his wife Belessunu are finally expecting their first child, which couldn't come at a worse time as Nimrod fears, due to the words of his soothsayers, that a coming male child will threaten his reign! As Terah plots and prayers to the gods he carved, his wife prays to the God of their forefather Noah for the son she knows she carries.

It is interesting as these various threads progress to the conclusion of the book, which is the first in a series. The conclusion of the various threads in not reached as they are integral to the additional books if I'm reading the story correctly. If you like mysteries, historical and contemporary fiction you've found the perfect combination in this book. I highly recommend this book for longtime fans of Jerry's and for those new to him and his work. I for one can't wait until book 2 comes out to find out what happens next!


About the Book:
A heart-stopping adventure of
Biblical proportions

Nicole Berman is an archaeologist on the brink of a world-changing discovery. 
During her first dig in Jordan, she believes she has found concrete evidence of
a biblical patriarch that could change history books forever. But someone doesn’t
want the truth revealed. While urgently trying to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle,
a dangerous enemy is out to stop her.

11.11.2018

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John ~ Review

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John
365 Days in the Presence of Jesus
Compiled and Edited by Lance Wubbels

This is the time of year when one has to look for a new devotional for the coming year. 365 Days in the Presence of Jesus is for whole a year ~ a whole year which is spent focused on the Gospel of John. This offers a unique perspective as the works of a variety of authors, preachers, and teachers are compiled in this book.

Now just to be clear every single verse is not addressed but some verses have several days of devotionals offering different viewpoints on it. I really like this as it makes one stop and think about what one can get out of these verses.

This book includes an introduction and an overview of the contributors so one has a passing familiarity with the authors. There is not an index or table of contents so if there are notes you want to go back to, be sure to mark the pages with a little tab (like a post-it tab or a ribbon). There is space at the margins for making quick notes and there are a couple of blank pages in the back so that you can mark down the dates (as the pages are unnumbered) that make an impact on you (or if you are like me just have a small notebook for your notes).

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer or for someone seeking as it is the Gospel of John. It would also make a wonderful couple's or family devotional to read together. I would highly recommend this devotional to any and all.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House with no expectations except that I offer my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Words from the past can have a remarkable ability to refresh us today. The writings of legendary preachers and Bible teachers, such as Charles Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, Catherine Booth, and Andrew Murray continue to provide encouragement and truth for Christians around the world. 

From the classic writings of these revered saints, Lance Wubbels has compiled and edited the best of the best of their inspirational insights into this 365-day devotional. Chapter by chapter, through the Gospel of John, readers will gain an unforgettable understanding of the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Excerpts are taken from the writings of:
· Charles Spurgeon 
· Alexander Maclaren 
· Joseph Parker 
· S. D. Gordon 
· Alexander Whyte 
· George MacDonald 
· John Wesley 
· R. A. Torrey 
· Hudson Taylor 
· Charles Finney 
· Matthew Henry 
· Frances Ridley Havergal 
· Catherine Booth 
· Adam Clarke
· Andrew Murray

Here is a one-year devotional that is packed with profound biblical commentary, brilliant wisdom, and practical application that you'll look forward to reading every day.

11.10.2018

Stratagem ~ Review

Stratagem
By Robin Caroll

Grayson Thibodeaux's company creates games that have a psychological aspect to them and when his ex-wife dies during one of these "games" he becomes the prime suspect. Grayson is innocent but knows that Anna Belle's betrayal of their marriage gives him a motive and that the lead detective has all but convicted him.

As evidence continues to mount Grayson feels as if he is in one of his own games. Can he get to the truth before it is too late or will the real killer get away with murder?

Stratagem is an intense game of strategy that will keep the reader in suspense as to who the guilty party truly is. And with lives in the balance, everything depends on peeling back the layers of an elaborate deception.

Looking for suspense that will keep you flipping the pages and reading late into the night Stratagem is just for you!

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:
Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux creates mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

The Kingdom of Nereth ~ Blog hop with Author Interview and Snippet


Series: Nereth Trilogy
Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical, Medieval
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 1, 2016
Dark times are upon the land of Nereth. Centuries have passed since the rightful heir to the throne was banished. The people are losing hope in ancient legend, which foretells of one who will rise up, overthrow the evil king and queen, and restore peace. Like all others in Nereth, Edlyn has suffered greatly. Orphaned as a child, Edlyn grew up as the serf of a drunken lord. Now a spirited seventeen-year-old, Edlyn works to buy her freedom while fighting off the unwanted advances of Sheriff Hurst. One morning, Edlyn discovers a young man hiding in the stable. He is fleeing from Sheriff Hurst and inflicted with a sword wound that will surely be fatal without her help. In a split-second decision, Edlyn conceals the young man from Sheriff Hurst and begins nursing him back to health. As the young man’s strength returns, Edlyn learns that his name is Maddock, and she is stunned to find that he has come from the mysterious land to the north. Maddock soon comes to Edlyn’s aid, rescuing her from Sheriff Hurst. Suddenly declared outlaws, both Edlyn and Maddock must escape for their lives to enchanted Ravenshire Forest and then the desolate mountains beyond. As their adventure unfolds, Edlyn and Maddock discover that their meeting may have been more than chance, for their lives prove bound by a fate that neither of them could possibly have imagined.

About the Author

tj-amberson-author-photo
TJ Amberson hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and nutty cocker spaniel. Her most recent novels include The Kingdom of Nereth, The Council of Nereth, Fusion, and Love at Lakewood Med. When she’s not writing, TJ can probably be found enjoying a hot chocolate, pretending to know how to garden, riding her bike, playing the piano, or surfing the Internet for cheap plane tickets.
With a love of writing in multiple genres, TJ Amberson strives to provide well-written, age-appropriate, and original novels for tweens, teens, and new adults.

Author Interview

1) How did you determine the setting for your book? Was it someplace that you had visited, pictures you'd seen, a flash of something that may or may not have been?

The concept and setting for THE KINGDOM OF NERETH started when, out of nowhere, the opening scene began playing through my mind. I saw a medieval farm. It was sunrise. A young woman—strong and intelligent—who was dressed in a medieval dress and had a long braid hanging down her back, was carrying water toward the barn.  The visual impact of that scene struck me so much that I immediately began writing a story around it.

2) If you could live as any of your characters which one (or two) would you be? And why this one?

Tough question! Ultimately, of all of the characters in THE KINGDOM OF NERETH, I would choose to live as Maddock. He has such keen senses, survival skills, and athleticism that he has an upper hand in the unpredictable world of Nereth. But it would also be fun to be one of the Langerlen - either Ailith or Kegan - since these forest creatures have almost supernatural powers.

3) What two authors (1 from the past and one from the present) would like to spend the weekend with and how would you spend it?

From the past, I would choose to spend the weekend with Shakespeare. It would be awesome to find out definitively whether or not all of the works that are attributed to the playwright were indeed written by one person. I would spend the weekend hopefully playing a role in one of his productions!

From the present, I can't decide! Someone like Amanda Flower, perhaps, who manages to publish a huge number of books every year! And they're all fun and well-written. I would love to watch someone like that for a few days and get a sense of her writing process.  

4) What is your all-time favorite book that you want others to read and love as much as you do?

LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo.

5) What is the one question you wish was asked during an interview and how would you answer it?
For THE KINGDOM OF NERETH, I love when people ask me to name my favorite character from the novel. I have to say Peyton. In fact, he's one of the favorite characters that I have ever written. Why? Because I didn't plan to write him. He walked himself into a scene and insisted upon staying there. His slightly gruff demeanor, his bravery, his discrete and minimal display of emotion...he brought such a great dynamic to the story that I can't imagine the book without him. I'm forever glad he showed up!

Snippet

Edlyn noticed the blood-stained tear in Maddock’s dirty shirt. “You are hurt, sir.” 
Covering his abdomen with one hand, Maddock took a step toward the stable door. “I will leave. I…”
Maddock trailed off when the chickens outside suddenly began clucking loudly. Edlyn jumped at the unexpected clamor, over which she heard the sound of horses approaching fast. After another glance at the young man, Edlyn rushed by him, opened the stable door, and looked out. Six men on horseback were galloping across the meadow toward the stable. Five of the riders had swords drawn, and the rider in front held a flag aloft—a flag, Edlyn realized with a shudder, which bore the symbol of the infamous Sheriff Hurst. 
Edlyn slowly turned to Maddock. “I presume this is about you.”
Maddock did not respond. Wincing, he reached out with one arm to brace himself against the wall while keeping his other hand pressed on his abdomen.
“I could be imprisoned for helping a fugitive, or killed,” Edlyn went on frankly, shutting the stable door. “It depends on what you have done.”
Maddock found his voice, “I will not put you in danger.” 
He made another move to leave but swayed and began to fall. Edlyn lunged forward, catching Maddock in her arms. Staggering under the weight of his limp body, she lowered him to the dirt. From the sounds outside, Edlyn knew that the riders were nearly upon them. She also saw that Maddock’s breathing was growing shallow and the life in his dark eyes fading. He would not escape those who hunted him. For one moment, Edlyn hesitated, looking between Maddock and the stable door. Then she spoke upward, as if to the sky:
“This young man might be an outlaw, but may the spirits of Ravenshire Forest curse me for eternity if I ever help Sheriff Hurst.”

Giveaway

The Kingdom of Nereth Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

SLB Tours Button for Team (1)

11.09.2018

The Spinster and I ~ Review with Author Interview and Giveaway

The Spinster and I
The Spinster Chronicles #2
By Rebecca Connolly

Prudence (Prue) Westfall has a secret and the rest of London Society is about to learn it thanks to her mother. She's inherited a fortune and will now, most, unfortunately, come to the attention of gentlemen. As one of the Spinsters (with a capital S) she has been mostly ignored and with her propensity to stutter when under stress or in proximity to her mother, her hateful cousin Eliza, or when paid attention to in general she is ignored at most social settings. But her comfort is about to change starting with the house party that her mother has insisted that she attend.

When the attention of the gentlemen become too much Prue escapes only to be discovered by Camden Vale a gentleman, who is no gentleman as his reputation will attest (at least the rumored reputation he has attained will). But to Prue's surprise, Camden doesn't seem put off by her shyness or her stammer. In fact, he offers her his protection during the house party while warning her of his less than ideal reputation.

As the house party, to which none of the other Spinsters was invited, progresses Camden and Prue form a unique friendship, one that they know will not continue once they return to London. Prue brings out the best in Camden, bringing forth a protective nature that he never knew he had. While Camden seemingly understands her soothing her agitation and managing to converse with her so that her stammer goes away in his presence.

Returning to London brings Prue's worst fears with it - she has become an heiress to be hunted for her fortune! With her mother once again firmly in control, Prue is about to lose herself unless she can find a champion to help her. To the Spinsters shock and horror, she accepts the attentions of Camden Vale! Can they trust Prue's judgment in this matter or has the stress and abuse of her mother and Eliza finally proven too much?

The Spinster and I is a delightful new addition in The Spinster Chronicles as Prue takes center stage in this one. The other Spinsters are in this one though not as prominently as in The Merry Lives of Spinsters and my goodness are they protective of Prue almost to the point of suffocation at times. If you are looking for a delightful read for your long weekend or for an after-work unwind this is just what you are looking. This is a clean, gentle read which is set in the Regency Period and appropriate for teens and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre:  Adult, New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing

Publication date: November 1, 2018

About the Book:

Poor, unfortunate Spinster…

Prudence Westfall, a spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution.


Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.


Author Interview:
1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

Ooooh, I love Heather B. Moore, Becky Monson, Amber Lynn Perry, Nichole Van, Janelle Daniels, Jen Geigle Johnson...and ANY of the Timeless anthologies!

2) What do you most like about the Regency era?

I love the manners and the fashions, the way of life, and the restraint, strangely enough. It is so much fun to play with romance in a time of such restrictions!

3) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

Oh, Jane Austen. She has so much wit in her writing, and I have a feeling she would not only be a fantastic mentor, but an absolute riot to be around!

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

I take in everything I can, honestly. Photos of estates, the countryside, or fashions. A song that suddenly inspires a ballroom scene. Actors that I see. Lines that I hear. Trips that I have taken absolutely play a huge role, and I hope to take many more to get inspiration!

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone who would it be?

Julie Andrews. I would hang on her every word.

6) Do you have a favorite Regency period author that you would recommend?

Hmm. Well, if you haven’t read Jane Austen, you need to… Sally Britton is fabulous, and so is Jen Geigle Johnson. Actually, picking up some of the Timeless Regency collections will get you some AWESOME names! It works for me every time!

7)Who is your favorite character in your book?

I just adore Prue. She is so sweet, but surprisingly witty, and just has such a good heart and deserves so much!


8)What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

“What is the best period drama out there?” And I would respond with Poldark. Hands down.

About the Author:

Rebecca Connolly headshot
Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

Giveaway

TSAI Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.



Tour Schedule:


SLB Tours Button for Team (1)

11.07.2018

Retrieval ~ Review

Retrieval
Javin Pierce #4
By Ethan Jones

Someone is out to stop Javin and the price on his head is pure hate getting satisfaction - the fury of a woman scorned has nothing on an ISIS jihadist out to bring him down! Javin and Claudia are on a mission that will allow them to return to CIS after their previous mission in Geneva went wrong.

But finding the intel they need goes wrong when their possible source goes missing from the refugee camp and their safe house is attacked. When the local officials start the clock ticking on when they have to be out of the country any source of information becomes an option.

Seeking aid from the few people that they can trust Javin and Claudia find themselves heading back to the very country that brought them to their current situation. Geneva neutral in name but profiting from the various sources using them to hide their ill-gotten gains.

This is a high action movie for those who would rather read than see it their action. Ethan Jones manages to keep his books fresh and not repetitive so one never feels as "I've read this before." Not happening here. And you'll be kept in suspense from the first line until you finish and then there is the anticipation of what can possibly happen next. Don't miss out on this latest thrilling mission that only a corrector can find themselves in.

About the Book:

Can a lethal assassin have a soft side?

After a botched operation in Geneva, Javin Pierce and his partner are offered the chance to return to the CIS if they eliminate two senior ISIS leaders hiding in Iraq. Dispatched to the lawless lands, Javin and Claudia start to gather intel, and soon find themselves immersed in a sinister corruption scheme that reaches top-level Iraqi officials. Javin isn’t about to walk away.
Now, being hunted down by ruthless ISIS fighters, the team fights to survive and navigate crooked, ever-shifting allegiances. As Javin and Claudia forge bonds with unlikely local allies from a refugee camp, Javin gets more than he bargained for. The evidence leads to Europe and an elaborate retrieval that, if successful, will tear down the entire corruption scheme and bring desperate relief to the camp workers.
Javin now realizes his ticket back into the agency might be his most dangerous but satisfying mission yet. How will Javin clean up the targets, get back into the agency, and execute the seemingly impossible retrieval, all without leaving a trace?