Blooming with Books

2.27.2023

The Oasis King ~ Review

The Oasis King

The Oasis Chronicles #1

By Mark David Pullen

The Oasis King is an interesting book that should appeal to middle-grade readers. Dylan, Jack, and Tripp are cousins who are about to have an adventure that takes them to a new and unknown world. But what they discover is something they never imagined - a lost world with strange and unfamiliar creatures. There are dangers they must confront, and a stranger who has dogs with him offers the cousins protection.

This is the first book in a new series that has fantastical elements to it that are best explored first-hand as a reader. What Dylan, Jack, and Tripp experience takes place over several days, and some of their "adventures" will boggle the mind. There are elements of danger and excitement but nothing too scary. Like all good Fantasy Adventures, there are a few fights for survival that will appeal to younger readers. While parents will appreciate the lack of graphic violence.

This is one vacation that won't be forgotten anytime soon. Now the cousins just need to find a way home, if there is one to find. Get ready to explore the Oasis while you can.

In my opinion, this book would be of greatest appeal to fourth to sixth-graders who enjoy survival-type adventure books. Would also be a good-read-aloud family story-time book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Dylan, Jack, and Tripp are looking for adventure, but when they find an entryway into a magical land, plagued by the malevolent Stranger, the cost of their new, exciting journey might prove to be too much.

While on vacation at their grandmother’s farm, cousins Dylan, Jack, and Tripp learn of a long kept family secret and the power of wishing on a star. The boys are swept away to the Valley of the Oasis—a strange, primal paradise where monsters and danger lurk around every turn. They find refuge with a lone hunter and his dogs, who have lost track of time and appear trapped in this magical land.

But the hunter and his dogs cannot rest for long. He is pursued by the Stranger, a strange green-skinned being from another time and place who also seeks to escape the Valley of the Oasis. As they narrowly escape the Stranger’s attacks, the boys worry that they, too, are trapped with no way home. Will the hunter protect the boys and send them home in time before the Stranger closes in once and for all?

The Oasis King is the first in a series of action-adventure tales for younger readers who seek new lands, heart-racing challenges, and unexpected twists.

160 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2022

2.26.2023

Lethal Intentions ~ Review

Lethal Intentions

Targeted for Elimination #1

By Jennifer Chastain

Jack Spencer's cover is blown, he's injured, and on the run. But if he hopes to live long enough to stop the people who are behind this he needs help. All Maggie Coleman wants to do is start her vacation, but she needs to get Jack to the Mainland first.

But Jack and Maggie are dealing with baggage from their pasts while trying to stay ahead of the people who are after Jack. But now Maggie is in their sights. Can Jack live long enough to get Maggie back to Hawaii?

This is the first time I have read a book by Jennifer Chastain, and I would say her style would be a good fit for fans of Love Inspired Suspense. Immediate danger starts off the book, and Maggie quickly gets drawn into the danger that is tracking Jack. I would say that this book falls into the clean-read category. Nothing too graphic in regard to violence. I would say this is a fairly good read if you are looking for suspense, mystery, and romance and don't want PG-13 or worst situations popping up throughout your reading. This would be an excellent weekend or spring break read.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

He’s a man on the run.

Undercover ATF agent Jack Spencer has been running away his entire life. His last assignment has him questioning who he really is, what he believes, and who he can trust. When his cover is compromised and he’s injured, he must disappear in order to survive.

She wants a fresh start.

After five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, ex-Army medic Maggie Coleman wants a quiet life, one without emotional trauma. The peace and serenity of the Hawai’ian Islands is just what the doctor ordered. Then Jack crashes into her life, taking her on a rollercoaster ride into the unknown.

Now, they’re running for their lives.

Maggie and Jack flee the Islands only to find their every move is anticipated. As the days wear on, they form a bond that transcends their situation, and they must learn to depend not only on each other but God, as well. When they finally reach the safe house in the mountains of Montana, Jack and Maggie hunker down and wait for reinforcements. Before help arrives, Maggie is kidnapped, and Jack has only one option—offer himself in exchange. Failure is not an option. Because if he does, they both stand to lose more than just their budding relationship.

2.25.2023

Fraser ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for
Fraser by Susan May Warren,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Fraser
The Minnesota Marshalls #1
By Susan May Warren

Fraser Marshall's life is ruined. At least his career is on the line if he can't recover from his injury. Fraser needs to be saving the world, playing his part, but for now, he's stuck at the Marshall family home watching over the family's winery until he gets the call.

Creed, the youngest Marshall, is in trouble and needs help now. There is just one problem, Creed is in Europe, and he's on the run from a murderer. Well, make that two problems; he's on the run with Princess Imani, and (well, three problems) he's been accused of kidnapping said princess.

If you're from Minnesota, which Fraser and Creed are, now is the time to say UFF-DA; just saying. And Princess Imani's personal bodyguard is tracking them down. And Pippa Butler takes her job very seriously; she's the type to taser you first and then ask questions.

Fraser is the first book in The Minnesota Marshalls series, and like most of Susan May Warren's books, it is part of something bigger. There is an undercurrent of danger with ties to Russia and rogue CIA operatives, and they've now turned their eyes on the Minnesota branch of the extended Marshall family (read the Montana Marshalls series for more of this tangled mess), specifically Fraser and Creed, and can I just say uff-da again, because this is a big international mess that they have landed in the middle of. And, of course, having to try to play the part of hero has made both Marshall men see the women who've managed to get caught in this major-to-do as something extra special. (Much to Pippa and Fraser's consternation because, hey, they both have people to protect, lives to save, jobs to do, etc.)

Overall anyone who has read any of Susan May Warren's recent books (or series) is sure to come across a familiar character or two (or three). And as Fraser has been working with Jones, Inc. yes familiar faces are definitely about to be called in for some help when things go from bad to worse.

Almost from the get-go, there is drama and ever-mounting suspense as Fraser and Pippa work to find out what's going on and to find Creed and Imani before the killer finds them. Were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is something bigger going on? Until they can answer these questions none of them will be safe. I love how many familiar faces from her previous series are in this book. If you haven't read any of Susan May Warren's books before, you can still enjoy this book with its references to other books. It's like making a new friend who makes references to incidences in their past. You can still enjoy them and slowly learn more about who they were before you met them.

This made for a great after-a-long-day-at-work-escape with the only problem being I wanted to keep reading all night long, because who wouldn't want to know if they escape, and Pippa and Fraser can locate Creed and Imani? Okay, so maybe this isn't the best read before bed, but it grabbed my attention, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. There is nothing graphic to give you nightmares, but there is suspense and romance that combine in an intriguing balance. Overall I have no problem recommending this to others who love reading contemporary Romantic Suspense (a touch more of both than the Love Inspired Suspense books but nothing over the top).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Fraser

Series: The Minnesota Marshalls #1

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: February 14, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed.

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head…

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost.

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh…

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead.

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first?

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe?

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

Also Available

About the Author

Susan May Warren

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Fraser and $10 Susan May Warren Store gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below.

The giveaway begins at midnight on February 21, 2023,

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2023.

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize.

US only.

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Fraser JustRead Blog + Review Tour

2.24.2023

The Sound of Light ~ Review

The Sound of Light

By Sarah Sundin

What is courage, and what is cowardice? The line that divides them is what is at the heart of this book by Sarah Sundin. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt and Dr. Else Jensen are both faced with this question as the Nazi's occupation of Denmark continues. What is more effective silent resistance or open opposition? Denmark has adopted a policy of offering "the cold shoulder" to the Nazis, but it has not made them leave. Rather, it appears as if they are allies instead.

As both Henrik and Else work through what they feel they should do, they are faced with what the consequences will be if they do decide to take a more active, less silent role. Because every action has a reaction, and some are more difficult to live with.

The majority of this book takes place in 1943 Copenhagen, which is a new setting for me in regard to this historical period. So it was interesting to see how the Danish people viewed the situation they found themselves in. Do you take a public stand that could cost you everything? Or do you offer silent disapproval, so that little disruption to your life takes place? It is an interesting concept to contemplate. How do you measure success or failure?

Sarah Sundin's books have never disappointed, and this book is no exception. I like how she offers lesser-known glimpses into this historical period. The characters are well-written and ones with whom I could connect and sympathize with as they made the choices they did. I don't know that I would have been able to be as "quiet" as Else was as she was continually put down by her "boss," but I did appreciate how she took it as an opportunity to both grow and make a difference. I would recommend this book as there is so much depth to it. It would make an excellent book club selection, in my opinion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

2.23.2023