4.03.2016

The End of All Things ~ Review

The End of All Things
The Kinsman Chronicles #1.3
By Jill Williamson

The End of All Things picks up where The Heir War left us.  Wilek is still being held by the Magonia's and soul bound and under compulsion to Charlon.  Natural disasters are destroying the land as they know it.  The time of the Five Woes has come and time is running out for the Five Realms.

Janek is moving against Wilek and Trevn in his attempt to be named heir to the throne of Armania. And Janek has no inhibitions using any and all means to gain his goal - even murder.

But there are many forces at work both for and against Armania within and without the palace. Who can be trusted is of utmost importance as the end draws near.  With Wilek missing and Father Tomek Trevn must find allies he can trust.  But betrayal comes in many forms, taking years to implement and someone is determined to stop Trevn - the question is who.

The End of All Things brings the crisis to a head - who will survive is in doubt as the world they know ends.  Secrets come to light and lives will be lost, but more questions will be raised.

Each new offering from Jill Williamson becomes a new favorite and this latest part in the Kinsman Chronicles is no exception.  I love this serial release format so that one doesn't have to wait as long between books. Get ready to be enraptured with The End of All Things! But don't expect to have all your questions answered the next installment is coming July 5th!

I was provided an advanced uncorrected copy of this book by the author Jill Williamson in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
With the Five Realms on the brink of total destruction, everyone faces a final mad scramble to find a safe haven. The realm is divided on what should be done. Wilek and Trevn join those who are preparing the realm for a seaward evacuation, but the king stands in their way. Wilek must battle against his own father to try and save the people of Armania.

3.31.2016

Annabel Lee ~ Review

Annabel Lee
A Coffey and Hill Novel #1
by Mike Nappa

This is an interesting book, somewhat creepy at parts as one would anticipate from the cover. And there is an intriguing Edgar Allen Poe thread that runs throughout the book.

Eleven years ago something was hidden away, something that needs to stay hidden.  But someone is determined to find Annabel Lee and they will do anything to find her.  Annabel has been on her Uncle Truck's farm as long as she can remember. People either respect her uncle or fear him - Annabel loves him.  She loves him as much as she fears the dog. 

But in a single night everything changes.  Annabel is hidden away from every living thing except the dog and a warning from Uncle Truck - open this door for no one without the secret code.  Something is very wrong and Annabel is about to discover who she truly is...

When her ex comes back into her life Trudi Coffey is less than thrilled.  But she has a message to relay to Sam Hill concerning an old friend of Sam's.  What Trudi doesn't expect is she is about to be pulled into a mystery that could very well cost both her and Sam their lives.  But something about this stranger - this Dr. Smith, doesn't sit well with Trudi and her investigative senses kick in.  But she needs Sam to get to the bottom of this case, she just doesn't realize how much

This is the first book in a new series.  There is suspense, mystery, and the barest hint at fantasy.  This is a book that will keep you up at night, I know because it kept me up.  There is a bit of violence throughout, which may be a deterrent to some readers, but overall it was an excellent story.  Each chapter is labeled for the character whose point of view is being presented. This book is worthy of the Poe thread running through it.

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

Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden.
The secret's name is Annabel Lee.


She doesn't know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me."

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older man calling himself Dr. Smith. He's been trailing a man for a decade--a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill--and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery--before it's too late.

3.28.2016

A Powerful Secret ~ Review

A Powerful Secret
The Worthington Destiny #2
by Dr. Kevin Leman
           Jeff Nesbit

All Sean Worthington has every wanted is his father's approval, his love.  As his older brother's campaign manager, Sean may have found a path to what he desires. But when Will unexpectedly pulls out just as he is expected to announce his candidacy, Sean knows whom his father will blame and it won't be Will.

What Sean doesn't know is someone has targeted the Worthington family - focusing on Will, Sean, and their sister Sarah.  Even more shocking is just how far this elusive someone is willing to go to destroy this powerful family.

A Powerful Secret is the second book in The Worthington Destiny and if you haven't read the first book don't worry it is easy to get caught up in this one. (I know because somehow I missed the first book)  This is a book that will quickly pull you into the story.  There is a bit of mystery throughout that will keep you wondering at the identity of certain people.  And then there is the Worthington family and the ties that hold them together and how they play-out as different stresses and issues come into play.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one, but in the meantime I plan on obtaining a copy of the first one.  In my opinion that is the true test of how well one enjoys a book - willingness to read the previous books in a series.  

I think readers who enjoyed Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's Restoration series will find much to appreciate in this series.  Family dynamics are explored and examined from the perspectives of the various characters in how they relate to one another.

Things that are hidden will be revealed...

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

About the Book:

Sean has always felt like an outsider in his own family.
Now he must risk never achieving what he wants most--his father's love.


Billionaire globe-trotter Sean Worthington is stunned when his older brother suddenly abandons the Senate race in New York and walks away without a backward glance. As campaign manager, Sean's left to handle the media feeding frenzy with no answers. Worse, their father--as usual--backs Will, the "perfect" son.

Frustrated by his father's lack of belief in him, Sean determines to finally move on and forge a unique path. But when a powerful secret is revealed, threatening everything Sean has counted on, he must wrestle with shocking truths . . . and combat the power brokers behind the scenes who have the Worthington family in their crosshairs.

By the Stars ~ Review

By the Stars
By Lindsay B. Ferguson

A once-in-a-lifetime love,
a raging war,
and a promise...

From the moment he first saw her Cal Morgan knew Kate Clayton was special. She was his ideal as he went through school. But Kate was beyond him, too beautiful, too popular, too perfect for a farm boy.  But he had something to offer that no other man had offered Kate.  He offered her friendship and in return he got to know the heart of the young woman who captured his.

Kate is determined to never fall in love, but there is something about Cal that calls to her, that threatens to break through the wall that she has erected around her heart.  But friendship with Cal seems like an acceptable compromise.  Time is short with World War II soon to take him into the dangers of the Pacific Theater.

When Kate's deep-rooted fears keep her from acknowledging that she and Cal have something special, he heads out with a broken heart.  But Cal's absence makes Kate realize just how much she is giving up.  And she is determined to let Cal know just how she feels before it is too late.

With the promise of Kate's love awaiting him Cal faces the horrors of war in the jungles of the Philippines.  The struggle to survive and yet remain true to himself and God drives him.  But his greatest strength lies in his hope of a future with Kate.

This is a love story that spans the years and faces the uncertainties of the future of a world at war. This is a story that rings true and will touch your heart.  This is Cal Morgan's story -- the love story that made his life.  A beautiful and touching story that one won't want to miss.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:
He was lost. Lost in those
deep brown, beautiful eyes.

As clear as day, Cal heard a voice
inside his head: "That is the girl
you are going to marry."
 
When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he’s loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her -- possibly for good. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a romance that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles.
About the author:
As a Communication graduate from the University of Utah, Lindsay Ferguson worked as a PR and marketing writer for a computer software company for several years before resigning to focus on raising her family. As a contributor to Deseret Digital Media, she has had lifestyle articles published by ksl.com, Deseret News, and FamilyShare.com. She lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City with her husband and four children. By the Stars is her first novel.

3.25.2016

The Calling ~ Review and Author Q&A

The Calling
A Seer Novel #2
By Rachelle Dekker

Fear is a powerful sedative for rebellion

A year and a half has passed since Carrington Hale and Remko Brandt left Authority City behind.  But the city is not so far removed that they are free from its reach.  And they have lost many friends to the new leadership - Damien Gold has started a new reign of fear against the Seers and anyone remotely connected to them.

But Remko has a secret - he is a prisoner to his fears and his anger.  Each loss of a Seer to Damien's ever increasing campaign against them brings a greater sense of failure to Remko.  As Remko's sense of inadequacy grows the tensions within his camp grow.  Just how far Remko can go before he breaks is of utmost importance to Damien.

Breaking the spirit of the rebels is Damien Gold's goal but sometimes a broken spirit is the key to healing and freedom.

In The Choosing we are introduced to Carrington and Renko.  We are taken on Carrington's journey to a life that Aaron and his Father have introduced her to.  The Calling is Renko's journey.  Before he was following the woman that he loved.  But is love enough to keep him with the Seers in the face of doubts and opposition?  Remko's path to faith will not be easy but it is one that needs to be taken.

The Calling is the second book in the Seer series.  Though told from several character's perspectives, the main perspective is Remko's followed by Carrington's, Damien's, and Jesse's.  Remko and Carrington have grown since the first book - they've married, become parents, and have become leaders within the Seers.  There are losses, joys, betrayals, and unexpected twists throughout the book. This is a book that you won't want to put down until you get to the last page.

But be warned this book will leave you wanting book 3.  This is most definitely a cliffhanger that will have you wondering what will come next.  Highly recommended reading not to be missed.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.

As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels—he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.

With dissension in his own camp—and the City Watch soldiers closing in—Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.


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 is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She 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 rachelledekker.com.

Q and A with Rachelle Dekker

Remko struggles with his anger often throughout the book. Is this expression of anger connected to his fears? If so how?

Anger is just a natural reaction to the circumstances Remklo faces. Sometimes being afraid can stir up anger because it makes feel weak or out to control. This is definitely true for Remko in The Calling.


Carrington struggles with the pain that comes from watching Remko miss the Truth that was so clear to her. What encouragement would you give to others that have loved ones who do not yet share their faith? 

Everyone needs to take the journey. For some, truth comes more easily, and others have to struggle to see it. It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love miss the truth right in front of them, but don’t forget that the Father is still God, and He holds them in His hand. So love those that struggle restlessly and trust that the Father is ever-present, even in the darkness. 


In the book you talk a lot about surrendering to fear. What does this look like and how does this help us not to be afraid?

I think sometimes the natural reaction to fear is to hide from it, or try and push it away. Its the idea that if we can't see it then it must not be there, but we all know that unless dealt with the unseen things often come back to bite us. The only way to face fear is to walk through it; surrendering to Father God and letting Him reminds of our true identity. Only then do we really see that the light within us is always greater than the fear we face.

Do you relate to any of the characters in The Calling in terms of how you've faced and handled fear in your life? How so?

Of course, every character I write ends up having some reflection of things I've faced personally. You can only write what you know, as they say. I, very much like Remko, have the tendency to be in "in my head" too much when faced with fear, and I struggle to let go of the need for control and simply surrender. That's one of the main reasons I decided to write this story.

What do you hope readers will take away from the story?

I hope they take a moment to see themselves as children of the Father. I hope they see that true freedom and fearlessness rest in surrendering, and that when they stand with the Father than nothing can stand against them. There is incredible peace in that truth,and I hope, like I am beginning the experience, that readers feel that same peace.


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 is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She 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 rachelledekker.com.

3.23.2016

A Fool and His Monet ~ Review

A Fool and His Monet
Serena Jones Mysteries #1
By Sandra Orchard

Serena Jones is one of the FBI's newest Art Crime agents.  Her determination to recover stolen art is linked to the unsolved murder of her grandfather.

When Serena's first undercover assignment doesn't go quite according to plan she not only has to deal with criminals out on bail but her overly zealous and proud family.

When a museum art theft is discovered Serena is quickly back in action tracking down any and all leads.  But determining when, why, and how is going to prove challenging in this case.  And with Aunt Martha determined to "help" her solve this case, it just got a whole lot more interesting.

There is a missing former employee, a talkative blond who's conveniently ill, a black pickup, and Aunt Martha's mafia theory.  This case just may end up being a real headache if Serena doesn't come up with a suspect and a solid lead quick.

A Fool and His Monet is a fun read.  There is a well-balanced mix of mystery and humor that keeps the story moving and entertaining.  Serena's family is a riot and Aunt Martha is perfect (though I wouldn't want her as my aunt). There is a little shady politicking going on that may play a major role in the investigation.  And then Aunt Martha's speculated mafia connections and the resulting outcome are totally unexpected.  And then for readers who want a touch of romance in their books, well just read the book - and remember the phrase "totally oblivious".

I'm interested in seeing where exactly this series is going and the little excerpt for the upcoming book 2 is a tantalizing tidbit.  The world of art theft and the FBI - time to brush up on your Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir art appreciation!  

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

About the Book:

Sketchy politics and a palette of lies 
can't stop Serena Jones from exposing the mastermind 
behind the daring theft of a priceless work of art

Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's determined to catch thieves and black market traders.

When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Serena leaps into action--and a whole heap of trouble.

About the Book:

Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren. Learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

3.21.2016

The Last Ride ~ Review

The Last Ride: An Andrea Carter Book
Circle C Milestones #3
By Susan K. Marlow

Andrea Carter is soon to turn 16 years old.  Her older sister Melinda is planning her wedding.  Justin and Lucy have a delightful baby - Samuel.  Life is about as good as it can get, until a letter from Aunt Lydia arrives.

Aunt Lydia and Uncle Benjamin are sending cousin Daniel out for the rest of spring and summer. Worse he'll be accompanied by Aunt Rebecca!  Andi doesn't remember much from Daniel's last visit, which was years ago.  But she has hopes that he'll be another friend with whom she can race and share adventures with.

But Daniel is not whom he pretends to be.  He refuses to do his share of the work and is more than happy to the exact opposite of what he is told to do and then pass the blame.  And Aunt Rebecca is more than willing to champion "poor Daniel who has never been subjected to such harsh conditions and uncivilized manners".   

Andi is willing to stand-up for her wayward cousin in town - after all Daniel is family but will he ever be a Carter in more than just his name?

But when Andi discovers exactly how Daniel is spending his time she is horrified.  And Daniel is determined that she keep his secrets.  Just how far is Daniel willing to go to keep Andi's silence? Andi is about to find out.

Get ready to take The Last Ride and be prepared to shed a few tears along the way as Andi and the Carter family faces a crisis that could forever alter their family.  As Andi struggles with her anger and bitterness she draws into herself pushing her family away.  

This is indeed another milestone in Andi's life and one that she'll need a little non-Carter help to get past it.  But who can reach Andi when she refuses to listen?  And can a broken-heart ever heal?

I really enjoy watching Andi grow with each new "adventure", though at times I hurt with her.  This is an excellent book and series to introduce young people and especially girls to history and life in 1880's California.  Life isn't sugar-coated and idealized, rather it is true to life with its hurts and pains, its joys and delights.

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


About the book:
Andi's newest adventure may be more than she can handle--even with her family's help

Andrea Carter is turning sweet sixteen and life could not be better. School's is almost over for good, and there will be plenty of time to train the colt of her treasured horse, Taffy. Best of all, big brother Chad is giving Andi more responsibilities on the ranch.

Her first job is to teach city-slicker cousin Daniel how things work on the Circle C. There's just one big problem: Daniel wants nothing to do with ranch life. Charming one minute and outrageously rude the next, he ignores common sense, defies authority, and proves to be a danger to everyone including himself.

Then Andi stumbles onto a horrify secret about Daniel, warns her to stay silent or face the deadly consequences. But all bets are off when Daniel's actions set off a chain of events that leave Andi brokenhearted and bitter.  Can anyone break through the wall around Andi’s bitter heart and help her find healing?

Loyal long-time readers of Susan Marlow's historical fiction will line up for an older Andi's newest adventure, and her discovery of how powerful love can be.