The Crescent Stone ~ Review

The Crescent Stone
The Sunlit Lands #1
By Matt Mikalatos

Madeline Oliver is dying - each breath is a struggle, each minute takes that much closer to the end. At seventeen she is not ready to die but there is nothing more that can be done. A year ago she had everything until her lungs stopped working. Still, she struggles to have as normal a life as she can, going to school when she is able - though making it to graduation is unlikely.

On that fateful day when she collapses in chemistry, it seems her life has come to an end but her lab partner Jason Wu along with her ex-boyfriend Darius Walker rushes her to the hospital. Madeline is dying she knows it but in the midst of everything something happens and she is given a chance. A year of service in an unknown land in exchange for her life healed from her disease.

Madeline makes the decision and soon she and Jason are making their way to the Sunlit Lands and the Elenil and one year of service. The Sunlit Lands upon first appearance seem idyllic but looks are but the surface and soon Madeline and Jason are peering beyond. The Elenil are at war with the Scim, a beastly warlike people bent upon the destruction of all. Madeline with her new health has a few concerns but the Elenil have been so good to her offering her the chance at life. Jason being Jason isn't content to just be told what is what and has to poke and prod and look beneath everything. And soon he is wondering just how the Elenil magic works.

Every action has a price and when the truth of the cost is revealed, Madeline and Jason have a choice before them. A choice that will bring life and death...

The Crescent Stone is the first book in the Sunlit Lands series and a most intriguing start it is. A world that once was whole and now torn by war. Treachery, betrayals, deceit or truth, kindness, loyalty? Can they determine the truth before it is too late?  Madeline and Jason are an interesting pair. Madeline is lost in her own pain and fears while Jason is hurting from a decision made out of love that cost him dearly - for both the Sunlit Lands is chance at a new beginning to right what is wrong in their lives. And those who call the Sunlit Lands home are a mix of humans who have come in service and the various peoples who come from this world. I think the following quote can sum up this book quite nicely "To change the world, change first a heart." This is my takeaway from this book.

And as a fun added bonus there is an appendix that shares "history" of this world through their stories which adds an interesting thread. And bonus there is an excerpt from the second book (DON'T READ AHEAD - you will totally ruin what is this book if you do!!!)

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


About the Book:
A girl with a deadly lung disease . . .
A boy with a tragic past . . .
A land where the sun never sets but darkness still creeps in . . . 

Madeline Oliver has never wanted for anything, but now she would give anything just to breathe. Jason Wu skates through life on jokes, but when a tragedy leaves him guilt-stricken, he promises to tell only the truth, no matter the price. When a mysterious stranger name Hanali appears to Madeline and offers to heal her in exchange for one year of service to his people, Madeline and Jason are swept into a strange land where they don’t know the rules and where their decisions carry consequences that reach farther than they could ever guess.

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Get a peek at the first chapter here

Dead Drift ~ Review

Dead Drift
Chesapeake Valor #4
By Dani Pettrey

Good news, bad news - this is the last book in the Chesapeake Valor series. Good news Luke Gallagher is back on the scene with his friends. Bad news the threat that he has been tracking all these years he's been gone has set his sights on Baltimore and Luke's friends are once again about to become targets.

As Luke tries to adjust to actually having contact with his friends he has to deal with the fallout of his actions all those years ago - years that they were left wonder where he was and if he was even alive. And when an attack on Charm City Investigations leaves one of their number injured they have to wonder if Luke brought the danger to them.

Kate Maxwell knew that Luke was alive and was determined to find him but when he finally shows up after all these years she doesn't know if she can trust him to not disappear again without a trace and once again breaking her heart.

Meanwhile, Griffin McCray and his wife Finley Scott-McCray are on taking on the cold case of Griffin's murdered sister. Armed with evidence of a possible serial killer they are determined to bring a killer to justice. There is just one problem the evidence that was gathered linking these cases belonged to a murdered agent. With a few vague clues that link these murders that happened in various states can they connect the dots or will they become the next victims?

As the final book in this series, the action comes to a climatic couple of peaks as the two cases that have been defining this series come to their conclusions. And there are some interesting and unexpected twists that have a bearing on whether or not everyone will have the ending they've been working and hoping for. And can you say betrayal? Because guess what someone gets betrayed big time. Overall it is a satisfying conclusion and not one to start if you have an early morning the next day.


About the Book:

The Final Countdown to Stop an Imminent Attack Has Begun.

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster. 

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

Check out an excerpt of Dead Drift here

Miss Serena's Secret ~ Review

Miss Serena's Secret
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2
By Carolyn Miller

Serena Winthrop's passion has always been her art until she associates it with a most devastating incident. And worse if her secret were ever become known her reputation would be ruined, not that her late father's misdeeds hadn't already cast a cloud upon the family name. With the care of her sister Catherine and brother-in-law Jonathan Carlew (from Winning Miss Winthrop) Serena at least has a safe place to hopefully heal.

Viscount Henry Carmichael is everything Serena dispises - charming and flirtatious, a gambler, and to all appearances lazy. But Henry has discovered a dissatisfaction with life especially when comparing it to that of his friends. Spending time with Jonathan at his family estate means that he'll be spending time with Serena Winthrop - whom seemingly regards him with disdain. But when Jonathan extracts a promise from him to tread carefully around Serena and to not pursue her Henry soon finds the promise is not as easy to keep as he believed it would be.

But when poor choices of his past come back to thwart his plans and hopes for the future Henry must decide where to place his trust. Will he place it in his own charm and skills or will he turn to Someone more eternal and faithful?

Those who have read Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Brides book will enjoy this newest book which allows us glimpses of some of the previous characters and how their lives have progressed. This is the second book in the second series but it can easily be a stand-alone if you have not yet read the previous 4 books.

About the Book:
With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted--especially not a man like the too-smooth Viscount Carmichael. His reputation as a flirt and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He's gambled with plenty of ladies' hearts as easily as he has with their husbands' money. But lately he's wondered if there's more to life--and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.

When Serena's guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not to woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.

Then the lady's painting leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

This second novel in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the rich historical detail and evocative writing her readers enjoy. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

Shattered Silence ~ Review with Giveaway

Shattered Silence
Echo Falls #3
By Marta Perry

Rachel Hartline's marriage has ended and as soon as she gets her husband's signature she can sell their home - the home she can't afford on her teacher's salary - the home she put so many hours into. But getting Paul's signature is no easy task and this attempt to get it is about to put her smack dab into the latest of Paul's schemes - one that could very well implicate her in a crime and places her in danger.

Clint Mordan is determined to get to the truth of what Rachel knows and just how deeply she and her "ex" are involved in this theft from his company. No matter how Rachel tries to avoid him and his questions he won't be put off.

When the situation takes a dangerous turn Rachel returns to the only place she ever called home. But will the danger that drove her from her home find her in the Amish community she used to love? And will those she loves be in danger now as well?

Shattered Silence is a romantic suspense that has an Amish element to it, but it isn't an Amish fiction per say.  The suspense is a constant almost throughout the whole story with the romance just a tad behind. The whole corporate espionage element was an intriguing twist - was he or wasn't he guilty? And as to the guilty party or parties, I have to say truly evil and uncaring - not anyone I'd care to associate with.

This is the third book of the Echo Falls series which I did not know before reading this book. I no way did I feel lost as if I had missed out on something, perhaps as this book deals mainly with Rachel whose life was outside of Echo Falls has a bearing on this. But be assured that this book can stand-alone. This book is an easy read and the suspense won't keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning unless you just decide to keep reading the night away. Fans of Love Inspired Suspense will want to pick up this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A woman on the run seeks sanctuary 

in a peaceful Pennsylvania Dutch 

community—and finds a protector 

in the most unlikely of men…

One moment Rachel Hartline is secure in her career and community. The next, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time—watching her ex-husband commit a crime that puts her in unfathomable danger. Fear and hurt send her home to an Amish farm and the family she’s always trusted. But a private investigator is close behind—and he may be a threat to her in more ways than one…

Cold, calculating Clint Mordan isn’t convinced Rachel is as innocent in her ex-husband’s schemes as she claims, but when her ex’s enemies target Rachel, Clint is driven to keep her safe. Maybe the terror in her beautiful eyes and the target on her back aren’t an act. But as his feelings toward her deepen, Clint realizes he’s the only one who can keep Rachel alive in a game where only the killer knows the stakes.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About Marta Perry:

Marta Perry realized she wanted to be a writer at age eight, when she read her first Nancy Drew novel. A lifetime spent in rural Pennsylvania and her own Pennsylvania Dutch roots led Marta to the books she writes now about the Amish. When she’s not writing, Marta is active in the life of her church and enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children and six beautiful grandchildren.

Connect with Marta 

Website | Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

Enter for a chance to win 1 (one) copy of 

Marta Perry's Shattered Silence.

Open to readers with a US postal address.

Runs from August 7 - August 12, 2018.

One random entry will be chosen

via the Rafflecopter website and
have 48 hours to reply with
their US Mailing Address
which will be shared with
the publisher.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to visit the other Marta Perry’s TLC Book Tours Stops:

Tuesday, July 24th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, July 25th: Books a la Mode 

Wednesday, July 25th: @girlandherbooks

Friday, July 27th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Monday, July 30th: A Holland Reads 

Tuesday, July 31st: Books & Spoons

Thursday, August 2nd: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, August 2nd: Stuck in Books 

Monday, August 6th: Cheryl’s Book Nook

Tuesday, August 7th: Blooming with Books 

Tuesday, August 7th: What is That Book About 

Wednesday, August 8th: Mystery Suspense Reviews

Thursday, August 9th: Mel’s Shelves

Friday, August 10th: Jathan & Heather

Monday, August 13th: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, August 14th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy 

The Love Letter ~ Review

The Love Letter
By Rachel Hauck

Chloe Daschle has been typecast almost from the moment she began acting at six years old. She's known for her dying roles - she always dies. And unfortunately for her, her real-life romances seem to be going the same route always dying. Which for Chloe is awful as her dream is to find her one-true-love, her soul-mate, get married and have a family that lasts and to not die in a film. Her happily ever after isn't going too well but she may have found the perfect role in which she would live...

Jesse Gates a screenwriting newbie has created Bound by Love based on an old family heirloom - a letter written in the late 1700's but never sent - a love letter that was never finished. Jesse's screenplay is his answer to this letter and chance at love lost and rediscovered. And his female lead Esther Kingsley is Chloe's role she knows it and she's determined to convince the director that she is Esther!

But who are Esther Kingsley and the man who has captured her heart, Hamilton Lightfoot?  Esther and Hamilton grew up as neighbors and friends and though they seem perfect for one another their path to marriage is one that may never occur. Caught on opposing sides of the revolution that is sweeping the American colonies their unspoken love seems doomed from the moment the reader is introduced to them. Esther's father is a Loyalist and a peer of the nobility. Hamilton is a farmer, the nephew of a Presbyterian minister, and friend to those seeking representation. With war on their very doorstep, their loyalties to each other and to those they hold dear will be tested. Can love stay true or will it be yet another casualty of war?

The Love Letter is a story that told from the viewpoint of two times centuries apart and from the varying perspectives of four people who are most affected by this letter. I like the back-and-forth between both characters and time as the story progresses. There isn't a jarring change as the scene changes and actually helps the story flow. The book opens with Hamilton on the field of battle and it doesn't look good for him. Then we are taken further back and Esther and Hamilton's backstory unfolds. Could Jesse's story be true or was the path of love destroyed by a Revolution and family loyalties?

I've read several of Rachel Hauck's books in the past and I can honestly say I believe this is my favorite. For once I like all the main characters and am invested in their stories. I enjoyed the path of the letter and how it ties everything together and the final outcome - well you'll just have to read the book to know if anyone finds the love they seek. You won't be sorry and there may be a surprise or two just off stage.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes 

a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.

When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.

Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.

Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

About Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower.

Connect with Rachel

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Instagram Tour:

Monday, July 23rd: @theshybooks

Monday, July 23rd: @willbakeforbooks

Tuesday, July 24th: @read_write_coffee

Wednesday, July 25th: @createexploreread

Thursday, July 26th: @thecaffeinated_bibliophile

Friday, July 27th: @hollyslittlebookreviews

Friday,  July 27th @kim_reads

Sunday, July 29th: @acozyreader

Tuesday, July 31st: @rissi006

Review Tour:

Monday, July 23rd: Write Read Life

Tuesday, July 24th: The Romance Dish

Wednesday, July 25th: Running Through the Storms

Thursday, July 26th: A Holland Reads

Friday, July 27th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Monday, July 30th: Books & Bindings

Tuesday, July 31st: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, August 1st: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, August 2nd: Jathan & Heather

Friday, August 3rd: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Friday, August 3rd: @ladyofthelibrary

Monday, August 6th: Blooming with Books

Monday, August 6th: Fiction Aficionado

Tuesday, August 7th: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, August 8th: What is That Book About

Thursday, August 9th: Girl Who Reads

Friday, August 10th: Broken Teepee

Monday, August 13th: Here’s to Happy Endings

Tuesday, August 14th: Empowermoms

Thursday, August 16th: Read Eat Repeat

Dog Days ~ Thoughts and Movie Trailer

There is nothing like having a dog - I should know I've never been without one and can't imagine a dogless state. When I'm feeling down they are always ready to put a smile on my face. My dogs are my best friends.

Do they have to be puppies to find a way into my heart? No, I've opened my heart and home to dogs in their teens and they have as much love to offer as the youngest ones. Do you have a bad hair day? Everything just slightly off? Your dog won't hold it against you because they aren't judging you by how you appear to others they see you with eyes of love.

Can their hearts be broken? Yes, they mourn when a loved one is lost. They feel joy at a reunion with one long absent. And they are jealous of our affection.

When I was 10 we had a stray puppy show up at our house - no one ever claimed her so Clancy joined our family. We had her almost 14 years. She moved with us through two cross-country moves. We left our human friends behind but our playmate and childhood companion came with us. She welcomed our new puppies as they came into our home becoming the big sister or substitute mom they needed as they adjusted to their new home. Clancy was the perfect dog - patient with little hands and little paws. When she got cancer she fought against its ravages until it was time to say goodbye.

Dogs can be our champions, the heroes in our lives, and the family who loves us always and forever.

Have you heard about the new upcoming movie Dog Days? 

Check out the movie trailer below

TRAILER:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAfqqHwgI1U

SYNOPSIS:  DOG DAYS is a hilarious and heartfelt ensemble comedy that follows the lives of multiple dog owners and their beloved fluffy pals.  When these human and canine’s paths start to intertwine, their lives begin changing in ways they never expected.  This is a sweet film about the joy our furry friends bring into our lives and what they can teach us about treating people with kindness and compassion.  DOG DAYS releases in theaters in August 8.

Please leave a comment about your favorite pet memory for a chance at

a gift card that will be randomly selected on August10, 2018.

Include your email like the following example to be entered.

me (at) gmail (dot) com

You'll be contacted via email so be sure to reply within 24 hours.

Formula of Deception ~ Review

Formula of Deception
By Carrie Stuart Parks

Murphy Anderson has a secret - she's not who she says she is. Yes, she is Murphy Anderson sort of but she has distanced herself from the woman she used to be. Ever since her sister was murdered - there may not have been a body but Murphy knew. With the special bond that they shared as twins she just knew. And she was in Kodiak on a mission to find her sister and hopefully find peace herself.

But when Murphy's purse and all her identification and funds are stolen she reluctantly uses her art skills to help the local PD. Ten years ago a hunter - Vasily Scherbakov went to Ruuwaq Island but what he found was not the game he sought instead, he stumbled upon the remains of five men. For tens years he has kept this terrible secret but now on his deathbed, he wishes to unburden his soul and unfortunately for Murphy, she's the person that the Kodiak PD is tasking with creating a sketch of the scene and the victims.

Shortly after this first interview, anyone related to this cold case seems to be a target for someone who is determined to keep the past firmly and completely in the past. And when it appears that her sister's killer has found her Murphy finds herself wondering whom she can trust...

Formula of Deception is an intense page turning all night read! Seriously one truly is left wondering for the vast majority of this book who would be left standing at the end. And as to the murderer - well you have to read the book to wrap your mind around this twisted web of lies and betrayals. Maybe wait a year or two to visit Kodiak if, by chance that is on your list of things to do, I think they may need to do a wee bit of rebuilding.

If you are looking for a good mix of action, suspense, and whodunit that appears to be a standalone book pick up this book and dive in! Yes, there are several murders but it is not a horrendously gruesome book - I made that mistake once and have since been picker about what I read.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher through their BookLook blogger program with no expectations other than that I offer my honest review - all opinions offered are my own.


About the Book:
An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and back in the killer’s crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.

As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?