The Spice King ~ Review

The Spice King
Hope and Glory #1
By Elizabeth Camden

Annabelle Larkin has been given an almost impossible task - secure a sample of the Vanilla Orchid from the private collection of Gray Delacroix. But Gray Delacroix has spent years amassing his collection and he isn't about to share it with the Smithsonian. But Annabelle's future and her job depend upon this. 

But Annabelle is faced with a choice when she manages to make an impression on Gray Delacroix and is given access to his world. But Washington, DC, is nothing like the Kansas farm that she grew up on. And all too soon she is caught between two worlds that of society and of the government.

Set in 1900, The Spice King focuses on the Delacroix family who lost almost everything in the Civil War. With hard work and sacrifice, they rebuilt and were known for their botanical expeditions and the expansive private collect they had amassed. Their goal was to grow and produce locally what had to be brought in. But various government agencies seemed bent on preventing them from profiting from their work. Unfortunately, Annabelle stumbles into this mess. She needs her job at the Smithsonian so that she and her sister can remain in Washington.

This is a fascinating look at just how far some individuals will go to obtain what they desire - no collateral damage is too high and anyone in their way, well too bad for them. I loved the various historical aspects of this book. The fight over food purity, the right for women to work in untraditional fields, and a look into the life of the US President.

This book is the first book in a new series Hope and Glory and if this one is any indication it is likely to become a favorite series. If you love historical fiction this one brings it to life in a fantastic way that makes you just connect with the characters. Lovely and well worth multiple reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own honest opinions.


About the Book:
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

Hereafter ~ Review

Hereafter
The Lost Princesses #3
By Jody Hedlund

Emmeline has always known she was one of the lost princesses of Mercia. For the last 18 years, she has been raised by the very people who saved her and her sisters from the blade of King Ethelwulf. But the time has come to leave all she's known and join with her sisters in their attempt to reclaim the throne that rightfully belongs to Queen Adelaide Constance. But Emmeline fears that she hasn't the courage to face the coming war, she wants nothing more than to continue living the life she has always known. But change is coming whether she wants it to or not.

Prince Ethelrex (Rex), as the elder son of King Ethelwulf, is heir to the throne of the united Kingdom of Bryttania. But to secure his position and to stop the rebellion, Rex has been tasked by his father to secure the remaining princess and marry Emmeline upon capturing her. But finding this hidden away princess is no easy task as he is in a race against Queen Adelaide's rebels in securing her and her key to the ancient treasure of Solomon.

Forced into a marriage she doesn't want Emmeline wonders if this is her purpose to be a means to bring peace to the land and avoid the bloodshed war is sure to bring. Or is she merely a tool to be manipulated by King Ethelwulf to destroy her sisters? And Rex's promise that he meant his marriage vows - manipulation or truth? Emmeline's future and her heart depend on who Rex truly is.

Hereafter is the conclusion to the Lost Princess series and it is a series that must be read in order as each book builds upon what came before. For those who have read Always, we get to catch up on the life that Felicia and Lance took to protect the three princesses. The book and series end in such a way that it should prove satisfactory to almost everyone. And yes this book continues the clean YA standard those familiar with Jody Hedlund's YA works expect and appreciate. This is one series you don't want to miss.

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:

The third lost princess. 

The final key to the treasure. 

And a battle for the throne.

Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.

Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.

Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?

The Promises of God Bible Storybook ~ Review

The Promises of God Storybook Bible
The Story of God's Unstoppable Love
By Jennifer Lyell
Illustrated by Thanos Tsilis

This book has over 50 Bible stories (24 from the Old Testament and 28 from the New Testament). Each story is told through a lovely blend of text and illustration. Jennifer Lyell uses her years of experience as a Sunday School teacher in the text portion of the book almost using a conversational style to tell each story. And the illustrations that accompany each will catch young eyes as the story is read.

The book opens with Creation and moves through the first sin, the flood, and Noah's Ark. Then the attention is turned to Abraham and his descendants as they become the nation of Israel while in Eygpt all the while hoping for the promised Savior. Again and again, Israel fell short, failing to heed the word of the prophets God sent to them until years went by with no word from God. After generations of silence, God again spoke to His people but His message was limited to a select few including a young woman named Mary. Mary was to be the mother to God's promised Savior. We are then taken through Jesus's birth, childhood, ministry, and His death. When we read through the story of the Resurrection we notice that the author wove the story of Job into it. The ministry of the disciples following Jesus's accession then takes up the majority of the book with the last two stories coming from Revelation.

This is a nice introduction to the Bible for young readers. I think it is better for children over 2 just for comprehension purposes but that doesn't mean you can't share with those that are younger. I think this would be an excellent choice for either morning or evening devotion times. The length of each story is perfect for young listeners who have a shorter attention span but not so short as to feel skimped. The book is over 200 pages so you can estimate about 4 pages per story.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

God’s love is unstoppable. 

And that’s a promise.

Noah’s ark. Joseph’s dreams. Jesus’s miracles. The Bible is rich with stories for our children to hear and enjoy, but when those stories uncover the thread of God’s promises, our children learn much more than individual Bible stories. They discover how God has demonstrated His love for us, from the first promise in the garden to the promise of the new heavens and earth.

A conversational, whimsical, biblically faithful retelling of more than fifty key Bible stories, The Promises of God Storybook Bible lets your child hear favorite stories with new ears, repeatedly assuring them that each word is proof of God’s unstoppable love and unbreakable promises to His people.

The Last Thing She Said ~ Review with Giveaway

The Last Thing She Ever Said

Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3

By Lauren Carr

Read by Mike Alger

Nearly 40 years ago mystery author Mercedes Livingston disappeared. Everyone assumed she and her husband George were the victims of a kidnapping gone wrong.  But Harper's Ferry has been hiding the truth about this cold case and now it is up to Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad to clear their late friend in the decades-old case.

Can the Geezer's determine what happened after all these years? Putting their varied skills to use and calling on those they know they are convinced that they can discover the truth. But when Helen's ex shows up they have to deal with him and all the baggage he's about to dump on Chris.

Anyone familiar with Lauren Carr's other series will enjoy getting a few brief scenes with Mac, Archie, Joshua, Gnarly, and the political scene that is brewing on Spencer Mountain. Oh, yeah, there are some interesting developments in regard to Gnarly's mayorship and Chris's dog Sterling gets caught up in Gnarly's antics (in my opinion the best story thread in the book and worth a few laughs).

Let's just say Gnarly was at his best in this one in one-upping his political opponent.

With plot twists and a whole cast of suspects, this one will keep the Geezers and the reader occupied with figuring out just what happened all those years ago. But to uncover the truth they have to go back to the cold case upon which Mercedes Livingston's best-seller was based. And could the last words Mercedes Livingston spoke to Chris all those years ago be a clue? 

Get ready for some unexpected twists, betrayals, and political shenanigans in this newest addition to the mystery world created by Lauren Carr. 

I listened to the audio version of this book and the reading by Mike Alger is excellent. This is a murder mystery and as such, the reader should expect some violence and in general misdeeds that don't paint some of the characters in a good light. 

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. 

** Some readers might find some scenes objectionable due to content

so if you want gentle reads this isn't one you will want to read. 

Book Description:
​“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

  Buy the Book:
Amazon.com *

Add to Goodreads​​

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr

Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  386 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   July 22, 2019
Formats available for purchase:  paperback, ebook, audiobook (audible and iTunes)
Tour dates: October 7 to November 15, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Meet the Author:  

 Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Thorny Rose, Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries—over twenty titles across four fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

---

Connect with the author:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:

​Oct 7 – Working Mommy Journal – book review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 7 - JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book review of Ice / giveaway
Oct 7 – Bookriot – audiobook review of Ice / giveaway
Oct 7 – Just Another Reader – book review of Ice
Oct 7 - Rita's Reading Room – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Oct 7 - Viviana MacKade – series spotlight / guest post
Oct 8 - Just Another Reader – book review of Winter Frost
Oct 8 - JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Oct 8 – Amy’s Booket List – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post /
             giveaway
Oct 9 - Cuzinlogic - series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 9 - JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book review of The Last Thing She Said /
              giveaway
Oct 9 – Just Another Reader – book review of The Last  Thing She Said
Oct 9 - The Voracious Bibliophile – book review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 10 – Librorum in Sempiternum – book review of Ice / giveaway
Oct 11 – It's All About the Book – book review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 14 – b for bookreview – series spotlight / author interview
Oct 15 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Ice / giveaway
Oct 15 – Pause for Tales – book review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 16 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said /
                 guest post / giveaway
Oct 17 – Library of Clean Reads – series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 18 - Library of Clean Reads – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 19 – Bookriot – audiobook review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Oct 20 – Librorum in Sempiternum – book review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Oct 21 - Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 21 - Words And Peace – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 22 – Kristin’s Novel Café – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 23 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said /
                 guest post
Oct 24 – Haddie's Haven – audiobook review of Ice / giveaway
Oct 24 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 24 - My Journey Back - series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 25 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 25 - StoreyBook Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 26 – Bookriot – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Oct 28 – Sefina Hawke's Books – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said
Oct 29 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of The Last  Thing she Said / giveaway
Oct 29 – My Reading Journeys – book review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Oct 30 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – book spotlight of The Last Thing She Said /
                 giveaway
Oct 31 – Dab of Darkness Book Reviews – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said
                 / giveaway
Nov 1 – Life as Leels – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 4 – Books for Books – audiobook review of Ice / giveaway
Nov 5 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 6 – fundinmental – book review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Nov 6 - My Reading Journeys – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 7 – Haddie's Haven – audiobook review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Nov 8 – Literary Flits – series spotlight / giveaway
Nov 11 – The Avid Inspri – book review of Ice / giveaway
Nov 11 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Nov 12 – Librorum in Sempiternum – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
​Nov 13 - A Fountain of Books - book review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post / giveaway
Nov 14 - T's Stuff – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / author interview /
                 giveaway
Nov 15 - The Avid Inspri – book review of Winter Frost / giveaway
Nov 15 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 18 – Laura's Interests – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post /
                 giveaway
Nov 18 - Books for Books – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 19 – JBronder Book Reviews – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said
Nov 19 - Shalini's Books and Reviews – book review of The Last Thing She Said
Nov 20 - fundinmental – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 20 – Haddie's Haven – audiobook review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post /
                 giveaway
Nov 20 - I'm All About Books – book review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post /
                giveaway
Nov 20 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review of The Last Thing She Said /
                giveaway
Nov 21 – Books Are Love – book review of The Last Thing She Said / author interview /
                 giveaway
Nov 21 - The Avid Inspri – book review of The Last Thing She Said / guest post /
​                 giveaway
Nov 22 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of The Last Thing She Said / giveaway
Nov 22 – SammieReadsBook – book review of The Last Thing She Said / author
                 interview / giveaway
Nov 22 -  Jypsylynn – book review of The Last Thing She Said

​

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

​Ends November 30th, 2019

Prize: ​ Win a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of 

The Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

A Cross to Kill ~ Review

A Cross to Kill A Shepherd Suspense Novel #1 By Andrew Huff John Cross has a secret past and he wants to keep it that way, but occasionally the CIA needs his help. But he is determined to not take a life if he can help it. His past as an assassin for the CIA is at odds with his current call - that of a small-town pastor.  When he is again called to rescue Christine Lewis, a news journalist captured by AIM (Alliance of  Islamic Military) he has to act fast and keep his shots sure so as to not take a life. But his rescue of Christine soon has her on the scent of a story - the story of her own rescue and the mystery man who saved her just in time. But when Cross's past comes looking for him everyone he cares about is in danger.  Can he keep his vow of peace when lives are at stake?  A Cross to Kill is the first book in the Shepherd Suspense series and it promises to be a most intriguing series if this book is any indication. And if you are wondering about the "Shepherd" well there are two reasons - the first with Christine's rescue the code name Cross uses and the second that Cross is a pastor.  This book is Christian Suspense and it definitely falls well within this heading but don't expect a clean no violence read - it just isn't excessive like some suspense reads. This book explores the moral compass of a life that has determined to change. But can the sins of the past ever truly be left behind? This is the situation that John Cross finds himself in and it proves to be a most excellent story thread throughout without being in your face and preachy. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. About the book: A gripping debut thriller pits a man of God against terrorists—and his own deadly past  John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past. But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf—an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again. Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow—even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the crossfire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer.  Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, but also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

A Christmas Haven ~ Review

A Christmas Haven
An Amish Christmas Romance
By Cindy Woodsmall
  and Erin Woodsmall

Ivy Zook wants to leave the confinement of her Old Order Amish upbringing behind - she wants the freedom to be herself. But to do this she'll have to hurt her family and walk away from the family farm. Not wanting to leave her mother with the daily labor of the farm she pushes her mother to sell the farm. But with her sister Holly's wedding soon to be upon them Ivy temporarily postpones her plans.

Arlan Keim is desperate to get his sister Magda the medical help she needs. His family is an ultraconservative sect that shuns everything modern and any perceived sin is met with the strictest measures by their father. But when their trip for medicine ends with a crash into Greene's Pharmacy their plans are suddenly upset.

The Zooks open their home to the Keim siblings as Magda recovers and Arlan offers to help around the farm - milking the cows, making repairs, and helping out with the crops. Can the kinder freer attitude of the Zook's community offer something that will appeal to Arlan and Magda?

 Christmas is a time for miracles and grace and A Christmas Haven has both as Ivy, Holly, Arlan, and Magda all find something worth having. At approximately 200 pages this book is a surprisingly quick read. The story is well-paced and enjoyable. One can relate to the characters as they navigate life and try to find where they fit in it. I really like Ivy and like how her character just comes alive and she makes the scenes something more with her very presence.

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



About the Book:

In a desire to grow her budding party-planning business,

Ivy plans to leave behind her Old Order Amish community

and enter the modern world as an Englischer.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.

Unscripted ~ Review

Unscripted
By Davis Bunn

Danny Byrd's life and reputation have been destroyed by the betrayal of his best friend. He knows that he'll never achieve his dreams of being a producer. Worse he is bankrupt, his business owes money everywhere, and he is sitting in jail assigned a public defender who could care less.

Megan Pierce has worked hard to make a place for herself in the law firm where she has been made senior associate. But all the hours and the elitist attitude of the partners and their A-list Hollywood clients. When she is offered a chance to defend a client who has been unfairly accused she takes the case and changes her future in the process.

When Megan and Danny come together for a project that offers  Danny a second chance they could change not only their world but that of a hurting young woman. Emma has a talent and voices her pain through her music - Emma's gift speaks to Danny and he knows that Emma has to be in his new project. But can a disgraced line producer and an unknown teen create something that will give them a future that seems to be a dream that will never be fulfilled?

Davis Bunn has a way with words and he isn't limited to one genre. The characters seemingly come to life and leave the ties of the page behind. Danny is a layered and complex individual who is dealing with the issues of his past that he thought he'd long left behind. But when he faces an unexpected betrayal he has to deal with what is missing in his life. Fortunately, Megan Pierce's parents offer the young producer their friendship and a willing ear to hear what he needs to share. This book is contemporary fiction and it is excellent reading. This isn't high-intensity reading but rather fiction that deals with the every day, with living life.

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



About the Book:
Young line producer Danny Byrd is well-known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to her impossible bosses only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it--even though she's not entirely clear what "it" is.

Danny and Megan are each other's best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other's best hope for love.

Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn takes you into the beating heart of Hollywood with two characters determined to thrive in a cutthroat business.