Tidewater Bride - A Review

 Author: Laura Frantz

Title: Tidewater Bride

Published: January 2021, Revell Books

Format: ebook, paper

About the book:

Selah Hopewell has no wish to marry. That’s a little unusual in the Virginia colony where men outnumber women 10-1. Yet, she’s content working in her father’s shop and assisting her mother. Her nearest neighbor, Xander Renick, is a successful tobacco farmer in the settlement. Xander has been a friend of Selah’s family for years. To everyone around, he’s still grieving the loss of his Powhatan wife. Yet his heart holds Selah in high affection. Can these two figure out a way to find happiness together?

My Thoughts:

Anytime I am able to pick up a Laura Frantz book, I know I’m in for a book that is rich in history, has well-developed characters, and will take me a while to read. That was certainly the case with this book! It’s so rich in history that I found myself reading a little bit here, and a little there in order to truly savor the book. It’s interesting to see a book delve into the early, early days of Virginia’s colonization. This one was set after Roanoke was lost while Jamestown was still new. I kept having songs from Disney’s Pocahontas in my mind as the backdrop for this beautiful novel. This was truly a delight to read and a history lesson at the same time.

I think that this would be a good book for a book club.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to share my thoughts and opinions. I was not required to like the book, but only to be honest with my thoughts.

Recommended for fans of: early American history, Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund, Lori Benton

Rating: 5 stars

Active Defense - A Review

 

Series: Danger Never Sleeps Book 3

Author: Lynette Eason

Title: Active Defense

Published: Revell Books, January 2021

Format: ebook, paper, audio

About the book:

Dr. Heather Fontaine is a surgeon who is used to life-or-death situations having been a field surgeon in Afghanistan. She expected to settle back into her life after her enlistment is over. Yet there’s a stalker after her. Travis Walker has been watching Heather’s back for weeks. When he learns she’s in danger, he will do anything to see she’s safe. Working together and in a race against time, they seek to learn who is after Heather and who wants her dead.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and actually fit the mood I was in while reading it. It’s been a while since I read one of Ms. Eason’s books, and I wasn’t disappointed in this one. This book was a page-turner from start to finish. I had an idea as to who wanted Heather dead, and I wasn’t wrong. What was interesting though was the why behind it. I also enjoyed catching up with some of the other characters.

I received an advanced e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my opinion of the book. I was not required to like the book, only share my honest opinion of it.

Recommended to fans of: Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dani Pettery, romantic suspense

Rating: 4 stars

The Land Beneath Us - A Review

Published: February 2020, Revell

Series: Sunrise at Normandy Book 3

Author: Sarah Sundin

Title: The Land Beneath Us

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About the book:

The Paxton brothers haven’t spoken to each other in years. In 1943, Private Clay Paxton is training with the Army Rangers in Tennessee. He’s determined to do his part to assist the Allied forces in France. Clay feels he has only one thing left to live for – fulfilling the dream of his death – especially since he blames his brothers for his future having been stolen. Civilian Leah Jones is working as a librarian at Camp Forrest when she meets Clay. She longs to rise above her upbringing as an orphan and belong to a community. When she’s brutally attacked, Clay saves her life and then marries her to save her reputation. When he ships out to Europe, the pair write each other and soon find themselves bound together over the distance. But is love between them possible?

My thoughts:

Oh how I loved this book! I literally read it in 2 and a half hours! It’s a great conclusion to the Normandy series. I loved how Clay and Leah both grew through the book. I also loved being able to catch up with the other Paxton brothers. This book had a story of hope in it. And a story of love overcoming. Every book I’ve read by this author has been a delight. They are well researched and full of complex characters. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next with her next book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin, Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund

Rating: 5 stars

Collision of Lies - A Review

Published: February 2020, Revell

Author: Tom Threadgill

Title: Collision of Lies

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About the book:

An accident between a school bus and a fast moving train left a community reeling for years. Now a fresh clue causes San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to question all that happened in the accident. One of the children from the accident may be alive. Now Amara must convince others that despite everything the case needs to be looked into again and hopefully bring the child home alive.

My thoughts:

This book was a page turner. There are so many layers to it that I did get a little lost, but it was well worth the ride the author took me on. I kept trying to figure out who was involved and what would happen. I can’t wait to read the next book that this author has in store.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Robert Whitlow, Tom Clancy

Rating: 4 stars

Words Between Us - A Review

Published - September 2019, Revell Books
Author - Erin Bartels
Title - The Words Between Us
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Robin Windsor has spent most of her life under an assumed name, running from her family's ignominious past. She thought she'd finally found sanctuary in her rather unremarkable used bookstore just up the street from the marina in River City, Michigan. But the store is struggling and the past is hot on her heels.

When she receives an eerily familiar book in the mail on the morning of her father's scheduled execution, Robin is thrown back to the long-lost summer she met Peter Flynt, the perfect boy who ruined everything. That book--a first edition Catcher in the Rye--is soon followed by the other books she shared with Peter nearly twenty years ago, with one arriving in the mail each day. But why would Peter be making contact after all these years? And why does she have a sinking feeling that she's about to be exposed all over again?

My Thoughts:
I was excited to hear about Bartels's newest book after loving her debut. This one did not disappoint. Well, ok, maybe a little. 

Seriously though, this one was still a pretty awesome read. I love dual timeline books and this one had one. I love how the main character is trying to connect the pieces of the past with the novels she's getting. Sure, it's a little slow-moving. But it didn't really feel that way. I agree with what others have said - the ending was rushed. I felt that the author had spent all this time developing the plot only to rush the ending. Maybe she had to hit a certain word count or was on a deadline. To be honest, I felt cheated. Cheated because there wasn't the development to the end that I was hoping for. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for the purpose of sharing my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, Rachel Hauck

Rating - 4 stars

Finding Lady Enderly - A Reivew

Published - August 2019, Revell
Author - Joanna Davidson Politano
Title - Finding Lady Enderly
Format - ebook, paper
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About the Book:
Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

My Thoughts:
Let me start by saying that this book was not for me. I'm in a minority here if the reviews on Amazon are any indication. 

I was intrigued by the back cover and the actual book cover. The way the book is described had me expecting a sort-of My Fair Lady type story. And it sort of is. 

Yet, I couldn't get into this book. I tried. I really did try. Perhaps this author's style isn't for me. I didn't connect to the characters. I was bored while reading it. In fact, I kept looking for reasons NOT to read the book. 

Obviously, I'm in a minority. Others LOVE the book. Others whose opinions I respect have raved about this book. And to be perfectly honest, I kept wondering "What are they seeing that I'm missing?" Followed by "when will it get better?" 

I know that not every book I pick up is going to be one that I love. Just like I know that not every author is for every reader. But I still don't like giving a negative review because I know how hard authors work on their book babies. 

This one, it's not for me. I plan on donating my copy to my local library though, so that others CAN enjoy the book.

I received a copy from the publishers in order to share my honest opinion of it. That is what I've done. I was not required to like the book, only share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 1 star

Vow of Justice - A Review

Published - August 2019, Revell Books
Author - Lynette Eason
Series - Blue Justice Book 4
Title - Vow of Justice
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes his life to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder." As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

My Thoughts:
I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. I really like the St. John family. Yet this one fell short for me. Yes I enjoyed it, but I really just feel blah about it. It was ok. I've found other books by this author to be better. I figured out by like the 3rd chapter who was the inside person, and I wasn't wrong. So, for me, there wasn't much suspense. I also wish that there had been more interaction with the St. John family. That's what I enjoyed most about the previous books. Will I read her next one? Yes! She's a great author. This one particular book just wasn't the best one for me.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion on it. I was not required to like the book, only share my honest opinion of it.

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason

Rating 3 stars

Deadly Intentions - A Review

Published - August 2019, Revell Books
Author - Lisa Harris
Title - Deadly Intentions
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book:
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:
This book had me captivated from the beginning. I was enthralled with it. Caitlyn wants answers. Josh feels that there's more to his wife's death than what was official. As the two kept finding more and more clues that point to murder, the book kept getting better and better. I didn't have any suspicions as to who was the master mind, so it came as a complete shock when I found out. I look forward to more by this author.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of the book. I was not required to like it only to give an honest opinion. 

Recommended to fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon

Rating - 4 stars 

Th String - A Review

Published - July 2019, Revell Books
Author - Caleb Breakey
Series - Deadly Games Book 1
Title - The String
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Welcome to the string, a game of impossible decisions and deadly consequences. Let's go over the ground rules.

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If anyone refuses to play, all threats will come to pass.
Game on.

Get ready for a deadly social experiment as a sociopath known as The Conductor delivers disturbing threats and twisted moral dilemmas to unsuspecting students and staff.

As a powerful instinct for self-preservation sweeps through the campus, one man has a grave decision to make. Will university cop Markus Haas play the game to protect those he loves? Or will he break the string and incite massive chaos--and even death?

My Thoughts:
This wasn't what I expected. I expected more of an adventure almost like DaVinci Code, but this one was way more than that. There were twists and turns that had me staying up way to late reading this book. This is one book that I'd classify as a thriller. Fans of Dekker, Peretti, and Steven James will enjoy the thrill ride that this book takes the reader on before it comes to a conclusion. This is a debut author that will certainly be on my radar again!

I received a copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion on it. I was not required to like the book, only share my honest opinion of it. 

Recommended to fans of Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Steven James, thrillers

Rating - 4 stars

Yours Truly, Thomas: A Review

Published - July 2019 Revell Books
Author - Rachel Fordham
Title - Yours Truly, Thomas
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book -
Penny works in the dead letter office. When a letter from "Thomas" to "Clara" comes across her desk, she's determined to locate Clara to get Thomas's letters to her. When she reaches a dead end, Penny anonymously sends Thomas a letter telling he she tried and that she is praying for him. Thomas left a world of business and traveled west. When he ends up in Azure Springs, Iowa, he decides it's a good place to stay. His letters to Clara have been unanswered and he doesn't know who the dead letter office clerk was. When circumstances bring Penny and Thomas together, they soon develop a friendship. Can that friendship blossom into something else?

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the trip back to Azure Springs. It was fun to catch up on some of the residents. I loved Penny's determination. I loved Thomas's heart. There were a couple of places where I felt that the book dragged a little, but those were far between. I never knew that there was such a thing as a dead letter office, so learning about that was very interesting. I hope to see more from this author set in Azure Springs.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of sharing my honest opinion of the book. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Rachel Fordham, Janette Oke

Rating - 4 stars

Living Lies - A Review

Published - May 2019, Revell Books
Series - Harbored Secrets Book 1
Author - Natalie Walters
Title - Living Lies
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.


My Thoughts:
This book kept my interest from the first page. I'm always a little unsure as to what to expect from an author's first book. Do I hope I'll find a new must read author? Will I be bitterly disappointed? This book fell in the first category for me. 

I felt bad for Lane, being the person who literally stumbles upon a dead body. But the way that those outside of her family tried to protect her made me want to just give her a hug. Her family, I didn't care for them. But I kept turning the pages in this book. I think it's the mark of a good author when writing suspense that the reader doesn't figure out who is the mastermind until the author reveals it. I kept trying to figure out how to put the pieces together, but I was missing something. Once it was revealed, I realized that it was obvious and I should have seen it all along. 

I am eagerly waiting for the next book by this author. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. I was not required to like the book, only to give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock

Rating - 4 stars

Rise of the Mystics - A Review

Published - May 2019, Revell Books
Series - Beyond the Circle Book 2
Author - Ted Dekker
Title - Rise of the Mystics
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book:
Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams. They are all wrong. 

Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness.

In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance.

As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter's world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal--but finding it will cost Rachelle everything.

So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl's quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

Ready? Set?

Dream.

My Thoughts:
I was so glad that this book was in my hand when I finished the first one. Book one ends with a cliffhanger, and this one picks up immediately where it left off. 

Rachelle's journey to find the last two seals is dangerous for both worlds. But her journey in itself is page-turning.

I was glad to read this book. It kept me up well past my bedtime. It was one of those that I'll probably reread again once this series has sunk into my brain.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Recommended to fans of Ted Dekker, thrillers

Rating - 4 stars

49th Mystic - A Review

Published - May 2018, Revell
Series - Beyond the Circle Book 1
Author - Ted Dekker
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book:
Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams.

They are wrong. In the small town of Eden, Utah, a blind girl named Rachelle Matthews is about to find out just how wrong.

When a procedure meant to restore Rachelle's sight goes awry, she begins to dream of another world so real that she wonders if Earth might only be a dream experienced when she falls asleep in that reality. Who is a simple blind girl to have such strange and fantastic dreams?

She's the prophesied one who must find and recover five ancient seals--in both worlds--before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, both worlds will forever be locked in darkness.

So begins a two-volume saga of high stakes and a mind-bending quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

Ready? Set?

Dream.

My Thoughts:
It's been a while since I picked up one of Ted Dekker's books. He never fails to disappoint. His books are action packed and can be classified as thrillers. This one follows the Circle series. It would be helpful to read that series first, but it's not necessary. 

This one is set in two worlds - the current one, and the one of dreams. Rachelle has to find the ancient seals, and with enemies after her, it won't be easy. 

I was drawn in from the first. I really couldn't put it down.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to promote it. I was not required to like it, only give my honest opinion. 

Recommended to fans of thrillers, Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti

Rating - 4 stars

The Edge of Over There - A Review

Published - April 2019, Revell
Series - Day the Angels Fell Book 2
Author - Shawn Smucker
Title - The Edge of Over There
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. But after the Tree and the lightning and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through. When it didn't, her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16-year-old Abra's long-delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road--a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother. The woman directs her to New Orleans where she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust. But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened.

My Thoughts:
I like fantasy. I enjoy science fiction. The premise of this novel intrigued me; especially since it fell into the sci-fi/fantasy genre. This book fell short for me though. I wanted to like it. I really did. But to be honest, it really didn't hold my interest. Maybe because it's book 2, and I didn't know that. Maybe it's because my current reading mood is mystery/suspense, or light-hearted reads. I don't know. All I know is that this one was a struggle to read. 

I didn't connect with the characters. In fact, I got a little bit lost in the changing perspectives. Unlike one of my current reads, the changing perspectives weren't all first person. But the entire time I was reading it, I felt like I was missing big pieces of the story. 

This is one book that just wasn't for me. Others may enjoy it, and if the positive reviews on Amazon are any indication, others do enjoy it. I didn't hate it, I just feel rather blah about it.

I received a copy from the publisher to share my honest opinion about it. I was not required to like the book, only to share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 3 stars

Published - March 2019, Revell
Author - Valerie Fraser Luesse
Title - Almost Home
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book:
With America's entrance into the Second World War, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants--and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse.

An estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war--they're all hoping Dolly's house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own.

When tragedy strikes, Dolly's only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before.

Award-winning and bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse breathes life into a cast of unforgettable characters in this complex and compassionate story of hurt and healing.

My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last! This book was beautiful. It was rich in details and I loved the characters. I also loved the search to find out the secrets of the past. While this novel isn't really a dual-time line book, it did delve into a separate timeline of the past through journals. This is one of those books that will sit with me and I'll remember for a while. It has a similar feel to several of Nicholas Sparks' books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Laura Frantz, Dandi McCall, Lisa Wingate, Nicholas Sparks

Rating - 5 stars

Never Let Go - A Review

Published - February 2019, Revell
Series - Uncommon Justice Book 1
Author - Elizabeth Goodard
Title - Never Let Go
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.

In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.

My Thoughts:
This book reminded me a lot of the books by Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason. It was a fast read and I really enjoyed it. I had thought that I knew who was the guilty party, but this time I was surprised. I didn't see that option coming. I loved seeing Willow's determination to finish the case her grandfather started. I"m eagerly awaiting book 2 in this series.

I received a copy from the publisher to share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson

Rating - 4 stars

The Sky Above Us - A Review

Published - February 2019, Revell
Series - Sunrise at Normandy Book 2
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - The Sky Above Us
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion. Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement. Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.


My Thoughts:
I don't think that there is a Sarah Sundin book that I haven't enjoyed. While there are some books I've liked more than others of hers, I've still enjoyed each of her books. This one was no exception.

In the first book, we met the Paxton brothers and learned what caused the rift between them. This one focuses on Adler, the middle brother. I enjoyed getting to know him. I also really enjoyed learning about D-Day through the air versus the ground. All of the stories I'd heard from my grandfather while growing up focused on the ground invasion at Normandy as that's what he was a part of. WWII books are ones that I do really enjoy. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my opinion. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin, historical fiction

Rating - 4 stars

A Bound Heart - A Review

Published - January 2019, Revell Books
Author - Laura Frantz
Title - A Bound Heart
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning--together.

My Thoughts:
Combine Scotland, historical fiction, plus a book by an author I have read everything from, and what do you get? A book that is amazing!

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for anything Scottish or Irish. There's just something about those locations that I love. When I learned that Laura Frantz had a new novel coming out that was partially set in Scotland, it immediately hit my radar. 

It was easy for me to be drawn into this beautiful story. Lark is easy to love. And so is Magnus. As their story unfolded, I felt that these characters were now friends of mine. I didn't want the book to end. I truly didn't.

As always, I look forward to the next book that this author has to offer.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. I was not required to like the book, only share my opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Jody Hedlund, Laura Frantz

Rating - 5 stars

Code of Valor - A Review

Published - January 2019, Revell Books
Series - Blue Justice Book 3
Author - Lynette Eason
Title - Code of Valor
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend's cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe--and catch those who would see her dead.

Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn't trust many people. And even though she let the detective who saved her life in on a few pertinent facts about why she was being attacked, there are some things you just don't share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that the secret she is keeping just might get them both killed.

My Thoughts:
This book was a page turner from start to finish. I couldn't put it down. 

I am really enjoying reading about the St. John family. They remind me so much of other fictional families. 

I loved seeing how Brady and his brothers worked to keep Emily safe. There was a plot twist that I didn't really see coming that had me going wow. Now, I did manage to figure out the overall villain in the book, but the suspense still had me quickly turning pages.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion. I was not required to like the book, only give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson


Rating 4 stars

We Hope for Better Things - A Review

Published - January 2019, Revell Books
Author - Erin Bartels
Title - We Hope for Better Things
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book:
When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request--that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos--seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse north of Detroit, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.

Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time--from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Michigan's Underground Railroad during the Civil War--to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.


My Thoughts:
Wow! So unexpected, but so good! I'm always a little leery of books by debut authors. I'm never sure what to expect. This one though, it blew me away.

There are three generations whose story is told - Mary (Civil War), Nora (1960's), and Elizabeth (modern). As Elizabeth searches for answers, she discovers more than she bargained for.

This book deals with a very difficult topic - racism in America. How the author addressed it was part of what blew me away with this book. It reminded me of several of Katie Ganshert's books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Katie Ganshert, Lisa Wingate

Rating - 5 stars