Search This Blog

Saturday, July 28, 2018

A GATHERING OF SECRETS by LINDA CASTILLO

Hard hitting in your face action from the beginning gives this book a punch into the world of secrets and discoveries in a small community of the Amish . I was shocked at the opening pages and wondered where the story was heading. I must say it was realistic and opens the door to something that happens more often than we know.

I loved how the author weaved the characters together to a place were they connected in a way that unleashes terror in a small town. The fire that was mysterious started in a barn takes the life of Daniel Gingerich. He was respected in the community and seemed to be a good kid. As the story progresses, the dark hidden side of Daniel starts to emerge. I was so upset reading what this young man did , I wanted to scream and cry at the same time. I wonder how much of this is done that is never reported?

When the investigation continues into his death, people aren't so free with information. It has always surprised me that the Amish don't really like the police and would rather keep things within the community. Kate is having a hard time piecing together who killed Daniel. One thing is clear however; Daniel has led a double life and it seems to have caught up with him.  I loved how strong Kate is and her unique way of getting information. She is sharp and very intuitive. There is a bit of strong language in the book, but don't let that stop you from reading a chilling, well written story that explodes with suspects and secrets that will shock a community to its core. Who killed Daniel Gingerich? The ending is powerful and I was very surprised at who the guilty person was.This is one of the author's best books written to date. Grab a copy and find out what secrets can get a person killed.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.


THE HOPE OF AZURE SPRINGS by RACHEL FORDHAM

This is a beautifully written story that takes readers to 1881 where the land was hard to work and the town was small in Azure Springs, Iowa. The author  captures the time period with breathtaking scenery painted by words. I could see the town and the promises of growth and wealth in the small but  almost forgotten piece of the world.

The character Em is a rare and mysterious young woman. She has been left to die but lucky for her was found and taken in by a gracious family. Em has had a hard life and her strength overwhelmed me. She never gives up and her determination is far greater than most her age. I loved how she didn't want hand outs and was willing to work to repay the family that helped her. She also has a mission to find her sister.

Caleb is the sheriff and wants to find out who hurt Em and why. He has this sense of protection over her and wants to help her find answers to her past. Their relationship is slow and I kept wondering why Em was referred to as a plain woman. Perhaps people couldn't see the real beauty she had inside. The author draws the characters closer as they open up about their past. There are emotional times that brought tears to my eyes. Will Em find her sister? Can Caleb and Em learn to trust each other? It's hard to believe this is a debut novel . The writing flows easily and the character development is right on track. There is a bit of danger in the story that will keep readers on their toes. Overall I love the townspeople and how they came together to help Em feel at home.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing . The review is my own opinion.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Revealed FB Banner copy

About the Book

Revealed
Title: Revealed
Author: Elaine Manders
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: December 27, 2018
Nothing can be hidden that won’t be revealed.
When her father dies, Katherine Levinson discovers her parents have kept secrets that render her happy childhood a farce. She and her gravely ill mother face eviction, and she has no choice but to appeal to the brother she’s never seen, the famous cattle baron, Rhyan Cason. Over her gravely ill mother’s objections, they move to Nebraska and the sprawling cattle ranch, Sollano.
Instead of the warm welcome Katherine expects, she and her mother are met with whispers and scorn in the little prairie town near Sollano. Gradually, the sins of her parents’ past surface, and Katherine begins to doubt her very identify. With her brother busy with cattle rustlers and her mother too ill to be bothered, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a soft-spoken neighboring rancher, for comfort.
Tired of waiting for the right woman to come along, Colt has promised to wait for Charley Ryder, an acclaimed female sharp shooter and equestrian acrobat with the Wild West Show, but it’s becoming clear Charley loves the show more than him. As his attraction to Katherine grows, he finds himself spiritually conflicted. How can he break from past commitments and follow his heart?
Then unexpected danger strikes, testing Katherine’s and Colt’s faith in God—and each other.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Elaine MandersElaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. Her stories twist, turn, and surprise, told by characters who aren’t afraid to show their love for God and each other. She grew up a small town country girl and now lives in Central Georgia with her fur baby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, sewing, crafts, and spending time with her family.




Guest Post from Elaine Manders

My Backstory
Intrigue under Western Skies Series, Book 3
Revealed

Back when I watched television, drama series were my favorite—Little House of the Prairie, the Waltons, the Virginian. I was caught up in the lives of these characters and looked forward to seeing what they were up to each week. For much the same reason, I enjoy writing episodic series.
Intrigue under Western Skies, a blended genre, historical romantic suspense series falls in this category. Some of the characters show up in every book, with new ones added along the way. But the books can be read out of sequence since each one has a different premise and plot.
In Revealed, Book 3 of Intrigue under Western Skies, I wanted to give Colt Holliman, previously introduced as a secondary character, his own HEA. Also, it seemed the time to reveal what happened to Rhyan Cason’s mother, the woman who’d caused so much angst in the first two books. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to introduce Katherine, the sister he never knew existed.
Unexpectedly, my research led me to the history of show business, and how it developed through the Wild West shows of the nineteenth century. From that, a mystery evolved.
The spiritual thread running through Revealed explores the emotions of a young woman who discovers blood relatives have been hidden from her. Can she accept and love her new family and forgive the sins of her parents?
Maybe the greatest insight I gained from writing Revealed is that one can never trust his own heart without first trusting God.



Review.jpg

I love reading western stories and this one is filled with such great history that 1885 came to life. I loved learning about Katherine and how her life was going to change forever when she travels with her mother to Nebraska. It's not every day you find out you have a brother who just happens to be a very rich cattle rancher. Her mother is quite ill so hopefully she can get some medical attention when they arrive. I loved the mystery surrounding who Katherine's real father is. What secret did her mother keep from her that may cause friction when they arrive into town?

It was so interesting to read about the Wild West Show. I can remember watching shows like that when I was younger. The stunts that were done by the people on the horses were death defying. I couldn't believe how precise they were. The horses were obedient and beautiful. Charley fascinated me with her skills not only on a horse but with a gun. She was definitely a good shot and I would  feel safe around when it is discovered that there is a thief trying to steal cattle and horses.

One of the most beautiful things said in the story was by Colt as he was consoling Katherine. He said, "Your name doesn't define you. Your parents don't define you. Your past doesn't define you. You're made in the image of God, and that makes you equal with everyone else. Never forget that." If only we could remember that when we feel shame or unworthy. It was a moment for me to realize that my insecurity needs to disappear and to hold my head up.

Katherine is surrounded by secrets from her past and the town is sure doing a good job of gossiping abut her. I loved the story between Colt and Katherine. Katherine is hesitant in showing her feelings to Colt. Will she learn to trust him? I loved the intrigue in the story and the author caught me by surprise with the story line. I began to wonder who could be trusted when a baby is kidnapped. The story has plenty of action and a lesson in trust, jealousy and believing in yourself and God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 17
The Avid Reader, July 18
Remembrancy, July 19
Mary Hake, July 20
cherylbbookblog, July 27
Pause for Tales, July 27
Henry Happens, July 29
Bigreadersite, July 29

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee6/revealed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Cowboy Bodyguard FB Banner

About the Book

cowboy bodygaurd
Title: Cowboy Bodyguard
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Western, Mystery
Release Date: July 3, 2018
In this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she’s hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he’s ever loved.


Guest Post from Dana Mentink

I’ve spent a bit of time in emergency rooms lately. Not to complain, mind you. The asthma related treatments worked like a charm and we were blessed by good care, so I am not grateful. There’s a bonus, too. The emergency room is a great place for people watching! Hour upon hour I spent surveying patients, relatives, nurses and doctors. I came away pondering what it must be like to work in the strange bustle that is an emergency room. That’s where character Shannon Livingston was born.

The E.R doc and nurses must be brilliant problem solvers with nerves of steel because they never know what will roll through their doors. Since they are not responsible for follow up care, they have only a short term relationship with their patients. But what would happen, my fictional mind wanted to know, if one emergency room treatment ensnared Shannon in a “run for your life” scenario? And what if her incredible life saving skills weren’t nearly enough to save her own life, or the baby she’s suddenly become responsible for? Ah me! The perfect scenario for a suspense novel, no? I hope you enjoy Cowboy Bodyguard. I can promise it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

About the Author

Dana MentinkDana’s Bio: Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)


Review.jpg


The story starts with danger and continues throughout the story. Working in an emergency room can be dangerous as Shannon finds out.  She knows the news she is about to deliver will not be pleasant but she is determined to not let the Scarlet Tide motorcycle group intimidate her. I felt so bad for the young woman Dina. It looks like she is being blamed for the accident. 

I thought Dina was brave to escape from the Scarlet Tide with her baby. She must rely on Shannon to help her get to safety before they find her. When Shannon makes a plea to her estranged husband, I could just imagine his shock. Jack couldn't believe the message on his phone. Just when he was getting use to the idea that a divorce was imminent, Shannon calls him for help. Shannon and Jack have their hands full when Dina bolts and leaves behind her baby. The intense drama is excellent as they figure out how to keep ahead of the Scarlet Tide. There is a funny line that I can't overlook. When the leader of the group catches up with Shannon, she is with Jack a very tough and protective cowboy. The leader asks Jack, "So, who do you think you are? John Wayne? "  If ever there was a well known tough cowboy, it would have to be John Wayne. I had this image of him standing there staring the leader down with an attitude that would scare anyone. Jack sure fits that image as he addresses the leader. I think Shannon has found someone who she can depend on.

Jack and Shannon are in for a bumpy road as they try to out maneuver the biker club. There is a leak somewhere because they can't seem to stay ahead of them. I really enjoyed the relationship between Jack and Shannon. Who gets so busy with their life, they forget to file divorce papers after seven years? There is definitely some trust issues and insecurity going on and I couldn't get enough of their story. I liked the story line very much. I have been around Harley's all my life and this story is something I was hoping an author would write about. The biker group does have a code of honor and I'm glad the author included that detail in the book. The story is good  and portrays bikers in a realistic way. 

This is one book that doesn't stop with twists and danger until the very end. I knew there was a mole somewhere, but the author cleverly kept me guessing. There is one thing I
have to mention.  As certain characters were traveling up to a remote rustic cabin, the woman is worried about snakes. The man tells her not to worry because it is springtime. I live in the country and believe me springtime is when you need to be very careful of snakes. They make their grand appearance in the spring with lots of little babies. 

 Maybe Shannon will realize she has thought of marriage wrong. Shannon needs a good talking to by someone. My goodness she has strung Jack along for way too long, but Jack believes in marriage so readers we will see what happens. I was a bit impatient with her at times and so hoped she would consider her marriage a covenant and not a contract. 

Overall the book was good with a strong faith element which I appreciated. Readers prepare yourself for a bumpy and thrilling ride as two biker groups take on a small   town of cowboys who honor God and protect their family. I think this is the best book the author has written. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Power of Words, July 15
Genesis 5020, July 16
Remebrancy, July 17
Carpe Diem, July 19
Pause for Tales, July 20
Book by Book, July 21
Bigreadersite, July 24

Giveaway

95a96df3-f8cb-40e6-8d6f-6f57e465d6a5
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a Mentink Bundle that includes a horse tote book bag, a three book collection, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ced1/cowboy-bodyguard-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, July 23, 2018

A LOVE FOR LEAH by AMY LILLARD

I really enjoyed reading the difference between the Amish and Mennonites. I didn't realize how much more modern thinking the Mennonites were. It was so interesting to get to know more about their culture. There is a saying I have heard before that fits this story perfectly. The saying is "Opposites Attract." I just wonder if Leah believes that?

Leah is Mennonite but her family is Amish. She is very independent and sure doesn't mind speaking her mind. I loved her ability to take up for herself and loved the times she shared with her family. Her shop is prosperous and seems to being going well for her.The question is , is she really happy?

Jamie is a great character and I admired his dedication to his nephew. When they move next door to Leah's family, they welcome him except maybe Leah. He sure has his hands full trying to make friends with her. They think differently and Leah is quick to give her opinion of how Jamie can best help his nephew Peter. This makes for some heated arguments that cause friction between them. I loved how the author talked about faith and how one of the characters questioned if they had enough faith to trust Him. It is hard sometimes to wait on God, but I find when I don't I mess things up.

The story gets exciting when Jamie's ex- girlfriend shows up unannounced. Is that jealousy I see on Leah? Deborah doesn't take no for an answer from Jamie and continues to persuade him to come back home and marry her. I loved how the author brought out the tension between them and how Jamie turned to God for answers. It's a great story that shows how much someone is willing to fight for the person they love. Leah has so many reasons why her and Jamie won't work out, but will she turn to God to help her discover what is best for her?

There is a part in the story that really intrigued me. It's a very unique way to share God's word and I thought it was such a great idea that I have decided to do it as well. There is nothing better to know God hasn't forgotten you when you discover an unexpected word from Him in  a way you never expected. Jamie has a lot of anger about his nephew  not willing to speak. Can someone show him that God is the answer?

I loved the story for several reasons. The author showed us the differences between Amish and Mennonite beliefs but the bottom line she emphasized is that we all love God. Jamie and Leah came from different backgrounds but the author elegantly delivered the message that God is who they serve and believe in. Is it possible for two different beliefs to come together and marry? I also liked the pulling apart between Leah and Jamie. There were times I thought they needed a time out. It reminds me of my husband. We are so opposite and boy does he have his hands full with me, but unconditional love prevails. I won't tell you if Leah and Jamie get together, but I will say that this is the best book the author has written.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.


This freedoms journey FB banner copy

About the Book

Title: This Freedom Journey
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 11, 2018
This Freedom JourneyAdrien Lockman is through with the political unrest and bloodshed in his home country of France, so he sets off to the Canadian territory’s mountain frontier, in search of a place where a man can live his own life in peace. The last thing he expects to find is a woman, half-starved and half-frozen in a shack nestled among the towering peaks of the great Rocky Mountains.
Mary Standish thought she’d finally found a place where she was accepted, trapping with her husband for the Hudson Bay Company. But when he dies after a gruesome grizzly fight, she determines to carry on their work. After all, life in these remote mountains is better than enduring the scorn and snubs of “civilized” folk. When she’s forced to face a winter harder than any she’s endured yet, her stubbornness may just be the death of her. Until a stranger appears at her ramshackle door.
Adrien had planned to explore the mountain country all winter before he settles down to build a farm in the spring, but he can’t leave this woman to die in the elements. Even though she seems desperate for him to go. As Mary regains strength, she’s torn between wanting to save her dignity, and craving the respect of this man who’s slipped past her defenses. As the winter worsens, the truth becomes all too real—the only way they’ll survive is together.
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

MistyMisty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post from Misty Beller

A Inside Look at the Cover for This Freedom Journey
My book covers are one of my favorite parts of the creative process! With most of my books, I have the cover done early, usually as I’m first brainstorming the story. I love to have the heroine on my cover, and I work hard to make sure the woman on the front matches the heroine I’m envisioning for the story. That way I can describe her in the novel the way she looks on the cover. Sometimes I even work in the outfit she’s wearing on the cover!
This Freedom Journey is a novella in my Heart of the Mountains series, so I wanted the cover to be similar in layout and style to the other books in that series. The setting is winter in the Canadian Rockies, so I knew Mary (the heroine) had to be bundled warmly! Funny story: Mary is mentioned in the other two books, although they’re set later in her life. When I first described her in the other books, I imagined her with amber brown eyes. When I chose the final cover for This Freedom Journey, I had to go back and change the amber brown eyes in those other manuscripts to the riveting blue on the cover. 😊



Review.jpg

The intricate details of the wilderness the author describes makes me feel like I have transported back in time. I could feel the hard winds and the snow as it covered the terrain. It was very hard to survive during the winter and having to rely on traps wasn't easy. Mary is a force to be reckoned with. She has survived the harsh land alone and isn't sure who this stranger is that has found her place. Mary has been trying to carry on the work her husband was doing, but the winter had other ideas. I loved reading about her shack and how determined she was to survive on her own. 

Adrien stumbles upon Mary's place and finds her not in good health. I'm really surprised she allowed him to stay, but in her weakened state she had no choice. He proves to be helpful in providing food and slowly her strength returns. I wonder what they thought of each other? It's not everyday you find a traveler in a storm but Adrien is glad he has shelter for now. Mary is very quiet and you can tell in her eyes she has suffered greatly. Will she learn to trust Adrien?

There was much danger in the wilderness and the scene with Mary and the donkey was heart stopping. The author clearly has a keen skill of writing where you can picture the action with her words. I am impressed with how tough Mary is and appreciate that the author made her a self sufficient woman. The story is well written and kept me glued to the story. The story has danger, hope and finding your way to God. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and reading about their transformations.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

cherylbbookblog, July 20
Among the Reads, July 21
Carpe Diem, July 26
Mary Hake, July 29
Bigreadersite , August 1

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d13f/this-freedom-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway