Saving Justice by Susan Crawford
I received a copy of this book from the author and Redbud Press for an honest review
Kinley is a school teacher was cares for all her students. There is one student she notices has been out of school and decides to go to his home to check on him. Kinley finds herself in a dangerous neighborhood knocking on a door hoping to find out why Justice has not been in school. She does not get a nice welcome but is determined to help her student.
Nash is a man with a mission. He is in his old neighborhood fixing up his mom's house, so it can be sold. He seems like an angry man and when Kinley and his life intersect, sparks fly. They don't get off to a good start, when Nash accuses Justice of damaging his car. Kinley tries to reason with Nash, but it is not an easy task.
The characters are a mix of wanting to help , dealing with their past and trying to survive. Kinley won't give up on Justice and soon finds herself in danger. Nash is a strong determined man who still has a brother who he is trying to forgive and running from his past. Justice is caught in trying to help his family , but getting mixed up in something that could,eas to putting his life in danger.
I enjoyed the story and how it moved along with great intrigue and a dash of romance . The tension between the characters was very well written. I loved how the author showed when you step out in faith you can make a difference. Kinley is a person who loves God and wants her students to succeed. It's nice to read a story where people step out of their comfort zone , show compassion and overcome their circumstances to make life better for themselves and others. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Kinley is a school teacher was cares for all her students. There is one student she notices has been out of school and decides to go to his home to check on him. Kinley finds herself in a dangerous neighborhood knocking on a door hoping to find out why Justice has not been in school. She does not get a nice welcome but is determined to help her student.
Nash is a man with a mission. He is in his old neighborhood fixing up his mom's house, so it can be sold. He seems like an angry man and when Kinley and his life intersect, sparks fly. They don't get off to a good start, when Nash accuses Justice of damaging his car. Kinley tries to reason with Nash, but it is not an easy task.
The characters are a mix of wanting to help , dealing with their past and trying to survive. Kinley won't give up on Justice and soon finds herself in danger. Nash is a strong determined man who still has a brother who he is trying to forgive and running from his past. Justice is caught in trying to help his family , but getting mixed up in something that could,eas to putting his life in danger.
I enjoyed the story and how it moved along with great intrigue and a dash of romance . The tension between the characters was very well written. I loved how the author showed when you step out in faith you can make a difference. Kinley is a person who loves God and wants her students to succeed. It's nice to read a story where people step out of their comfort zone , show compassion and overcome their circumstances to make life better for themselves and others. I look forward to reading more from this author.
A Tide Worth Turning by Beth Wiseman
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Addison is a hardworking woman who is still trying to overcome her grief of losing her dad. Her mother Lee Ann , recently suffered a stroke and needs to have someone look after her. Her mom is very independent and tries to convince Addison she doesn't need a "babysitter." They both are stubborn and neither one will budge an inch on the arrangement of Lee Ann's care. Without warning, Addison has arranged a care giver to come to the house and take care of her mom.
When she opens the door, there stands Logan, the new care giver. He is quite handsome and has an Australian accent that is very charming. His credentials are quite impressive and Lee Ann grudgingly gives in. It turns out that he is an excellent cook and is smitten with Addison. But what secrets could Logan be hiding? Is he to good to be true? Can he be trusted?
Addison soon discovers that an older man has been seen standing outside her mom's house and Logan volunteers to go and confront him . What does Logan find out about this mysterious gentleman? Why does he take walks along the beach and stop in front of Lee Ann's house? The book is a fast read, with many dimensions of secrets and a love story that is pure and heartfelt. This book gives readers a glimpse of how deep God's love is for us and the hope and grace He freely gives us. It shows us how forgiveness is a choice and how letting go of the past can set you free to love unconditionally.
The author has written a powerful story about redemption, forgiveness, grace and hope . The characters in the story have obstacles to overcome and secrets that will have to be addressed. As Logan shares his faith with Addison , she has a hard time trusting God after the pain she has endured. I loved when Logsn says to Addison, "I think sometimes when we've been away from God for awhile, we're overwhelmed by the way He welcomes us back with pure love and forgiveness."
Addison is a hardworking woman who is still trying to overcome her grief of losing her dad. Her mother Lee Ann , recently suffered a stroke and needs to have someone look after her. Her mom is very independent and tries to convince Addison she doesn't need a "babysitter." They both are stubborn and neither one will budge an inch on the arrangement of Lee Ann's care. Without warning, Addison has arranged a care giver to come to the house and take care of her mom.
When she opens the door, there stands Logan, the new care giver. He is quite handsome and has an Australian accent that is very charming. His credentials are quite impressive and Lee Ann grudgingly gives in. It turns out that he is an excellent cook and is smitten with Addison. But what secrets could Logan be hiding? Is he to good to be true? Can he be trusted?
Addison soon discovers that an older man has been seen standing outside her mom's house and Logan volunteers to go and confront him . What does Logan find out about this mysterious gentleman? Why does he take walks along the beach and stop in front of Lee Ann's house? The book is a fast read, with many dimensions of secrets and a love story that is pure and heartfelt. This book gives readers a glimpse of how deep God's love is for us and the hope and grace He freely gives us. It shows us how forgiveness is a choice and how letting go of the past can set you free to love unconditionally.
The author has written a powerful story about redemption, forgiveness, grace and hope . The characters in the story have obstacles to overcome and secrets that will have to be addressed. As Logan shares his faith with Addison , she has a hard time trusting God after the pain she has endured. I loved when Logsn says to Addison, "I think sometimes when we've been away from God for awhile, we're overwhelmed by the way He welcomes us back with pure love and forgiveness."
The Neptune Challenge by Polly Holyoke
I received a copy of this book from the author and Texas Bloggers for Texas Authors for an honest review.
After being genetically altered to to survive in the ocean, Nere, her family and others have succeed in living in a place called Safety Harbor. Nere has a special bond with the Dolphins and are a vital part of her life. Everything seems to be going smooth in this new enchanted place she calls home. But tranquility is not to last for long.
A kidnapping has occurred and Nere and her friends want to go rescue her friends. But there is one very big obstacle standing in their way. They must first pass an intense test called the SPA or Simulated Patrol Challenge. This is a mock trial to see how they handle a mission while under extreme pressure. Can they pass the test? Will the challenge be to much for them?
As the team discovers why their friends were kidnapped, there is a sense of urgency to rescue them and stop someone from developing his own species that could be so powerful, they could take over the sea. Nere will encounter deadly sharks , and other creatures that will do anything to stop the team.
The author has written a great undersea adventure that has you on the edge of your seat. The action is fast and leaves you wanting to read faster so you can continue the journey. I am amazed at the detail of the sea and the majestic creatures the author vividly describes. As I read the book, I felt myself in a tank watching fish swim by and then Nere and her team racing furiously past me as they take on their biggest threat to their world. As you come to the last few pages you begin to hope that there will be another book to continue the adventure you have been in.
I don't usually read science fiction books and tend to overlook them when picking out books to read. My opinion of science fiction has now been changed thanks to Polly Holyoke. Thank you for introducing me to a genre that I now have a fondness for. I will be eagerly be awaiting another book from Polly.
THE NEPTUNE CHALLENGE
(sequel to the award-winning The Neptune Project)
by
Polly Holyoke
Genetically engineered to survive in the ocean, Nere and her friends are recovering from their long, treacherous journey to refuge and settling in at Safety Harbor. Despite its name, plenty of dangers still lurk just outside the colony's boundaries. When two among them are kidnapped, the remaining Neptune kids and their loyal dolphins must set out on a mission even more perilous than their first: infiltrate the kidnapper's fortress to save their friends and steal away a vital scientific secret that may save the world and its oceans. Fighting terrifying mutated creatures and teens, will the Neptune kids find a way to save their friends, themselves, and their underwater world? The stakes couldn't be higher in this thrilling sequel to the award-winning The Neptune Project.
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble ~~ Amazon ~~ indiebound
Our Safety Harbor inlet is calm this morning. Small swells lift and lower me gently. Already the sky overhead is starting to gray, and clouds along the horizon blush pink and red. I can just make out the hardy spruce trees that cling to sharp outcroppings along the shore. The morning is quiet except for the rush of the nearby surf and the cry of a gull winging its way across the dawn sky.
Mariah, the leader of my family’s dolphin pod, finds me bobbing on the swells. Her little calf, Tisi, swims a tight circle around me while her daughter Sokya rushes up and flips water in my face.
“What worries you this morning?” Mariah asks as she cranes her head out of the water so she can see me better. At forty, Mariah is a grandmother several times over. Her teeth are a little worn, and her right side is scarred by an old shark bite, but her eyes are still bright with intelligence. Mariah is also amazing at reading my moods.
“There’re so many people at Safety Harbor,” I try to explain while I rub Sokya’s favorite spot, in front of her dorsal. The slick, rubbery feel of her skin is familiar and comforting. “And they all think Dad’s awesome and great at running things. I’m afraid they expect me to be just like him. That Janni girl wants me to join her Sea Rangers and help fight the Marine Guard and sharks, but I just want to work with dolphins.”
“You led us safely here through many fights and many miles of sea,” Mariah reminds me.
I wince, remembering the dangerous journey my friends and I had to make from the southern sector to reach my father’s colony. I hadn’t really led everyone here safely. Two of our group died on our trip to Safety Harbor, and we lost sweet Pani, one of Mariah’s granddaughters, all killed by Marine Guard divers sent by the Western Collective to capture or eliminate us.
“We never would have made it here without your help,” I say to Mariah.
“I helped the most,” Sokya declares. She leaps out of the water and lands on her side, dousing me with a wave.
Polly Holyoke is a former teacher and loves reading, camping, skiing, scuba diving and hiking in the desert. She lives in Plano, TX with three rescue dogs, two spoiled cats and a nice husband who tolerates piles of books all over their house. Her debut middle-grade novel,The Neptune Project, was published by Disney/Hyperion and was selected to the 2014-15 Texas Bluebonnet Master List along with state reading lists in Maryland and Ohio. It was also named one of Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of 2014. Her second children’s book, The Neptune Challenge, was released May, 2015.
Here you can find a treasure box of information about the series, the sea, and writing. There is information for school/group visits, use in the classroom (including curriculum guides), and links for extended research.
You can contact Polly, and her publicist via the “contact” page.
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I received a copy of this book from the author and Texas Bloggers for Texas Authors for an honest review. After being genetically altered to to survive in the ocean, Nere, her family and others have succeed in living in a place called Safety Harbor. Nere has a special bond with the Dolphins and are a vital part of her life. Everything seems to be going smooth in this new enchanted place she calls home. But tranquility is not to last for long. A kidnapping has occurred and Nere and her friends want to go rescue her friends. But there is one very big obstacle standing in their way. They must first pass an intense test called the SPA or Simulated Patrol Challenge. This is a mock trial to see how they handle a mission while under extreme pressure. Can they pass the test? Will the challenge be to much for them? As the team duscivers why their frurnds were kidnspoed, there is a sense of urgency to rescue them and stop someone from developing his own species that could be so powerful, they could take over the sea. Nere will encounter deadly sharks , and other creatures that will do anything to stop the team. The author has written a great undersea adventure that has you on the edge of your seat. The action is fast and leaves you wanting to read faster so you can continue the journey. I am amazed at the detail of the sea and the majestic creatures the author vividly describes. As I read the book, I felt myself in a tank watching fish swim by and then Nere and her team racing furiously past me as they take on their biggest threat to their world. As you come to the last few pages you begin to how that there will be another book to continue the adventure you have been in. I don't usually read science fiction books and tend to overlook them when picking out books to read. My opinion of science fiction has now been changed thanks to Polly Holyoke. Thank you for introducing me to a genre that I now have a fondness for. I will be eagerly be awaiting another book from Polly.
Christmas, Actually , A Holiday Collection
I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review
As I started the first story in this collection, I knew I was in for a treat. Each story may have different characters but the theme is all about Christmas and how simple things can change a person's life. The book is filled with a touch of romance, struggles, joy, laughter , hope and family. The Christmas season is rich with tradition and after reading this book, I hope readers will put this on their list to read every year. It is very uplifting, light and filled with funny stories as well as stories that give hope to those who struggle with the holiday season.
Each author that contributed to the book brought their own charm to the collection. They give readers a great book to curl up with as you are transformed back to Christmas Past, Present and Future. Sometimes the story may be a light romance or perhaps show a person who is trying to overcome grief. There is something for everyone in this delightful book that I couldn't put down. The stories glide seamlessly throughout the book and keep the reader immersed in the lives of the characters.
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the writing and the overall feeling of a collection of stories that will encourage, make you smile and give you a great book to read each year at Christmas time .
As I started the first story in this collection, I knew I was in for a treat. Each story may have different characters but the theme is all about Christmas and how simple things can change a person's life. The book is filled with a touch of romance, struggles, joy, laughter , hope and family. The Christmas season is rich with tradition and after reading this book, I hope readers will put this on their list to read every year. It is very uplifting, light and filled with funny stories as well as stories that give hope to those who struggle with the holiday season.
Each author that contributed to the book brought their own charm to the collection. They give readers a great book to curl up with as you are transformed back to Christmas Past, Present and Future. Sometimes the story may be a light romance or perhaps show a person who is trying to overcome grief. There is something for everyone in this delightful book that I couldn't put down. The stories glide seamlessly throughout the book and keep the reader immersed in the lives of the characters.
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the writing and the overall feeling of a collection of stories that will encourage, make you smile and give you a great book to read each year at Christmas time .
The Alice Street Inn By P. A. Wilson
I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review
Niki works for a law firm and is enjoying her quiet life. One day she gets called into her bosses office and her world is shattered. She gets blamed for removing from the discovery two documents and giving them to the opposing side. It has now cost her firm five million dollars and they dismiss her from her position. Niki knows she is innocent, but cuts her loses and decides to call her friend Max. He is always there to comfort her and give her encouragement and has an offer to help change her life.
Alex lives in Riverton and owns the Alice Street Inn. He is busy as a lawyer at his dad's firm and is in desperate need of a manager for the Inn. Max suggests to his friend that he has the perfect person to manage the inn . Niki decides she needs the change and moves to Riverton to take on the role of manager of the inn.
When Niki and Alex meet for the first time, sparks fly and tension mounts. There is definitely an attraction between them, but Alex feels Niki is to aggressive in wanting to change things in the inn. Niki is frustrated that Alex won't let her make the inn more profitable and begins to wonder if she has made a mistake in coming there.
Will Niki and Alex be able to work together? Can Niki deal with her past, or will it interfere with her future with Alex? Alex must confront someone from his past that stole from him and try to move forward. As the two try to straighten their lives out, will it be to much for them?
The author writes a great story showing conflict with others and a romance that could bloom into something magical. It has great characters, some which are kinda shady but it makes for a fun read.
Niki works for a law firm and is enjoying her quiet life. One day she gets called into her bosses office and her world is shattered. She gets blamed for removing from the discovery two documents and giving them to the opposing side. It has now cost her firm five million dollars and they dismiss her from her position. Niki knows she is innocent, but cuts her loses and decides to call her friend Max. He is always there to comfort her and give her encouragement and has an offer to help change her life.
Alex lives in Riverton and owns the Alice Street Inn. He is busy as a lawyer at his dad's firm and is in desperate need of a manager for the Inn. Max suggests to his friend that he has the perfect person to manage the inn . Niki decides she needs the change and moves to Riverton to take on the role of manager of the inn.
When Niki and Alex meet for the first time, sparks fly and tension mounts. There is definitely an attraction between them, but Alex feels Niki is to aggressive in wanting to change things in the inn. Niki is frustrated that Alex won't let her make the inn more profitable and begins to wonder if she has made a mistake in coming there.
Will Niki and Alex be able to work together? Can Niki deal with her past, or will it interfere with her future with Alex? Alex must confront someone from his past that stole from him and try to move forward. As the two try to straighten their lives out, will it be to much for them?
The author writes a great story showing conflict with others and a romance that could bloom into something magical. It has great characters, some which are kinda shady but it makes for a fun read.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Tell You Soon By Jan Thompson
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review
Sabine was a model with a very promising career until a tragic car accident damaged her legs. She now works as a real estate agent and seems to be content to be somewhat a loner. Has Sabine really recovered from the accident that cost her a job she loved? Does she have some emotional issues that need to be addressed about that fateful day?
Aidan Ming works security for Sabine's sister . He enjoys his work and has taken an interest in Sabine. He finds her intriguing but feels there are walls she has built around her which prevent any relationship to develop. Ming is determined to break that barrier and comes up with a plan. He hires Sabine to sell his house so he can spend more time with her. Ming must consider if getting close to Sabine is a good idea. Will their interest in each other spell danger for one of them? Who was the caller that convinced Sabine they were interested in looking at a house, but mysteriously never showed up for the appointment?
I loved the two main characters and how the author slowly develops an attraction between them. As they begin to feel a sense of fondness for each other, the author shows us how each of them must rely on God to see them through some difficult decisions. The story is well written with a graceful story that takes the characters along a road of faith, love and trust in the Lord. The story has a flair of intrigue which gives the story a good mixture of a love story and action that keeps the story interesting.
I love reading books by Jan Thompson because she always delivers a good clean story with a bit of mystery that equals a well written story that you can't put down.
Sabine was a model with a very promising career until a tragic car accident damaged her legs. She now works as a real estate agent and seems to be content to be somewhat a loner. Has Sabine really recovered from the accident that cost her a job she loved? Does she have some emotional issues that need to be addressed about that fateful day?
Aidan Ming works security for Sabine's sister . He enjoys his work and has taken an interest in Sabine. He finds her intriguing but feels there are walls she has built around her which prevent any relationship to develop. Ming is determined to break that barrier and comes up with a plan. He hires Sabine to sell his house so he can spend more time with her. Ming must consider if getting close to Sabine is a good idea. Will their interest in each other spell danger for one of them? Who was the caller that convinced Sabine they were interested in looking at a house, but mysteriously never showed up for the appointment?
I loved the two main characters and how the author slowly develops an attraction between them. As they begin to feel a sense of fondness for each other, the author shows us how each of them must rely on God to see them through some difficult decisions. The story is well written with a graceful story that takes the characters along a road of faith, love and trust in the Lord. The story has a flair of intrigue which gives the story a good mixture of a love story and action that keeps the story interesting.
I love reading books by Jan Thompson because she always delivers a good clean story with a bit of mystery that equals a well written story that you can't put down.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
In Rosco Jack of Gateway Farm author Ken Bangs chronicles the struggles of a castaway puppy abandoned at the gate of his farm in the piney woods of East Texas. The story celebrates the classic struggle of the less advantaged against the obstacles of life that challenge even those who are best prepared.
The story has its roots in Ken's experience in caring for disadvantaged and at risk children in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
After serving 35 years in law enforcement and public safety, the last 25 as the Director of Police, Security and Student Safety Services for the Plano ISD, Ken retired to Gateway Farm near New Boston and established a home for these children. Here he gave them a home, encouraged them to believe in themselves and their ability to make a life for themselves and worked to foster a hope for the future in each child.
Over the years, he watched success after success for those who caught the vision and refused to surrender to their life’s circumstances.
Then came Rosco. Dumped at the front gate in the middle of the night this three-pound runt evaded predators, outlasted the night and made his way to Ken’s house. His struggle was just beginning. Life was hard for the pup. But he refused to quit and eventually achieved his goal, a place alongside the big dogs of the Gateway Posse.
Rosco Jack is the perfect blend of fantasy, drama, humor and learning. It is a great read for the young, young at heart and for all those who love to root for the underdog.
Ken Bangs is a native Texan who grew up in the then small town of Plano. By the time he was ten years old he knew for a certainty that he wanted to spend his life as a police officer. Following high school graduation Ken joined the Dallas Police Department and was walking a beat in downtown Dallas at the age of 19.
Ken spent 35 years in law enforcement and public safety the last twenty five as the Director of Police and Security Services for the Plano ISD. After retirement Ken and his wife Trudy moved to a farm outside of New Boston Texas where they established a home for children who were in the care of the Texas Child Protective Services. For the next ten years they devoted their lives to these disadvantaged children. An ordained minister Ken also served as the Senior Pastor for Regions Christian Center in Texarkana.
A veteran of the United States Army Military Police Corps, Ken holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, a M.S. in Human Relations and Business Management and a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Counseling.
Ken and Trudy have been married 45 years and now live in McKinney, Texas
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