Texas Book-aholic: 2017-01-22

Thursday, January 26, 2017

A Fatal Romance
by June Shaw

A Fatal Romance (A Twin Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
New Series
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Publication Date: January 24, 2017
Paperback – ISBN13: 9781516100958
E-Book ASIN: B01F0YVQEE

Synopsis

Fixing up homes can be tricky.
Finding true love can be even trickier.
But finding a killer can be plain old deadly . . .

Twin sister divorcees Sunny Taylor and Eve Vaughn have had their fill of both heartaches and headaches. So when they settle down in the small Louisiana town of Sugar Ledge and open a remodeling and repair company, they think they’ve finally found some peace—even though Eve is still open for romance while Sunny considers her own heart out-of-business.

Then their newest customer ends up face-down in a pond, and his widow is found dead soon after. Unfortunately, Sunny was witnessed having an unpleasant moment with the distraught woman, and suspicion falls on the twins. And when an attempt is made on Eve’s life, they find themselves pulled into a murder mystery neither knows how to navigate.

With a town of prying eyes on them, and an unknown culprit out to stop them, Sunny and Eve will have to depend on each other like never before if they’re going to clip a killer in the bud.

About The Author

From the bayou country of South Louisiana, June Shaw previously sold a series of humorous mysteries to Five Star, Harlequin, and Untreed Reads. Publishers Weekly praised her debut, Relative Danger, which became a finalist for the David Award for Best Mystery of the Year. A hybrid author who has published other works, she has represented her state on the board of Mystery Writers of America’s Southwest Chapter for many years and continued to serve as the Published Author Liaison for Romance Writers of America’s Southern Louisiana chapter. She gains inspiration for her work from her faith, family, and friends, including the many readers who urge her on. For more info please visit juneshaw.com.

http://www.juneshaw.com/

https://twitter.com/juneshaw

https://www.facebook.com/june.shaw.338

http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31823

This is my first time to read a book from this author. I really like her creativity and how the story flowed so easily. This cozy mystery was a bit more serious than I am use to and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The characters were great and I loved the twins so much. The author did a great job of describing them and I found them to be enchanting. It can be very hard to figure out who is who when you are dealing with twins. I remember in high school there were a set of identical twin boys. They loved to fool teachers and their friends.

Sunny and Eve have opened a remodeling and repair company together. They are very gifted at their work and have clients lined up. I loved the spunkiness of one of the twins. She was very outgoing and looking for love. The other twin was a bit more reserved and not as trusting as her sister. The author really showed how close they were and I loved how they could sense when something was wrong with the other.

The story surrounds the mystery of who killed their client . What I really liked was the well meaning neighbors, and the detective who wanted them to stay out of the investigation. Neighbors love to think they are helping when giving information but sometimes they can really be well too chatty. The police are suspicious of Sunny and Eve. What makes everyone suspicious of the twins? Why do they start losing business? They soon realize they are in danger when one of them is injured by an unknown person.

I loved the banter between Dave who comes to install an alarm system in one of the twins houses. He seemed to be an honest person but when the alarm doesn't work he became my number one suspect. I loved how the author gave us several suspects and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. Before the suspect is caught another murder occurs. Who is the unfortunate person who becomes victim number two?

The twins will have to watch each other's backs as they try to stay one step ahead of the killer. Why does someone want one or both of the twins dead? It is a great mystery with twists that draw the reader into the story with action and intrigue. There was a part in the story that piqued my interest. Several times the author mentioned an older sister of the twins who was shot and killed in a drive by. This has bothered the twins for a long time because the murder was never solved. I'm hoping the author will write a story about this unsolved case and give closure to the twins. The ending is a shocker to me and I loved how the author was able to stump me on figuring out the killer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour . The review is my own opinion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 23 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

January 24 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT

January 25 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

January 26 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

January 27 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

January 28 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST

January 29 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

January 30 – Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

January 30 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

January 31 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

February 2 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

February 3 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

February 4 – Book Babble – REVIEW

February 5 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

WITH THIS RING by DEBRA CLOPTON

I love reading books by this author. They are always clean, nice and wonderful stories that tug on your emotions. Her characters are well developed and come to life. They are relatable and I love how she writes them with struggles that readers can relate to. This book is not only about finding love but having faith.

Jessica and her son Kevin have gone through a tragic loss. Losing her husband in a terrible accident was devasting and she decides she needs a fresh start. I loved revisiting Windswept Bay again. The town is quaint and full of delightful characters. Jessica takes a teaching job at her son's new school. She hopes the move will help Kevin adjust to the loss of his dad. Jessica is a sweet person who wants the best for her child. She is still trying to get past Christmas when Kevin asked Santa and God for a new daddy. The faith of a child is special and the author really showed how important Kevin's faith was to him.

Levi is the chief of police and through an unexpected invite, finds himself at Kevin's school for show and tell. I remember when I was younger kids would bring their favorite toy to share. Levi is doing a great job of interacting with the children until someone shouts out something that has him scrambling for words. What was said that have Jessica and Levi denying rumors? This makes for a fun adventure as Levi seems to get deeper in trouble with women in the town. He has become the number one bachelor in town and the single women are flooding him with homemade food to win his attention. This makes for some fun moments in the story .

Jessica seems to be running into Levi everywhere and he starts to grow close to her and Kevin. The author does a great job of showing how Levi doesn't push or pressure Jessica. It must be hard to have feelings for someone and know their heart isn't ready. Will Jessica learn to trust Levi? Can he win her heart? Will Kevin get a new daddy? Make sure you grab a copy of this book about loss, faith and learning to trust .

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

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

WEST OVERSEA by LARS WALKER

This is not my typical genre to read but I found the writing to be so descriptive I had to continue on. I love books that allow readers to travel to different eras and explore different cultures. I knew few little about the Vikings and what their beliefs were. The author does a great job of telling a story that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. They are bold, strong and fierce and have a determination to enjoy their adventure on the high seas.

I am not a fan of the ocean and have no desire to ever travel on a ship. I don't even know how to swim. It was easy for me to sympathize with Father Ailiil who is not thrilled with the turbulent waves as the water splashed continually. He just couldn't get a break. It was intriguing to learn that he was willing to get on a ship when he gets news of his sister . He has long though to be dead but rumors have given him hope . It sure would have to be something really important for me to want to step on a ship and travel . Will he find his sister? The story is captivating and really has some great action throughout the story. What object is discovered that will have an impact on characters?

I really found myself intrigued by the mystery in the book and the action that kept a great pace during the story. There are several characters in the book that I found to be interesting and at times a bit funny with a sarcastic tone. It made the story lively and I have now found a new author to read .

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.

JUST A LITTLE GIRL by VICTORIA SARVADI

What an emotional book this was. The author did an amazing job of keeping readers interested as she told her story. There were times in the book that I was able to relate to her and I loved her openness and honesty during her struggles. The book is well written and takes us inside the life of a woman who sees her guardian angel and how her life was changed by the encounter. We hear all the time that people can see an angel or have an out of body experience during a life threatening event. I like how the author described her encounter and how encouraged she became from the words the angel spoke to her.

Throughout the book I knew she was a very strong and determined woman by never giving up. Her hunger to have a deeper relationship with God was very evident. There was one relationship that definitely had an impact on her life. Her father always treated her like she couldn't do anything right . She felt like she could never please him and was continually made to feel "like a little girl." I never had a good relationship with my dad and I could feel her pain as she tried so hard to repair that relationship.

I was very impressed by the success she and her husband have achieved over the years. It took prayer and perseverance to overcome some of the obstacles on their journey. I was very intrigued by her desire to learn about the Hebrew studies and to understand the Bible with a clearer understanding. There were times as I read all the different responsibilities she had, that I began to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we think we are doing these things to honor God; we get involved in every ministry in the church and before we know it we have forgotten about our family . I loved how she realized that she was doing things for the wrong reasons and needed to get back to having a one on one relationship with God. I loved the book know that I I will reread it because it has so many great nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. The book is a journey of family, business, emotional stress, success and healed relationships. I wrote down a couple of things from the book that really touched me and I will end my review with those.

"Sometimes God puts us in places to intentionally shake things up."

Sometimes life is about filling -in-the-blanks-, and once that's accomplished you can move on.

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

About the book:

The Mark of the King (Bethany House, January 2017)

Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2iKM4uj

About the author:

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, includingWedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013; Widow of Gettysburg; Yankee in Atlanta; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

I have read very few historical fiction books set in the colonial days. After reading this book, I think we need more set during that time. I found the book to be extremely fascinating and the details were very well defined . I was swept back to a time where life was very hard and people were treated with little respect. I couldn't believe the conditions that people endured during that time period. The colonists worked hard and had to overcome lack of food, horrible weather conditions, danger from others and diseases that seem to rapidly spread throughout the colonies. Some of the men in the colonies were rough, stole from others and tension was thick among the people.

I absolutely fell in love with Julianne right away. I can't imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit and know you have no hope to prove your innocence. She is a sweet person with a compassionate heart and is known as a great midwife. The decision she made to gain freedom came at a harsh price. Would you do anything to gain your freedom? I loved how the author wrote her as a strong woman determined to make a better life for herself regardless of her circumstances.

There are some very emotional moments in the story that really captured the essence of the struggles of the colonists . I can't say enough good things about how beautifully written this book was. Julianne wants to be loved and sometimes she felt that would never happen. When Marc-Paul was introduced into the story , I was quite intrigued by him. Being a French military officer is prestigious and I thought his character was wonderful and especially loved his faith that he drew strength from.

The book captures perfectly a time period in Louisiana during the early colonial days. I was mesmerized by the history and culture during that time. I don't know if I could have survived fighting off mosquitoes, going through swamp land, facing enemies and having to find ways to get food . I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this emotionally charged historical book that touches on faith, forgiveness, survival , betrayal and love.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.

Social Media Blasts:

Love #HistoricalFiction? Enter to win one of FIVE copies of @jocelyngreen77's new book! #ChristFic #contest http://bit.ly/2ixOA8U

Warning! @JocelynGreen77's new book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enter to win a copy! #ChristFic #contest http://bit.ly/2ixOA8U

Want to win a copy of The Mark Of The King? Head here!

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jgreen

Blog Tour Schedule:

Sunday, January 22, 2017

LOVE, LIES , & TYPEWRITERS by HEATHER BLANTON

Even though this book is a bit different from the authors usual historical westerns, I was very pleased to see a book from her about an era that many people love to read about. There is something very romantic about the hero coming home from war and wanting to find his true love. The story is set in the 1940s during WWII. I loved the description the author gave of the era and with her words the story came to life right before my eyes.

Lucy was raised on a ranch and has had a crush on Dale for so long. He has just returned home from the war and through a chance meeting he saves her life. I have to say that was a funny moment in the story and I'm not sure Lucy was completely in control of her emotions. Can you imagine the man you have liked for so long, suddenly saves you from certain danger? This chain of events starts a whirlwind adventure for both of them. Can you see the headlines that read "Local hometown hero saves damsel in distress?" Well a newspaper sees a way to get recognized with a sensational love story and gets Bryce to cover the story. Of course Bryce had others stories he would much rather be writing. I can't tell you much about the story because I don't want to give any surprises away but I can say that it is well written with characters that each have dilemmas to work through. Will Lucy follow her heart or will fame get in the way? Can Bryce stand up to his father and follow his dream? What will Dale do when temptation offers him fame and fortune?

I loved how the author based this story on her parents life's and showed how difficult it was during that era. The mention of bonds was a big part of the era and she cleverly found a way to show the different ways people used to sale them. The story has a great theme about listening to God and doing the right thing. Sometimes we let pride get in the way which leads us to wrong decisions. I loved how the author took a story and made it captivating, romantic and an ending that will bring smiles to everyone.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not asked to write one.

Search This Blog