Saturday, August 13, 2016
DEATHWATCH by V. B. TENERY
I am a big fan of WWII books especially when they have espionage in them. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the story takes readers to different areas such as London, France and North Africa. I felt like I was able to travel with the characters as their adventure began with a well developed story. I love when an author goes into details about a historical time and makes the story come to life. I got me a cup of hot chocolate with peppermint creamer and sat back ready to visit these faraway places.
The first thing I found out was there were code breakers for Britain. They were extremely intelligent and highly trained. They knew they had dangerous information and took precautions to keep the secrets safe. I loved how the author really gave a vivid description of these hard working behind the scenes workers.
Sometimes you can do everything possible to keep yourself safe from the enemy but unfortunately Jacky Vidal was not lucky enough to fight off her attackers. What did she know that someone was willing to kill for? Her friend Grace Sullivan discovers Jacky and knows her own life is now in danger. Grey M16 agent Commander among other high ranking officials have come to investigate the death. They have even called in Scotland Yard so this must be a serious threat to the world. When Grace and Grey meet I loved their interactions. Grace is a fiesty woman who does not care to be treated like an uneducated woman. Grey better look out. I think he is going to have his hands full with her.
The information that is so secretive could be catastrophic if it got into the hands of Hither. As devious as he is that could could damage England by not having information on troop and ship movements. That could be devastating for them and lives could be lost. What if Hitler decides to change the code and send out false information? Could he start a war that was based on lies? The race is in to find the killer and to stop any information being leaked to the enemy.
As a side note I have to mention the breakfast that Grey and Grace had. The mere mention of spam sent me back to my childhood. I can remember having fried spam sandwiches for lunch. I grew tired of them but after reading the book, I went to the store and bought a can of spam. Thank you for that memory which I had almost forgotten about.
As we get deeper into the story it becomes apparent that Grace's life is in dire danger. Can Grey keep her safe? Will they be able to find the killer before it is to late? Did Jacky divulge any secrets before her death? The story is well written with a look into war and the dangers it involves. I was a bit surprised at the killer but that just makes the story more intriguing. The story is action packed and the characters are well developed and add intrigue to the story. The question is who can Grey trust while trying to keep Grace alive? Get ready for an adventure that will take you to different places, danger lurks at every corner and trust and faith must be relied on to survive.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
The first thing I found out was there were code breakers for Britain. They were extremely intelligent and highly trained. They knew they had dangerous information and took precautions to keep the secrets safe. I loved how the author really gave a vivid description of these hard working behind the scenes workers.
Sometimes you can do everything possible to keep yourself safe from the enemy but unfortunately Jacky Vidal was not lucky enough to fight off her attackers. What did she know that someone was willing to kill for? Her friend Grace Sullivan discovers Jacky and knows her own life is now in danger. Grey M16 agent Commander among other high ranking officials have come to investigate the death. They have even called in Scotland Yard so this must be a serious threat to the world. When Grace and Grey meet I loved their interactions. Grace is a fiesty woman who does not care to be treated like an uneducated woman. Grey better look out. I think he is going to have his hands full with her.
The information that is so secretive could be catastrophic if it got into the hands of Hither. As devious as he is that could could damage England by not having information on troop and ship movements. That could be devastating for them and lives could be lost. What if Hitler decides to change the code and send out false information? Could he start a war that was based on lies? The race is in to find the killer and to stop any information being leaked to the enemy.
As a side note I have to mention the breakfast that Grey and Grace had. The mere mention of spam sent me back to my childhood. I can remember having fried spam sandwiches for lunch. I grew tired of them but after reading the book, I went to the store and bought a can of spam. Thank you for that memory which I had almost forgotten about.
As we get deeper into the story it becomes apparent that Grace's life is in dire danger. Can Grey keep her safe? Will they be able to find the killer before it is to late? Did Jacky divulge any secrets before her death? The story is well written with a look into war and the dangers it involves. I was a bit surprised at the killer but that just makes the story more intriguing. The story is action packed and the characters are well developed and add intrigue to the story. The question is who can Grey trust while trying to keep Grace alive? Get ready for an adventure that will take you to different places, danger lurks at every corner and trust and faith must be relied on to survive.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Friday, August 12, 2016
I am excited that I was able to receive this book. It is just what I have been looking for. I often wonder what certain words mean in Hebrew . This book is a great devotional book that will take you through 90 different words or phrases of intense study . I loved all the different words and their meanings. They were easy to understand and made me want to dig further. I love eagles and I especially like Isaiah 40:31, " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. " I loved how the author broke down the scripture and made it easier to understand the full meaning. When the scripture mentioned " mounting up as..." "We bind ourselves to God, we will not only "renew" our strength" but we will also "mount up with wings as eagles."
The chapter goes on to explain more about the eagle that was fascinating to me. I am honored to have this book and will use it frequently as I do bible studies to help me get a clearer picture of what scriptures or words are saying. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to do an in depth study on the meaning of words. It is a wonderful addition to have as you spend time in the Word.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
The chapter goes on to explain more about the eagle that was fascinating to me. I am honored to have this book and will use it frequently as I do bible studies to help me get a clearer picture of what scriptures or words are saying. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to do an in depth study on the meaning of words. It is a wonderful addition to have as you spend time in the Word.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
SAVING THE MARQUISE's GRANDDAUGHTER by CARRIE FANCETT PAGELS
Exquisite , breathtaking, faith filled, and masterfully written is how I will begin my review. I have been swept away to a time in 1742 where religious wars were raging. How ironic that we still seem to have that same problem even today? The story sweeps through history with gracefulness and kept me so involved in the story I couldn't put it down.
Suzanne is a beautiful French woman with noble blood who must hide that she is a Protestant. She is in extreme danger when her father is captured and must flee her home for a safer place. I can't image the fear, and anxiety she was faced with. She knew she had to leave the home she loved so much and the family she felt safe with. Her determination to seek a new place was well written and I could feel her inner strength. The author has done an amazing job of developing Suzanne and brought her to life with her vivid display of words. I felt her agony as she fled and her hopeless as she tried to keep her faith strong.
Suzanne meets Johan who seems to be the answer to prayer. He is very strong and his faith is steadfast. He sees that Suzanne is desperate to seek a new place to go for safety. Will he be able to keep her safe? Can Suzanne trust this man she barely knows? I loved the journey they take as they travel to a faraway land. The boat they find themselves on was described with great depth. I could feel the boat as it rocked back and forth. There were many people on the boat all looking for a new start. Will they all survive the dangers of the sea?
The book is filled with a beautiful historical background that takes readers on a journey through a time when survival was hard and faith was strong. I loved how the author had her character's rely on their faith and prayed for guidance and help. Freedom is something we sometimes take for granted. Will Suzanne and Johan find freedom? I loved this story that covered deceit, trust, faith and freedom.
"Don't worry, God has a plan for you."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Suzanne is a beautiful French woman with noble blood who must hide that she is a Protestant. She is in extreme danger when her father is captured and must flee her home for a safer place. I can't image the fear, and anxiety she was faced with. She knew she had to leave the home she loved so much and the family she felt safe with. Her determination to seek a new place was well written and I could feel her inner strength. The author has done an amazing job of developing Suzanne and brought her to life with her vivid display of words. I felt her agony as she fled and her hopeless as she tried to keep her faith strong.
Suzanne meets Johan who seems to be the answer to prayer. He is very strong and his faith is steadfast. He sees that Suzanne is desperate to seek a new place to go for safety. Will he be able to keep her safe? Can Suzanne trust this man she barely knows? I loved the journey they take as they travel to a faraway land. The boat they find themselves on was described with great depth. I could feel the boat as it rocked back and forth. There were many people on the boat all looking for a new start. Will they all survive the dangers of the sea?
The book is filled with a beautiful historical background that takes readers on a journey through a time when survival was hard and faith was strong. I loved how the author had her character's rely on their faith and prayed for guidance and help. Freedom is something we sometimes take for granted. Will Suzanne and Johan find freedom? I loved this story that covered deceit, trust, faith and freedom.
"Don't worry, God has a plan for you."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Purchase your copy here.
About the Book
Noreen Hirsch loses everything including her husband and two sons. Then her adopted country goes to war with her homeland. Has God abandoned her?
Rosa Hirsch barely adjusts to being a bride before she is widowed. She gives up her citizenship to accompany her mother-in-law to her home country. Can Rosa find acceptance among strangers who hate her belligerent nation?
Basil Quincey is rich beyond his wildest dreams, but loneliness stalks him. Can he find a woman who loves him and not his money?
Three people. One God who can raise hope from the ashes of despair.
About the Author
A freelance writer for over ten years, Linda Shenton Matchett has had a wide and varied career that includes stints as a Human Resources professional, youth center director, B&B owner, and dining services manager. She loves history of all kinds, and serves as a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. A member of Sisters in Crime and ACFW, Linda writes World War II and mystery fiction. She was a semi-finalist in ACFW’s 2013 and 2015 Genesis contests. She makes her home in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region with her husband Wes and fur-baby, Ben.Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett
I’ve been scribbling since I was a child. One of my favorite memories is about the weekly “newspaper” I published when I was about seven or eight years old. Written on three-ring-binder paper, it included a weather report (complete with “graphics”), an editorial, letters to the editor, and lots of articles-most of which make no sense when I read them now! The newspaper didn’t last long, but I continued to write stories until I graduated from high school. Then it was on to college and my “real life.”
Fast forward nearly twenty-five years. My husband and I were fleeing the rat-race known as Washington, DC for a small village in New Hampshire to purchase a bed and breakfast, and I decided to journal about the experience. My first entry was made while we pulled out of the driveway. As I filled my diary, I remembered the joy that writing gave me. After we got settled in NH, I decided to try my hand at writing for publication. I found some freelance opportunities, and my articles were published in various magazines.
But fiction was still calling my name.
It took about a year, but I finished a historical novel about a young woman who leaves her home to become a Harvey Girl. I thought it was brilliant (it was not) and hurried it off to a Christian publisher. It was rejected. And rejected. And rejected. Fortunately one of the rejection letters offered some practical advice. The editor said the manuscript showed promise, but I had a lot to learn as a writer. She suggested I attend writing conferences and join a critique group.
I found a group of other Christian writers, then searched for a conference. The Crimebake Mystery Conference is sponsored by Sisters in Crime New England and Mystery Writers of America and located about two hours from my home. I wasn’t writing mystery stories at that point, but figured a lot of the information must be transferrable. Besides, the conference was driving distance and very affordable. What could I lose?
As an unpublished author, I felt like an imposter at first. But I was quickly enveloped by authors (published and unpublished), editors, and agents, and made to feel at ease. The workshops were jam-packed with information, and I filled page after page in my notebook.
Hungry to learn more, I signed up for Jerry Jenkin’s Christian Writers Guild course and was paired with Eva Marie Everson. An excellent mentor, she helped me improve my writing by leaps and bounds. I also continued to attend the annual Crimebake conferences. In 2010, I was selected to attend a three day writers retreat with authors Hallie Ephron, Roberta Islieb, and Susan Hubbard. I received one-on-one critique and instruction from each of them. It was an unforgettable experience.
By 2014, I finally completed the manuscript, Under Fire, I had started as my Christian Writers Guild assignment. What an accomplishment! I worked with freelance editor Janice Elsheimer to polish the book, and she made me realize it was time to bite the bullet and submit the manuscript to a publisher or agent. Since I was headed to the ACFW conference that year, I signed up for two agent pitches. Gulp! I was going to do this in person!
I was a nervous wreck, but both agents were gracious and calming. One didn’t care for what she read. The other agent loved everything that the first agent disliked. She requested a full manuscript. Ultimately it was not a fit for her, but I had made it over the hurdle of preparing my one sheet and making a pitch. Meanwhile, I wrote two sequels to complete the trilogy. Under Fire is currently under consideration at a traditional publisher.
Last year, members of my group blog (StitchesThruTime.Blogspot.com) decided to put together a collection of novellas. Over the years, I have toyed with the idea of writing a fictionalized account of a Bible story. I did a significant amount of research about Priscilla and Aquila, but never felt led to put pen to paper. So, the story idea simmered on the back burner. I realized the novella project was the perfect opportunity to pursue that idea. But instead of Priscilla’s story, I decided to write about Ruth and her relationship to Naomi.
Writers are told to write what we know, but I believe we should also write what we don’t know so we can learn. I had a very special relationship with my mother-in-law until she passed away from cancer in 1999. I wanted to capture that in a story. I also wanted to explore what it would be like to leave everyone and everything you know to go to a foreign land. I grew up moving a lot, and I considered it an adventure. My husband grew up moving a lot, but considered it a nightmare. I wanted to explore that aspect of Ruth’s story. I thought that World War II was the perfect era to combine these themes. The result is Love’s Harvest. It features German-born Rosa and Englishwoman Noreen.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” The story of Ruth is a perfect example of this. She and Naomi experienced terrible tragedies, yet in the end both women were blessed, and God was glorified. Sometimes it is hard to see “the forest for the trees” when something awful is happening to us or our loved ones. My hope is that readers will be able to relate to Rosa and Noreen, and learn how God takes care of us even when we don’t realize it.
What would you do if you suddenly had to leave your country and travel to a foreign land? As Noreen faces this new adventure, tragedy strikes. Will she be able to overcome the hurt and heartache? The author did a great job describing the struggles people faced as Hitler ruled over their land. When it seems impossible to stay in Germany , Noreen and her daughter-in-law travel to England.
It is refreshing to read a book that focuses on God and how we are sometimes not satisfied with what we have. "God doesn't always give us the answer we expect ." The book is beautifully written about survival, trust, hope and faith. The characters were developed with ease and I didn't want to put the book down. I felt the hurt when Rosa was treated badly for being German and living in England. What must it be like to be treated with hate because you are different from others? The emotions felt so real I felt like I was there watching Rosa as tears slipped down her face.
I love historical fiction that retells a biblical story. The author has done an exceptional job of bringing a wonderful story from the bible and with her words made the story come to life. I could see the women working in the fields and their faces as they tried to work faster. Thank you for a story that is filled with faith and honor.
"God gives to whom he wishes. It is our job to accept it with joy and thankfulness and to share it with others."
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review.
Blog Stops
August 3: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 4: A Reader’s Brain
August 5: Blossoms and Blessings
August 6: A Baker’s Perspective
August 7: A Greater Yes
August 7: Cassandra M’s Place
August 8: Bibliophile Reviews
August 9: Sharon R Paavola
August 10: Texas Book-aholic
August 11: Pause for Tales
August 12: Vic’s Media Room
August 13: Karen’s Krayons
August 14: Donna’s BookShelf
August 15: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a handwoven basket with a box of English Breakfast tea and a copy of her book Love’s Harvest. Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a094
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