25 Book Reviews

Friday, September 27, 2019

Hang on to your seat as you read this new fast paced Christian thriller by Alana Terry! Be sure to enter the author's generous giveaway!!


                         "Frost Heaves"  
                          By Alana Terry  

About the Book:


Genre: Contemporary Christian mystery/suspense
Release Date: March 15, 2019
Jade will do anything to rescue her daughter. Even risk her own life.
Or take someone else’s…

Jade’s a single mom with one goal: to give her daughter a happy childhood, free from the fears and abuse Jade experienced growing up in a cult.
Even though she broke free from her traumatic and dangerous past, Jade is still haunted by fiends … both seen and unseen … and by secrets some people will try to silence forever.
A fast-paced, can’t-stop-reading Christian thriller set in the heart of rural Alaska, Frost Heaves is real, relevant, and almost impossible to put down.
Just like you’d expect from award-winning author Alana Terry.
Grab your copy today.
(But you might want to read it with your lights on.)

Click here to grab your copy.
My Thoughts:  

Upon getting a copy of this ebook, I had very high expectations. Alana Terry has very quickly become a favorite author, one who writes very different mystery/suspense tales. I must admit that Alana did not let me down with this book in her Alaskan Refuge series. Alana's unique talent in dealing with controversial subjects tackled in a respectful but meaningful way, keep the reader glued to the page. 

The characters are described in such a realistic, detailed fashion that you become so entranced in their lives that you tremble in fear as the story progresses. I felt extreme dislike for the two faced members of the cult as they abused their powers, misusing  it in such a strong , despising way. Jade is a young woman who does not deserve what life has dealt her with. I did love the way the author described the healing of deep hurts, by a community that comes together, prays and believes in miracles. The presence of God is evident in those who trust in the Lord for the strength to overcome evil..

The plot is well developed and moves at an unbelievable quick pace. Just when you think that the danger is passed, you turn the page to find another unexpected rock in the path . This book is definitely a fast paced psychological thriller that had my pounding as I felt every challenge and frightening situation deep within me. 

Using Alaska as a setting was a wise move. A cold , vast area fits the theme of unending danger, where you can not see any positive ending in sight. 

Don't miss reading this adventure where true to life situations send you into a world of a cult that many of us have no knowledge of. 

This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author:

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.     

More from Alana:

  While my childhood was spent in the lower 48 states, my husband and I moved to Alaska and this beautiful state has now become the place I call home. Even though adjusting to rural living (we moved to a town with only 400 residents) took some getting used to, I have grown to love everything about Alaska.
In fact, I love it so much, I thought to myself, “I want to share the beauty of where we live with my readers.” And the best way I could think of to do that was to write a three-book, standalone series showcasing some of the wonderful things about Alaska living.
However, it wouldn’t be an Alana Terry series without a lot of exciting, fast-paced suspense readers have grown to love. Identity Theft, Termination Dust, and Frost Heaves are filled with action, adventure, mystery and even a little bit of romance.
Three different stories. All set in my beautiful state of Alaska. With all the action, adventure, suspense, and underlying hope that readers have come to love.
One reviewer described Frost Heaves as “… full of suspense, covered with faith and truth, and sweetened with a touch of romance.”
I wrote these books to share my love of Alaska as well as God’s love and redemption with others. And I hope you’ll turn the last page satisfied, but ready for more.
If the Alaska Refuge Christian Suspense series is your introduction to Alana Terry books, you’ve read all three in the series (in any order), and you’re ready for more action, I’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Stern. Read Unplanned, Book 1 in the 9 book series. Once you get started, I’m sure you won’t want to put it down.

Blog Stops

Robin’s Nest, September 24
Livin’ Lit, September 25
Avid Reader Nurse, September 25
Genesis 5020, September 26
Betti Mace, September 26
Carla Loves To Read, September 28
Quiet Quilter, September 28
For Him and My Family, September 29
Mary Hake, September 29
The Becca Files, September 30
Blogging With Carol, September 30
Godly Book Reviews, October 1
CarpeDiem, October 2
A Reader’s Brain, October 3
janicesbookreviews, October 4
As He Leads is Joy, October 4
Texas Book-aholic, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
               

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Once again, a fabulous read from popular author, Vannetta Chapman! Releasing on October 1!


"The Amish Christmas Matchmaker"
           By Vannetta Chapman  

Synopsis:

She’ll find him a wife for Christmas…Which of these Indiana Amish Brides is next?

With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?

My Thoughts:

If you are tired of the typical Amish tales, then this is definitely the book for you. It is far from the norm of this genre. Annie is a girl who has a mind of her own and is not afraid to use it! She is the owner and operator of a catering business, but is also a determined matchmaker. This is unusual in itself, but then entering the scene is a cowboy hat wearing Amish man! These characters are described is such a detailed, realistic way that you are immediately drawn into their lives and walk alongside them in their rather different life journey.They keep us amused as well as immersing us in their very unusual lives.

The plot is far from boring, it moves quickly with unexpected twists and turns  from beginning to end. The independent Annie meets with many challenges as she fights her desire to enter a romantic relationship, especially with someone who's greatest desire to leave the Amish community she loves, and go to , of all places, Texas!! 

The underlying message comes through this novel loud and clear. Life is not always  easy! It becomes even more difficult when we are not following God's plan, all because we want something that is not what He chooses. It is amazing what will happen to our lives and that of others when we become compliant. God can do the unexpected!!

Vannetta has once again created a tale that exhibits her unique storytelling talent. 

Don't miss this great story!! A fun read from beginning to end. 


This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.





Sunday, September 15, 2019

Fabulous Story of Intrigue and Suspense by Award Winning Author, Colleen Coble!



                         "Strands of Truth"
                          By Colleen Coble
About the Book:


Genre: Suspense
Release Date: September 10, 2019
cover Strands of TruthHarper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Click here to get your copy.
My Thoughts:

Colleen Coble has been a favourite suspense author of mine for some time. 
Waiting for a new book is like waiting for a serving of delicious food. You wait and wait for it , then devour it as quickly as possible. This author dishes up novels full of heart pounding suspense and mystery, keeping the reader tense and on the edge of her chair, from beginning to end. This time, Colleen has managed to use interwoven tales that seemingly are unrelated. Readers are kept guessing as to what will eventually be the connection. This was also a learning experience. I had no knowledge of the uses of deep sea creatures, previous to this.

The characters are described in a realistic, detailed way,  making them easy with whom to identify. Harper's quest for her birth father became mine as I travelled alongside her at this difficult time in her life.  I felt her highs as well as her lows as she travelled this roller coaster called life. Each character had their own quirks, desires and fears.

The plot was outstanding as Coble displays her unique talent of taking two tales and creating a plot of intrigue, deception and a very frightening tale, finally showing the connection near the end of the story.   The fast pace kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Twists and turns appeared at the most unexpected times. The world passed me by as I just could not put this book down!!

A fabulous new story of suspense, worthy of five stars!
I am eagerly awaiting the next one!!

This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.


About the Author

colleen-coble-headshot-smallColleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s EdgeTwilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.

Read a Premium Excerpt

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under? 
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author
“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series
“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception
“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author
“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series
“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files

Blog Stops

Inspired by fiction, September 3
EmpowerMoms, September 3
Blogging With Carol, September 3
Christian bookaholic, September 4
KarenSueHadley , September 4
Susan Cornwell, September 5
Inside the Wong Mind, September 5
Godly Book Reviews, September 5
Emily Yager, September 6
Older & Smarter?, September 6
Blessed & Bookish, September 6
Andrea Christenson, September 6
Avid Reader Nurse, September 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7
The Becca Files, September 8
Mary Hake, September 8
Spoken from the Heart, September 9
Betti Mace, September 9
Back Porch Reads, September 9
Moments, September 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10
For Him and my Family, September 10
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Daysong Reflections, September 11
SusanLovesBooks, September 11
Remembrancy, September 12
Worthy2Read, September 12
Just the Write Escape, September 12
Bigreadersite , September 13
janicesbookreviews, September 13
As He Leads is Joy, September 13
Livin’ Lit, September 13
To Everything A Season, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14
Pause for Tales, September 14
A Reader’s Brain, September 15
Quiet Quilter , September 15
Hallie Reads, September 15
Inklings and notions , September 16
By The Book, September 16
Real World Bible Study, September 16
Patiently Waiting, September 16

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Another Fantastic Read from Award Winning Author, Beth Wiseman!!

                                                           "Listening to Love"   
         By Beth Wiseman

About the Book:

He’s Amish. She’s Englisch. They are best friends, despite what the gossips say. But could the rumor mill know more than they do?
Englischer Natalie Collins looks forward to Friday night suppers at Levi and Mary Shetler’s house every week: delicious food, wonderful conversation with her Amish friends, and, best of all, the presence of Levi’s older brother Lucas. Natalie and Lucas have become best friends despite their different backgrounds. They share a love of books, and he is teaching her about God in a way that she can understand.
But the closer they become, the more opinions everyone seems to have. Levi and Mary, Lucas’s family, and even Natalie’s mother—whose own life is a mess at the moment—have concerns about their relationship. Why can’t everyone understand that it’s possible to just be friends? Besides, they couldn’t be together even if they wanted to be. Lucas would never leave the Amish faith, and Natalie is Englisch and pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
But when a terrifying accident happens, Natalie and Lucas are forced to confront their true feelings and decide if they can stay true to themselves and each other. 
The second novel in the Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman explores the compromises and sacrifices it takes to truly listen to love.


My Thoughts:

I have very high expectations when opening up  a book written my Beth Wiseman! This book is the second in the Amish Journey Series. Her ability to draw me deeply into the lives of her characters is a quality that I love! This book was certainly no disappointment.  The tale has us continuing the journey alongside the previously met characters, Natalie and Lucas.

The characters are so realistically and well described that the reader is compelled to  walk alongside them in their very rocky path of life. One feels the suffering caused by a broken relationship between mother and daughter. Bitterness caused by the divorce of Natalie's parents affects Natalie's power to live her own life. As if that is not challenge enough, Natalie is drawn to a handsome young man......but he is Amish! She is not. The confusion this causes makes the reader wish that one could solve the problems for this beautiful couple. 

The plot moves at a quick pace with lots of unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader glued to the page. The world passed me by as I just had to read to find out what would happen next. Just when everything seems to be calming down, another block is put in the road. The tension built as this tale progressed. 

This book has everything that any reader could wish for, adventure, characters that you come to love and surprises when you least expect them. 

This is a five star book ! Don't miss it!

This book was supplied by NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.



Tuesday, September 10, 2019

A Great Collection of Novellas, Perfect for a Pre Christmas Read!

"An Amish Christmas Kitchen" 
         By: Leslie Gould
               Jan Drexler
               Kate Lloyd     

 About the Book:
   As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen,
  Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas..

My Thoughts: 

Make a cup of hot chocolate and sit down to enjoy this collection of Amish novellas. You will soon be humming Christmas carols and be ready to start your Christmas baking with the delicious sounding recipes included with each story. I found myself getting into the Christmas spirit by the end of the first chapter. If you are like me, you devour a good read and this book certainly whet my appetite. 

Each story brings you to an Amish kitchen , the center of family life. An Amish Family Christmas by Leslie Gould  is focused on a young woman who has lost her mother in recent months and is now working hard to work at the family bakery as well as care for her father. Then.... a former boy friend appears on the scene. This thought provoking story deals with all the important things in life, forgiveness, love and having faith when times are tough.

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box by Jan Drexler tells a very different, unique love story  showing the importance of baking delicious treats to gain the attention of a certain young man.... however it's the wrong man!!! Ada finds love in the most unexpected way! 

Kate Lloyd , in her talented unique style, tells a tale that is very different from the usual Amish story. The past brings a huge surprise to a certain young lady . I felt the warmth within as an Amish family totally accepted and welcomed a newcomer to their table. Love and forgiveness of past present are the underlying themes that shine through this novella. 

All three novellas had realistic characters who grabbed you and pulled you into the story. Every joy, hurt, challenge and success could be felt as you walked alongside these dear people. 

Although each novella was short, the plots were intricately woven, filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader's interest from beginning to end. 

This is the perfect easy read for the Christmas season. Don't miss it. 

This book was supplied by the authors. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Another Fantastic Read by One of My Favorite Authors, Vannetta Chapman!

An Amish Proposal for Christmas  By Vannetta Chapman Synopsis: Her deepest Christmas wish will bring more than she imagined…in this novel by...