Review of a Raleigh Harmon Novel

The Mountains Bow Low

By Sibella Giorello
Well, Sibella has brought back FBI agent, Raleigh Harmon, to solve another crime!! On board a ship to Alaska, she encounters an unexpected mystery and tragedy.This forensic geologist is hoping to leave behind her hectic work schedule and  her engagement that has slowly drained of romance.This is her holiday, she THINKS!!
That plan changes very quickly, when a passenger goes missing and is found dead. Raleigh's vacation gets lost at sea!! Although the death is pronounced a suicide, she knows better and uses her investigative talents to discover the truth.  Help is requested from the FBI- her nemesis arrives-a handsome agent who drives her crazy!! There are five days to solve this crime and figure out her true feelings for this agent who has roots in her past.
Family offers even more challenges. Rifts become larger and problems become bigger with her mother and her aunt.
As stated on the back cover of the book, "Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even mountains might bow down before it."
Sibella, again keeps you engrossed throughout the story with the twists and turns of her plot.  This is definitely a book for mystery lovers.  I found it a bit tiresome and difficult to keep the characters straight, as well as the variety of themes used throughout the book, however, I am not a true lover of FBI novels. Others would find it fascinating, I am sure.
This book was provided free in exchange for a review.. 
To see more reviews on this book go to : http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13142727 )
 Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club Party. Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Please RSVP  and if you have questions you'd like to chat about - leave them on the Event page.

A Heartbreaking Family Story- with Secrets!

Promises to Keep
ByAnnTatlock
This novel is an outstanding story of  a young girl greatly troubled by complex family relationshipships.  Ann has  created such a feeling of home and makes you feel with the unforgettable characters. There are so many deep seated emotions  in this heart-tugging , family drama.  You become so involved with the mysteries, love, delusions of love that it is a book impossible to put down!! The plot is full of twists and turn - just when you think you have a notion of a solution to a problem, there is another shift!! This book is certainly a page turner.

The story begins in a small town where a family has just purchased a house, mom , son and her daughters. An elderly lady appears on the doorstep one morning and sits down to read the paper- THEIR paper - and never really leaves - for good- again!!  The family has met with many challenges.  They are here to attempt a new beginning for their family and to forget some very unhappy circumstances, but here, they meet new problems and situations to solve. 
An absent dad becomes secretly involved with one of his daughters, after a prolonged absence- NOT a good thing to keep secrets!   A young girl is completely confused and  unsure of what to do. There are new family problems at every turn- two families become one! with all their problems!!
An excellent, easy read- BUT don't start it at bedtime!! You will never put it down!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available now from your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

An Unlikely Blessing, by Judy Baer

In celebration of the release of An Unlikely Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175 



One lucky winner will receive:



Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi

A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter just click HERE (http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html) and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy's blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress






An Unlikely Blessing" By Judy Baer
The main character in Judy's newest book, Alex, endears himself, immediately to all who read the first chapter.  He is the new pastor, having always lived in the city, going to pastor two small churches in the plains of North Dakota.  It is a farming community and as the cover states,"lovely and prickly all at once, like the people who live there". 
As Alex gets settled in, he discovers that this is a place of peril- although quiet!  There are challenges being encountered by the people in his congregation that he can't even imagine going through.  His two churches are divided over a feud that goes back beyond his lifetime. Can he and his God save and help this community??
The single ladies add a note of humor to the serious situations in this novel. Alex is presented with more casseroles and food that he can ever consume!! Wonder why????
Alex's faith is tested over and over, in a way no one would expect. These people who are challenged beyond belief end up teaching Alex much about trusting God's mysterious ways.
This is a MUST READ book!! Judy does  a marvellous job in her description of the characters and involves you in all of their lives. You want to be the person who can help them all.  It is an easy to read book, light at times with humor, serious at others with situations that there seems to be not end to!  What a great book!!
This book was provided by LitFuse in exchange for a review.

A Meaningful Message

Another Dawn
By Kathryn Cushman
Making things right, the second time around,  is certainly the theme of this entire novel.   
Life becomes very complicated for the main character, Grace and usually when that happens, she runs- to escape!!  She has done this many times previously, in romantic relationships, friendships and even her family, after the death of her mother.  But in this particular period of her life, Grace decides that she has been given a second chance and is going to succeed at mending fences. Her sister has called her for help her father - the person that Grace blames for her mother's death.   She had never intended to return to Tennessee again, but with her small son, Dylan, does so to "do the right thing" finally.
Whether Grace goes for the right reason, is at times questionable.  Suddenly, the story is complicated  by further challenges- Grace's son becomes ill endangering many other little ones!!  Was it because of his mom's uninformed decision? Will Grace have the strength to endure what the entire town assumes about her? Will she run again?
This book was a joy to read, to see someone who had problems as does everyone, and has to deal with them.  I was completely engrossed in this book and could not put it down. I had no idea how it would end!! There were twists and turns at every corner- you never knew what would happen next. I was completely shocked at the ending !! What a great book!!
Kathryn manages to encompass you with the personalities of the  family and become part of the story. You want to "jump in and help" her.  Great book, great read!
This book was provided courtesty of  Baker Publishing House and Graf- Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Another Wonderful Amish Fiction Book!

A Book Review : "Paradise Valley"
          By Dale Cramer
If you have already read Dale's prize winning book, "Levi's Will", you know what a talented writer he is!!  This new book, Paradise Valley, was certainly no disappointment after reading his Winner of the 2006 Christy Award.  A tale of love, danger, and redeeming faith (taken from back cover) is a very accurate description of the tale, that does stem from some real history in Dale's family.  In the early 1920's, five Amish fathers were imprisoned for not sending their children to school in Ohio. The children were removed from their homes and placed in a Children's Home , where they were to lose all their appearance of being Amish- clothing, hair, kapps, etc. Dale builds his story from this incident, which then is followed by an immigration of some of the families to Mexico to build a new life and live their faith freely.
He uses facts to build a wonderful fictional story- his characters become part of you and you become totally involved in their trials while travelling and attempting to succeed in setting up a new community in a strange land-where you can NOT trust anyone, residents speak a different language and live a totally different lifestyle. All I can say is WOW!!
This book had me so totally involved, that I became involved in each challenge faced. Rachel, a young woman, has to leave the  love of her life in Ohio, as she travels afar with her family. Upon arrival in Mexico, this small group has so many difficulties to face, but their faith remains strong and their influence on others is unbelievable.  We see one young girl teach- her own Amish  families as well as the Mexican children, another becomes a midwife, another who has sinned, has to face many decisions. A father has to make the right decisions for his family and those around him when lives are threatened.
As I don't want to add any spoilers, I would just say to read this book! You won't be able to put it down.With the fantastic characters , descriptions of the land and changes, it is definitely a winner!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

Review of An Excellent Read- BUT not a new book!

A Time to Dance
By Karen Kingsbury
Karen Kingsbury is a talented author who has written many superior Christian fiction books, however, I was very disappointed, upon the arrival of this book, that it was a book written in 2001, that had a different cover, but was the same story that I read 10 years ago!!
The main characters, Abby and John are well developed throughout the book and you become fully engrossed in their family problems. They are parents of almost grown children, with the youngest son going off to college , as a fantastic football player, having been coached throughout high school by his dad.  Abby and John had grown apart but were waiting for their children to leave home, before telling them their devastating news. It was time... they thought.
Instead, of being able to announce their "news", their daughter surprised them with the happy  announcement that she had been saving for the right moment.  You can actually feel the tension in this household, living a life that isn't truthful and is a complete lie to what is really happening between husband and wife. The lies and deceit eat away at this family, throughout this story. It is not book to put away unfinished. You get the distinct feeling that God is at work, but have no idea how or if they will allow God's plan to be fulfilled. 
The Christian faith rings out  throughout the book clearly and concisely.  God can take control but only if we allow him to do so. Well written and worth reading- if you haven't read it before!!
Book provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review.

An Unforgettable Story of Faith When Faced with Fear!

Book Review of:
"Within My Heart"
By Tamera Alexander
The story  begins, with the Prologue,  in the year of 1864, following the Battle of Nashville. Tamera grabs your attention immediately with her concise description of the burying of deceased men killed in battle  and the feelings of the gravedigger.
Then, the next scene takes place in the Rocky Mountains in 1877. The main character, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young, fatherless sons. Financial and emotional challenges continually block her way of keeping her home secure, happy and safe.  Although she  desires to keep her independence, Rachel is forced to turn to Rand Brookston,the one man she wishes to avoid. He is a physician , just like her father was-  NOT a good memory!!
Tamera has the talent of making the characters become known to you in a personal way. You feel Rachel's distrust, feeling of fear, unworthiness and hopelessness  throughout the  story.
Rand, the new phsyician in town, who is attempting to bring modern medicine to town,  is forced to make an important decision to save someone's life. Will he fail, lose his patient and any confidence he has already gained?? You will have to read to find out the answers. Rachel's stubborn heart and soul are softened by the doctor's skill and determination to help the residents in this small community and his caring manner.
You live "on the edge" in this story, fearing for lives and the desire to somehow push them in the right direction.
Tamera Alexander is a talented author who kept my attention and involvement throughout the entire book.
An excellent book from start to finish!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now from your favourite bookseller  from Bethany House, a division of  Baker Publishing Group."

Review of A Good Cowboy Style Fiction

Emily's Chance
By Sharon Gillenwater
This book is the second in Sharon's series called "The Callahans of Texas". The theme throughout this book is simply as stated in Chapter 1-"man meets woman. Man loves woman. Man marries woman".  BUT, this is not as simple as it sounds, at least, not to one of the main characters, Chance. In fact, it is NOT simple at all.
Emily Rose, the lovely maiden, is the other main character in this book, who has arrived at a small town in Texas to revitalize their historical museum.  She has the intention of completing the job for experience in her chosen field - to prove to her parents that her degree IS useful for something.  What Chance and Emily do not realize, is- the challenges and events that will occur in a short time span.  Emily's only desire, when she arrives at Callahan Crossing is to use this as a rung on her ladder to success- which will look good on her ever growing resume as she strives to become a big city museum curator.
Little does Emily know, that Chance, the cowboy and contractor, is going to fall for her- big time and makes a hearty attempt to keep her there- both with the town and him!!  As he helps her restore the town's history, after a disasterous fire, can he help her uncover the value of love???
Emily's main plan was to  please her parents by proving she does have a prestigious job- which she applies for, later in the story, and they have not wasted her education.
This book is a heartbreaking story of hope and healing.  The characters become very real to you as the author's talent for dialogue give them an authentic feel.  Family problems persist, relationships wobble, but peace and love overcomes all challenges. A good read, enjoyable to relax with!!  Well done!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

A Review of a Book that is a Work of Art with its writing of letters!!

Nightingale
by Susan May Warren

This book was a pure joy to review. 
Esther Lange, the main character, becomes pregnant, by a man who becomes her fiance, but true love is absent from the quick affair. It was a mistaken night of passion.  Her fiance, Linus is called off to war. Although, they had never built a true relationship, Esther truly grieves when Linus is lost in battle. She receives letters sent to her by a medic, Peter, who stayed by Linus as he lay dying. They appeared to give her comfort.
Due to the warm feeling  of receiving these letters, Esther starts to correspond with Peter, who says he is a wholesome farm boy from Iowa.  The question is:  Is he truly who he says he is ??  Although the entire book was excellent, it was the  letters that made the book  a work of art.  The letters that went back and forth between Peter and Esther were emotional, showing love and caring and written almost in a poetic style. You could actually feel what each of them was going through.  
There are secrets in this book that appear- is Peter really who he claims to be?  Is Linus really dead?  I will not spoil the storyline for you by telling you more details.
Esther does go through a great period of turmoil and hurtful experiences which she feels will hurt her little girl. She has to make many decisions of great importance.
The book concludes with a completely surprising ending. Happy but a total shock to me!!  It is definitely a  page turner and I did not want this book to end. Now I would like a follow up story. It is a story of war, not only in the world but in the inner being of the characters.  Great book that I would highly recommend!!
Book was provided by LitFuse for review purposes. More reviews can be seen on this site: http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/nightingale-by-susan-may-warren.html)

Dining With Joy- a Book Review

Dining with Joy
By Rachel Hauck

This book was very different from the ones I usually choose to read, but I did enjoy it very much.
Rachel has the ability to turn a serious issue into a real comedy act, and then bring us back to the serious nature in a quick turnaround.
The main character, Joy, is the "chef"  on a regionally syndicated cooking show. BUT - she has one major secret- She CAN"T cook!! But no one realizes that fact.  She has inherited the show from her father under the pretense that she is the fantastic chef that he was. When her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot,  everything lets loose and flies!!!! beyond your imagination.

Then, in comes Luke Redmond, a handsome , creative chef who has just lost his own restaurant due to financial failure. He is asked to cohost the show with Joy- and she definitely feels JOY at that point-maybe he can save her.  Luke certainly becomes more than a cohost!  But, oh the trials along the way!! Joy meets so many embarrassing situations and failures- she has an enemy who really wants to see her fail. I will not tell you more as it would be a spoiler!  Wenda Devine becomes her cruel rival, although, she ends up by making Joy think of God and what is really important in life.
This is a well written book- don't know whether to call it a comedy of errors or..... Anyway, it was a fun read!
Provided courtesy of Booksneeze

Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again!! "The Waiting" is a winner!

"The Waiting"
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Well, Suzanne has done it again!! She has published her second Lancaster County  Secrets novel, The Waiting and it is definitely a winner!! 
The main character, Jorie's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben, her intended, to return to Lancaster County, settle down , join and the church and marry her.  When news arrives that Ben has been killed, her hopes are dashed, she is devastated and turns to Ben's brother, Caleb for friendship. This friendship eventually develops into love- with two broken hearts healing the other and a promise for a fresh beginnings, UNTIL their worlds are turned upside down.
The characters are so realistic and complex, you can feel their pain as they struggle with their faith and desires.  Although, the Amish are to known to have a simple life, their life is anything but that.
Suzanne has the ability to make the characters part of you and your family.
Her intertwining plots keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next event to happen- how will these challenges be met!! 
This book is not only meant for lovers of Amish fiction but for those who want to know more about the Amish lifestyle and how they deal with crises.  Definitely a page turner. Once picked up, it is hard to set aside!!

This book was provided for this review by Litfuse.
Enter to win your very own KINDLE in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s KINDLE Giveaway! Enter at the link below and then be sure to attend Suzanne’s Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th to see if you won (and to chat about books and win one of the MANY other prizes Suzanne is giving away)!  http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-waiting-blog-tour.html

Another book review- A Thriller - Not for the weak hearted!

Don't Look Back
By Lynette Eason

This book is definitely a true mystery thriller!!  It kept me engaged from beginning to end, trying to figure out the clues being given to solve a mystery of the most serious kind.
The main character, Jamie Cash,  a forensic anthropologist, survived a  kidnapping, meant to end in murder, twelve years ago.  She survives , after much  therapy, making a life for herself, although it is a haunting one, always looking over her shoulder in fear.  Jamie continues to be a success in her job, however, after all this time, signs start appearing that her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started many years ago- this all takes place, just as Jamie is feeling that she is finally confident enough to have a close relationship with a man.
How will she escape a second time?  The facts leading up to her discovery that he is still around are puzzling and intriguing. Definitely not for someone who does not like visual attack scenes. At times, your heart almost stops with the suspense that is filled with gritty realism.  This book is one that can NOT be put down until the crimes are solved and I could NOT figure out the answers until they struck me in the last page of the book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House."

Another Fabulous Book by Beth Wiseman

Seek Me With All Your Heart
      By Beth Wiseman

Another great book from my favorite Amish fiction author!! What a delight to read!!
This book is a first in a new series, taking places in Colorado- called A Land of Canaan Novel.
It is still in Beth's wonderful style of writing but the Amish story takes a whole new twist- by taking place in a state not considered by many to be a residence for the Amish.

The land in this area is cheaper, so many are moving in this direction, others are trying to escape memories of strict bishops.  For the main character, Emily, she and her family have moved there due to a very personal tragedy. I will not tell you more of this, as it would be a spoiler!!  Coming from Ohio, in hope of helping heal painful memories, this family encounters more challenges. Memories seem to follow Emily wherever she is.  She has to let the Lord heal these and this book, has her work her way to that purpose.

Another character, David, moves there with his family, not really understanding why they HAD to move.  He has a serious health condition that makes him fear for his future and afraid of making commitments to anyone- even to the extent of becoming close to others.All he wants to do , is return home to Paradise, PA- until he meets Emily - and then new problems arise!!
This young couple just has one difficulty after another- each with fears, but now sharing them with each other.Can they overcome their challenges to form a lasting relationship?  You will have to read to find out!!
A great book, one you can not put down until you finish it!!

A Novel of three best friends and their dreams !! A Book Review

In Every Heartbeat
By Kim Vogel Sawyer

This novel was most interesting and captivating.  I loved it!!
The three main characters grew up in an orphanage together and were good friends throughout their childhood  and young adulthood.  Each one had a unique background of why they ended up in an orphanage, adding suspense and questions as you read .  The current story takes place during their years at university, where they all encounter challenges, personal problems and are somewhat social misfits. 
Although they try to maintain their close friendship, others become involved in their lives, some in a positive way and some in a negative. 
Libby strives to become a journalist,  Pete- a minister and  Bennett- just wants to fit- maybe in a fraternity,anywhere where he can have fun and just belong.
When Libby makes a shocking discovery of Pete's family, the choice is apparent- will it draw a wedge between them or bring them closer together?? It has the ability to bond them in a way never anticipated, but, will they make the correct choice??

The author keeps you involved throughout the book, involving each of the three characters- in their own personal lives and in their intertwining connections.  Well done!!Sorry when it was over!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available now from your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

New Review- "The Summons to Become"

"The Summons to Become"- A Book Review
  By Rachel Chambers

The Summons to Become is a book written by a mother of 6 children, detailing her life as she and her family went through the many changes necessary when the decision was made to become missionaries in Africa.
This family story started as a normal autobiography, but then became very different, very quickly.  Rachel, a mom and wife, tells her story and her family's journey as they venture miles away to a strange country with different customs and totally different lifestyle. All this done to share and witness their faith in the Lord with those who otherwise may never become aware of the choices they have.
It is an easy read and keeps you interested throughout- with the humor, as well as the trials and tribulations in a very different culture. Raising children in an environment, such as Africa , encountering numerous problems, we would never have in North America was described in a fun, interesting tone.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and happened upon it completely by accident- sitting in a Bed and Breakfast in Ohio, talking about reviewing books, then discovering that a table mate, was an author who had just published this book. It was a pleasure to read this for Rachel and I give it a five star review.

An Excellent Example of Suspense Writing

Book Review






"The Bishop"
by Steven James

This book was one of the best suspense thrillers that I have read for a long while.  I am not a great fan of this genre, so did not know what I would encounter when reading it.  I do question the fact that it is classed as Christian Fiction, as I did not find any reference to the faith that I feel it should have portrayed to be put in that category. That put aside, it was a fantastic read and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  The first chapter grabs your attention and keeps it!!

FBI agent, Patrick Bower, has cutting edge skills and in this book push him to the limit when a young woman's body is discovered brutally murdered in Washington DC.  Her killers continues his spree of murders  which tend to be the perfect crimes- it seems no mistakes are made to leave clues behind to aid solving the crimes. As nothing seems to link the crimes, FBI Agent Bower faces the most difficult case yet- finding an answer to these murders is his quest. You can live this situation with him as the scenes are vividly described. Bower's personal life is crumbling around him, but he persists!  He must find the answer at all costs and he does!!

The adrenilene flowed in my veins as I read this thriller, always wanting to  know what was going to happen next-  no predictable events in this book!!   The author definitely engaged you actively in the crimes and emotions -  his and others in the story.  Well done. I highly recommend this to other readers- even those who don't like thrillers, may get "hooked".  OH, and I love the connection to the Bishop in the chess set.  What a unique idea!! Creativity flows in this author!! Now, I want to read the other books in his series!!

'Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favorite book seller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Great Read- "Angel Song"

Book Review:
"Angel Song"
By Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman

This book was one fantastic read!!  Kept me captivated from start to finish!!
Sheila and Kathryn have captured the true feeling of what life should be all about throughout their story.

Anne Fletcher has returned to her hometown of Charleston to celebrate her sister, Sarah's success in obtaining her master's degree. But instead of rejoicing with her, finds herself in the back of an ambulance, watching as Sarah clings and fights for life.  As they race to the hospital, Sarah talks to someone who Anne cannot see and hums a melody never before heard by Anne.
That melody stays with Anne- in the hospital chapel, then in her dreams and again in Sarah's house. Two of Sarah's neighbors have a profound effect on Anne- a young man who lends a shoulder to lean on (gets Sarah's house ready to sell) and a next door neighbor whose 12 year old Down's Syndrome child also can hear those songs and see the angels, that Anne believes Sarah also could see. He insists that these angels are looking out for Anne in ways she never imagined.
This is an excellent example of the development of faith-God reveals Himself to Anne through her new friends and supernatural events.  Anne meets many challenges along the way but finally accepts God's healing love.
This book touches the inner part of your soul as you make the journey with Anne and feel her struggles. The involvement with a mentally challenged child who has a clear understanding of faith  just gives you such a challenge!! It is so simple yet we often find it so hard to believe!!
A book well worth reading. A "hard to put down" book!

"The Seeker"- Learn about the Shakers!!

Book Review:
The Seeker
By Ann H. Gabhart

When I started to read this book, I knew very little about the Shaker faith- as they no longer exist. Upon finishing the first page of  Chapter One, I had already become aware of some of their beliefs- celebacy- no marriage. Although it is fiction, there are many facts that were interesting. It is an education in the beliefs of the Shakers as well as a story about living in a Shaker community and what it involves.

Charlotte, the main character, is preparing for her upcoming marriage, when her fiance decides to join the Shakers- NOT allowing marrriage!  You feel her dismay and her agony as you read through the book. She then encounters many other problems- her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be her sister. Both her household and her country are in a state of disarray- the country being on the brink of Civil War.
Ann keeps your attention throughout the book, having Charlotte join the Shaker community to try to gain back her fiance. Little does she know that this decision will lead her to unforeseen consequences.  Unexpected events constantly keep your attention.
Love blooms in a most unexpected way.  Charlotte is a Southern Belle in war-torn Kentucky who succeeds in her quest for love - in most surprising circumstances.
An excellent read, definitely a page-turner to the very end!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell,a division of Baker Publishing Group."