A SUSPICIOUS DEATH, A SECRET PLOT, A BUDDING ROMANCE. A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a perfect means of execution. Special Agent Tori Templeton teams up with US Marshall Cole Jeffers to investigate Nathan’s murder and whether it’s connected to a recent bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs. The closer they get to finding the killer, and to each other, the more intent someone is in silencing them for good.
My thoughts:
DiAnn Mills is great at coming up with plots and characters that are very interesting. This one opens with a scene that will definitely grab you.
I loved how faith and questioning faith was woven into this book. Tori really questions whether there is any validity to Christianity, I like it when I character is real with their struggle.
I also liked the question of who was behind the murder. Things didn’t add up and there was so many possibilities that my mind kept going back and forth, never sure.
Although I found the plot interesting there was a lot in the book I did struggle with. Some things didn’t make sense and the reasoning behind the characters actions didn’t always add up for me. Some of the dialogue felt really strange, I think because it was sometimes scattered, more like real life but reading real life dialogue isn’t easy to do and made me confused and had me rereading somethings over again.
But, aside from some of the chunkiness of thoughts and dialogue it was a very entertaining read.
Leave a comment by June 13th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible for books lost or damaged in the mail.)
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When you need a new beginning, sometimes the best place to start is home
When Amy Somers leaves her job as a lobbyist, she moves to Misty Willow, well aware that she’s crossing bridges she’d burned years before. With all the mistakes she’s made and the things she’s done, she can hardly believe that happiness will find her–especially when Gabe Kendall, her first crush and her first kiss, rides back into her life atop a buckskin mare.
A former Marine, Gabe is at loose ends after serving a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He sees beyond Amy’s hard exterior to the girl he once knew and loved, and he longs to see her open her heart. Yet with his vision clouded by shame for his past and fears about the future, it’s difficult to see the path ahead.
But the memory of that long-ago kiss just may have the power to reignite a romance that brings out the best in both of them.
My thoughts and giveaway:
I have loved this series. It is the third and each one has held me captive and I didn’t want to stop reading.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because Amy is not very likable at all in the previous books, although we do get to see her soften slightly at the end of the 2nd. She still isn’t overly likable at first in this book but as we get to know her and her brokenness we begin to sympathize with her and understand why she does the things she does.
Gabe is a great hero but with a past of his own that he isn’t proud of. He is drawn to Amy and I sensed a protectiveness in him early on. He would take care of her if she would let him.
I also enjoyed meeting up with the characters from previous books and seeing what was going on in their lives.
If you love a good romance I think you will enjoy this one.
Leave a comment by June 8 for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Love is easy to give when you are getting it back. Are we still called to God’s plan of how to love when we are getting none in return? Shauna Shanks’s brave journey through obedience reveals the outcome of when we dare to follow God’s ludicrous outline for love as described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Wrecked with news of her husband’s affair and his request for a divorce, Shauna finds herself urgently faced with a decision. Does she give up and divorce her husband and move on, or does she try to fight for her marriage? The former choice seems to contradict God’s plan for how to love, such as “love never gives up,” “love is patient,” and “love is kind.”
Taking God at His word and assuming the love chapter was really meant to be followed literally word by word, she not only finds herself falling in love with her spouse again, but also falling in love with Jesus, which changes everything.
First Corinthians 13 presents an audacious, illogical, and irrational context of how to love, meant to be applied to every marital context not just the fairytale marriage. If God’s instructions seem illogical and audacious, you might just expect the same kind of results in return!
This book is not air-brushed. It was written in the midst of the author’s deepest trauma, and she purposefully did not edit out her mistakes and failures during that season. This book will resonate with women who do not feel like the picture-perfect Christian woman with the fairytale life and marriage.
A Fierce Love is the story of a train wreck and reaching out to God not in the calm but in the chaos and finding hope for the future.
My thoughts:
Crazy stuff. This book could have been written by my husband about me. This is totally our story but written from the wife’s perspective.
It’s very interesting to read this and fee like I am in my husbands head and what he was going through while he fought to save me and my marriage. It has made me remember so much. At first it was a bit uncomfortable to read but then I turned it around to my life now and God reminding me that I need to be loving my husband like this.
Shauna references 1 Corinthians 13 a lot in this book. At first I dismissed her thoughts as this is such a familiar verse, it doesn’t do anything for me. How crazy. It’s the word of God, it can do anything.
So I read it and was brought to tears as I saw this as a reflection of the love I am supposed to have for my husband and I stink at it. I have been praying parts of this verse into my life and over my husband. I can’t remember it all so I chose to remember the things I really need to focus on right now, like love is patient and kind, it is not easily irritable or resentful.
If you have ever thought your marriage is over, or maybe you do think it is over, be inspired and challenged by this book and remember that God can restore.
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.
The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.
When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.
Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.
But when cattle start dying and the squatters damage a barn, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero who’s survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom, he needs her love and care too.
My thoughts:
What an intriguing story. The tension between the two characters is tight. There is an initial attraction that they both try to fight but you know they will give in eventually. The question is when and how will it happen?
This is the second book in this series but you will be able to read this as a stand-alone if you choose and not feel lost at all.
It was great to meet with Thomas and be reminded of characters from the previous book. I couldn’t help but wonder whose story we would get to hear next.
I loved the romance, the post-war ear and the mystery surrounding this book. There is something on every page that will keep you turning until the end.
Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death. While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all. Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”! A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to seven, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes, funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at:www.candacecalvert.com.
My thoughts and giveaway:
If you enjoy stories set in the medical field you will enjoy this book.
We open with a scene that will definitely capture your attention as we are introduced to Taylor and Seth.
What I loved about this beginning of this book was that there really wasn’t any romantic connection between these two to start it off but I knew something would change with this eventually. Taylor really didn’t even seem to like Seth and did not want to be around him.
There is also the mystery of what happened on the day Greg died. Taylor wants answers but isn’t getting any.
I was also intrigued by the storyline of a secondary character, Salone, and what part she played in this book. Something was up with her, the question was what?
Leave a comment by June 1st for your chance to win a copy of this book. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)
A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network, Inc. All opinions are my own.
Unique, Powerful Call to the Front Lines of Prayer
From bestselling author James W. Goll, a strategic prophetic leader in global intercessory prayer, comes an in-depth journey into the heart of what it means to be a “watchman on the wall.” Designed for serious worshipers and intercessors, this unique 21-day journey will help you move to the front lines of prayer–becoming more alert to the presence of God and praying his will with confidence.
With reflection questions, devotional prayers, and practical application, this book will help you
· discern the specific spiritual atmosphere around you
· discover the strategies of God for certain times
· pray more effectively for others
· understand how to intercede for current events
Walking in the lifestyle of a watchman means that you can be the sentinel that God is calling his mature intercessors to be. Learn to partner with the strategies of heaven and step boldly into your calling.
My thoughts:
Do you feel called to pray for more. Maybe for things you aren’t even sure what exactly?
This book will challenge you to take that next step. I always find James books inspiring and pushing me to hunger for more of God. This book stays true to that.
I love how he uses Biblical examples of people who had a life of prayer, starting with Abraham. Not only does he uses Biblical examples but he also uses examples of people who aren’t in the Bible.
Each chapter is a short (not super short) read that you can easily do in about 10 minutes or less.
If you are looking for more in your prayer life and are feeling a call to be in prayer then I recommend this book.
One devoted woman is about to discover the power of love
When famine visits Bethlehem, some hold out hope for rain, while Naomi and her family make a long journey to Moab in search of greener pastures. The harvest there is plentiful, and for a time it appears the Lord is blessing them. But when calamities strike, one after another, Naomi is left alone in a foreign land with only her widowed daughters-in-law for comfort.
Downhearted and destitute, Naomi is determined to return to Bethlehem alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth refuses to leave her side. Despite the fact that she and Naomi will almost certainly live out their days in widowhood and poverty, Ruth holds out hope for a better future . . . and maybe even a second chance at love.
My thoughts:
I have read other fiction books based on Ruth and Naomi’s story and really enjoyed them. So it always makes we wonder when I am getting ready to read a new book based on the same story if I will be bored if I could like it as much.
I should have known because it was Jill writing the book I would be reading something brand new. She put twists in this story I never saw coming. She looked at things in a way I had never imagined them happening to our cast of characters before.
The relationships each character has with the others is something new and fresh.
If you enjoy the story of Ruth and Naomi I think you will find this retelling quite interesting and moving as well.
I am sitting here listening to and watching the birds and I am fascinated.
They just…
do the next thing
fly high
fly low
perch
look for food
feed their young
go where they need to
The don’t…
worry
save up for tomorrow
think about what others might say
notice if their feather are ruffled
get offended
Yet, they are constantly working in some way.
And still they sing.
As they fly to feed their little ones, they are singing.
As they search for their next meal, they are singing.
As they perch on a branch, they are singing.
Yes, there are crescendos and decrescendos, they seem to be loudest in the morning and night.
Oh, what we can learn from them.
Our song, our praises, should be the same, loudest in the morning at night.
Wake up praising our Savior, fall asleep thanking Him for another day to impact His world and bring Him glory.
No matter what is going on in the world, no matter what the birds are doing they still sing.
If birds, who can’t have an intimate relationship with our Father, can do that how much more should we do giving to Him. Not half-hearted praise on Sunday morning because someone offended us, or we had an argument with our spouse, but full on worship, no matter what. The Bible tells us to bring a sacrifice of praise and sometimes it is just that. I don’t feel like worshiping but I am sacrificing my flesh, because (news flash) it isn’t about me. It’s all about Jesus. And no matter what I might be feeling Jesus hasn’t changed.
So I watched the birds today and they were busy doing their daily thing I heard the words, “And still they sing.” Can the same be said of you? Of me? Can people watch us no matter what we are doing and say, “And still she sings. And still he has faith. And still she has hope.”
Let it be said of you, “And still she sings.”
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Matthew 6:26 NKJV
In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasonsBetween her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust
About the Author
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.
Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.
At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.
During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.
So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.
To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b723
My thoughts:
I don’t know what it was about this book that drew me in, but it did. It might have been the opening chapter that was so tragic or Alice’s determination after the war.
This book is full of pieces to a puzzle and there seems to be more and more pieces with each chapter. It could be a bit confusing at times but I had this certainty that in the end it would all make sense.
My heart went out to Greta and I wanted Alice to give her a chance and the rest of the town. She seemed to kind and wasn’t your stereotypical German during this time.
The rest of the town is filled with interesting characters that play into this story and give it more depth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and if you like historical fiction I am sure you will like it too.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was give to me though the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.
North meets South in the second installment of this popular Civil War series
Carrie Ann Collier has been a newlywed for nineteen blissful days–as blissful as life can be in the midst of war, that is. Soon that war will take a toll she never expected. When her new husband, Peyton, goes missing during battle, she refuses to believe he is dead, and must find a way to move forward with everyday life in the face of fear.
As Carrie struggles with how to welcome her estranged sister, Margaret, back into her life, another new arrival appears on her doorstep–her husband’s best friend, and rebel officer, Eli. Wounded and bitter, Eli is nonetheless committed to keeping his promise to Peyton: take care of the Collier women, no matter what. But to Carrie, he’s a painful reminder of her lost love.
Then unexpected news makes Carrie wonder if miracles do happen. If Carrie infiltrates the enemy once again, she might find out what really happened to the love of her life. Will Eli be able to keep his promise to keep her safe? Can they forgive each other if promises are broken?
As fans of Boeshaar’s books have come to expect, Too Deep for Words is a meticulously researched novel. Readers are taken directly into the heart of the realities of the Civil War and reminded how, even in the darkest circumstances, faith in Christ offers hope.
My thoughts:
I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this second book. It was great to meet up with these wonderful characters again.
Carrie is such a sweet woman and so strong. I love her personality. Her love for her husband is so strong and I enjoyed watching their relationship.
In this book we get to know Carrie’s sister, Margaret. She added more layers to this story.
I couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out and what trouble Carrie would find herself in this time.
If you love historical, especially placed in during the Civil War you will love this book.
I am sitting here listening to and watching the birds and I am fascinated.
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
Genesis 5020 