Author Spotlight - Dani Pettrey

I discovered Dani Pettrey with her first release in the Alaskan Courage series. SUBMERGED had an intriguing cover that spoke of adventure and suspense, and with an endorsement from Dee Henderson on the cover, who could go wrong. Her five book series is an incredible journey filled with romance/action/adventure at its best.

So, with all that said, I will be re-posting my reviews for SUBMERGED, SHATTERED, STRANDED, SILENCED, and SABOTAGED in the weeks to come. If you're a romance/suspense junkie, and haven't yet read Dani's series, I hope my reviews peak your curiosity enough to take the plunge into the Alaskan Courage series.

Some personal notes on Dani-
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

Book Covers - What Grabs Your Attention?

I'm curious, what do you look for in a book cover? What catches your eye? Is it a cover with real people on it, or an intriguing setting?

I've included a few examples of different covers below. Now, just for the record, these are all authors on my favorites list, and I own all of these books. Nevertheless, if I was told I could choose only one; I would have to choose Silence in the Dark.

It's important for me to connect with the characters. So, having images I can look at is a real plus. Now, the old adage "never choose a book by its cover" also comes into play. I would definitely read the back cover copy to see what the plot was about, and of course, an author I am familiar with would help to make my decision. Even so, it's the cover that entices me to read the synopsis.

So, what about you? Which cover would you choose?

My Review - Rope of Sand

5 out of 5 stars

ROPE OF SAND, along with DEATH BE NOT PROUD, was a complex book, intellectually written, and all consuming.

This series has really baffled me.  I didn’t read book one-MORTAL FIRE.  Book two-DEATH BE NOT PROUD was sent to me for review purposes, and I wasn’t really sure I liked it at first.  There was a paranormal bent to it that turned me off to begin with, it was slow in sections, and hard to follow in others.  But let me tell me, the second half of DEATH BE NOT PROUD quickly picked up momentum and totally captivated me.  I became so attached to Emma and Matthew, I didn’t want the book to end.  My review of DEATH BE NOT PROUD reflected my mixed feelings, but I was so intrigued by it, I knew I would get the sequel.

ROPE OF SAND started out much the same way as its predecessor.  It was a bit slow, and I had to reestablish a connection with the characters.  But, once I did, there was no stopping me.  I was emotionally invested once again with Emma and Matthew and felt every hurt, fear, and frustration they experienced as they tried to move forward and move on.  It is hard to write a review for this book because anything I say could be considered a spoiler. 

C.F. Dunn has a unique writing style.  I can’t really describe it other than to say it is articulate and intellectual.  This series is so out of the norm for me but I am completely captivated by it.  I have decided to go back and read MORTAL FIRE and can’t wait for REALMS OF DARKNESS to be released in the future.  I wouldn’t really consider this a Christian novel as much as I would say this is a novel with Christian characters in it.  Matthew and Emma have faith in God but are struggling to understand why He has allowed Matthew’s life to be so complex.

Note: Some use of strong language.

My Review - Death Be Not Proud

DEATH BE NOT PROUD . . . it is safe to say this novel really stretched by comprehension as a reader.  Some good.  Some bad.

This is book two in The Secrets of the Journal series.  Since I didn’t read book one–MORTAL FIRE, I was at a bit of a disadvantage.  If I hadn’t requested this book as part of a blog reviewer agreement I probably never would’ve finished it, but I am so glad that I did.  

The first half of the book is a confusion between back-story and set-up.  Since I didn’t read MORTAL FIRE, you would’ve assumed I would like the back-story to bring me up to speed.  Instead, it only served to confuse and frustrate me.  The back story never came right out and told me what happened in book one, it only alluded to it.  I found myself reading and re-reading sections to try and grasp where the story had come from and where it was heading.  So, for readers jumping in, it wasn’t too helpful, and probably for readers who already read book one, it probably frustrated because of the length of rehashing that happened.

The second half of the book is where momentum really picked up.  It was so enthralling and captivating, I couldn’t put it down.  Of course, the second half is where both hero and heroine are reunited.  I have long said that I do not like romance books that keep the two main characters at arm’s length for an extended period of time, so I am sure that led to my dislike of the first half.  

The other thing that was bothersome, is when reading the first half of the book I found myself wondering . . . is Matthew a ghost, a time traveler, an alien, etc. ?  I am not into paranormal fiction so I kept wondering how long I was going to be in the dark regarding Matthew’s secret, and once revealed would I want to continue?  No worries there.  By the end of book two, you still don’t know what Matthew’s story is.  And now, I am so emotionally invested, I will have to watch for the release of book three ROPE OF SAND in order to have my questions answered and conclusions tied up.  If this was the hope of author C.F. Dunn, she achieved it expertly!  This reader is on the hook for the last installment.

Book provided for review purposes.

My review - Mortal Fire - The Secret of the Journal Series

5 out of 5 stars - Outstanding!

MORTAL FIRE – Is not your run-of-the-mill romance book . . . and how wonderful that it is not!!

I have a love-hate relationship with The Secret of the Journal series penned by C.F. Dunn.  Hate-because I read it out of order.  Love- because it totally captivated me so I had to go back and read what I missed.  I actually started the series by reading book two.  It was sent to me as part of a blog tour.  Initially, I groaned, because I could tell the book delved into what I would call the mystical/not really possible realm.  This is not a genre I am comfortable with.  I would not have picked this book up on my own, but since it was sent to me, I had to follow through with my commitment to read and review.  I am so glad I did.  I was so utterly captivated with DEATH BE NOT PROUD (book two), I went ahead and purchased ROPE OF SAND (book three), but that did not quench my desire to know everything I could about Dr. Matthew Lynes and Dr. Emma D’Eresby. So, I went ahead and purchased MORTAL FIRE so I could start at the beginning.  Even though I knew what was going to happen in book one because of the heavy references in book two, it did not minimize my enjoyment.  To write a review without giving away keys to the mystery is difficult.  But I will try in a nutshell.

Dr. Emma D’Eresby, a professor of history at Cambridge, is on a quest to find a journal her grandfather began to translate decades ago.  It is her connection to her deceased grandfather and their shared love of history, but Emma quickly finds out it might also be connected to her future.  Traveling to the U.S. to study the journal, Emma soon finds herself the target of someone’s depravity.  Though already intrigued by the enigmatic Dr. Lynes, her attraction for him grows when he comes to her rescue.  But with that attraction comes even more questions about who the elusive doctor really is.  The heart wants what the heart wants, and even though Emma knows Matthew is being secretive-even deceptive-she can’t seem to rein her heart back into obedience.  When Matthew not only acknowledges Emma’s affection but returns it as well, she thinks he will finely drop the façade he has so meticulously erected and let her in.  When Matthew doesn’t, Emma questions it they have a future at all.

MORTAL FIRE, along with DEATH BE NOT PROUD and ROPE OF SAND are by far the most intriguing novels I have ever read, even though they went against some of the ‘don’t likes’ I usually point out in books, such as: They delve into the mystical-a genre I choose not to read, and the author’s writing is sometimes overrun with evocative, fanciful descriptions – but somehow she makes it work brilliantly.  I love the stubborn, tenaciousness of Emma, and I have never met a more haunting and elusive hero as Matthew.

Any reader who wants to be swept up into the unknown and allow an author to take you to the edge of your imagination, The Secret of the Journal series is for you.  But just to warn you, the story doesn’t stop just yet.  REALM OF DARKNESS will be the fourth installment in the series, and I have yet to find out the release date of this next novel. So, with great anticipation, I wait, and so will you.

Note: These books were introduced to me as part of a Christian blog tour.  Many say they don’t see the Christian influence great enough for the books to be marketed in that genre.  I might tend to agree.  The faith the characters cling to is very personal and private, but definitely there.  So, even though there aren’t large quantities of pages or paragraphs dedicated to their faith, the characters definitely look to God for their strength and turn to Him in the hope that He will one day help them understand the anomaly that is Matthew’s life.

 

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - C.F. DUNN

Today's Author Spotlight is C.F. Dunn from the U.K. Claire is an amazing author who has penned a series that is elusive and quite intriguing. I stumbled across Dunn's writing by mistake. I review books for a few publishing houses and received DEATH BE NOT PROUD, the second installment in The Secrets of the Journal series in exchange for posting a review on major outlets like: Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, etc.

   

In all honesty; I was in a snit when I received this book. Anyone who knows me, knows fantasy is probably one of my least favorite genres. I have a hard time with concepts I can’t wrap my mind around. But, to fulfill my agreement to the publishing house (Lion Fiction), I began what I felt would be a long arduous task of reading a book I knew I wouldn’t appreciate.

    

I could NOT be more wrong!

   

DEATH BE NOT PROUD absolutely captivated me! The series centers on Dr. Emma D’Eresby, a professor of history at Cambridge, who is on a quest to find a journal her grandfather began to translate decades ago. Traveling to the U.S. to study the journal, Emma soon finds herself the target of someone’s depravity. Though already intrigued by the enigmatic Dr. Lynes, her attraction for him grows when he comes to her rescue. But, with that attraction comes even more questions about who the elusive doctor really is. The heart wants what the heart wants, and even though Emma knows Matthew is being secretive-even deceptive-she can’t seem to rein her heart back into obedience. When Matthew not only acknowledges Emma’s affection but returns it as well, she thinks he will finally drop the façade he has so meticulously erected and let her in. When Matthew doesn’t, Emma questions if they have a future at all.

  

This is just an excerpt from my review of MORTAL FIRE (book one). I will be posting all three of my reviews, in their entirety, throughout the week. All I can say is there are not enough adjectives to describe the emotional roller coaster you will experience with this series. And, if you happen to pick up this series and become as entranced as I did, you’ll be happy to know REALMS OF DARKNESS (book four) will be released later this year.

Thank you, Claire, for such a fascinating journey.

 

 

 

 

 

My Review - Sanctuary Breached

5 out of 5 stars

SANCTUARY BREACHED, book three in the WITSEC Town Series, is the most suspenseful to date.

Beth Myerson, the president’s daughter, sits in Sanctuary trying to unravel the threads of her life. Her parents have been assassinated, her husband—Navy SEAL Lieutenant Sam Myerson doesn’t even know she’s carrying their child, and Beth continues to hide the real reason she has come to Sanctuary. Determined to finish what she and her mother started, Beth continues with her plan.  But with no one to confide in Beth definitely feels she is on her own. All she wants is a life with her husband and child, but not knowing her husband’s location or if he is even alive begins to erode any hope Beth has of getting out of Sanctuary alive.

Sam Myerson doesn’t understand what went wrong. All he knows is his SEAL team has been compromised and he’s been taken captive. When a few pieces fall into place, Sam realizes his abduction has something to do with his wife and the town of Sanctuary. Once Sam arrives in Sanctuary, his number one priority is to ensure the safety of his wife and unborn child. But, when he finds out the welfare of the entire free world rests on him, he must find answers before it’s too late.

SANCTUARY BREACHED was a rollercoaster ride of action and suspense. After reading books one and two, I’ve become attached to the characters. When it appears they all are in jeopardy, I had to keep reading to make sure they all made it out alive. The twists in this book were plentiful, and there were several hold-your-breath-moments. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes action/suspense, mixed with romance.

Though book four, SANCTUARY DECEIVED, is now available on Kindle, I will wait until it is available in paperback in order to complete my collection. I say that now, but time will tell.

My Review - Sanctuary Buried

5 out of 5 stars

SANCTUARY BURIED, book two in the WITSEC Town Series was even more suspenseful than the first.

Frannie Peters’ life in Sanctuary has been very day-to-day. She has spent her time running the town bakery while trying to ignore the over-the-top antics of her mother and sister. But dealing with her mother and sister becomes the least of her problems when Frannie walks in on an attempted murder. Now, the killer is after Frannie even though she has no way of identifying him. The only positive thing that comes out of being the murderer’s next target is that Matthias Hernandez, the man of Frannie’s secret infatuation, steps forward to protect her.

Matthias Hernandez is always smiling and helping someone out, but his secrets run just as deep as the other residents of Sanctuary. His family is a mess, and he shoulders the blame. It’s because of him that they live in the WITSEC town and because of that, he feels it’s his job to keep the family together. But, he secretly desires more. A family of his own. Matthias has been attracted to Frannie for a while, something he’s kept to himself or so he thinks. But, when Frannie becomes the target of a would-be killer, he no longer keeps his distance.

I really enjoyed SANCTUARY BURIED. I liked the slow development of the relationship between Frannie and Matthias. But there was plenty more than just romance to the book. The suspense was high as I tried to figure out who the killer was and what was his motivation. The setting continued to put an interesting slant on the story. A whole town of people keeping secrets had me assuming anyone could be guilty. Ms. Phillips also created characters like Frannie’s mom and sister that you just wanted to hate. To me, that’s always a sign of good writing.

Another great installment. Look for my review of SANCTUARY BREACHED next week.

Next Release for 2016 - Just An Act

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond on both Facebook and email regarding my next release. With an overwhelming response from you, my readers, I have decided, JUST AN ACT, will be my next release for 2016.

So, yesterday, I started the arduous task of editing JUST AN ACT one more time before turning it over to my faithful friends and family members who make up my editing team. I have set a goal of editing one hundred pages a week for the next five weeks. That might not seem like a lot, but you would be surprised how much time I can spend on just a few sentences in order for it to express exactly what I want a character to say or feel.

I will post updates as I progress through the story of Beth Justin-single mom, Shane Justin-her rebel teenage son, and celebrity-in-hiding-Mitch Burk. I will let you know if I am meeting my goals, and maybe even share excerpts along the way.

If you would like to take the journey with me as these three characters discover who they are, and who they want to be, sign-up to receive email notifications each time I post to my blog site. You can do that by filling in the sign-up box to the right.

Note: I purposely did not post pictures this time, because I didn't want to fixate on images that most likely will not appear on the book cover.

My Review - Sanctuary Lost

4.5 out of 5 stars

SANCTUARY LOST is the first book I’ve read from Lisa Phillips. But, it most certainly will not be my last. SANCTUARY LOST is the first installment in the WITSEC Town Series—a town made up solely of people in the witness protection program.

U.S. Marshal John Mason has just come out from being undercover for a year. When he finds out he will have full custody of his son, John realizes he needs to make some life changes. When his brother offers him the job of sheriff in the unique town of Sanctuary—a town that’s not even on a map—he’s not sure it’s the life change he’s looking for. But, when he finds out his own life is in jeopardy, he realizes he doesn’t have a choice. 

Shortly after arriving in Sanctuary, the town suffers its first murder. Feeling the pressure to solve the crime, John’s faced with a town that has a lynch mob mentality. They’re offering up fellow citizen Andra Caleri—the town loner—as the murderer. John doesn’t believe for a minute Andra is guilty. But, is that his heart or his head talking? Having developed feelings for Andra, John desperately hopes for a break in the case or he’ll lose the woman that has worked her way into his heart. As John puts the pieces together, he realizes it’s not only a murder he’s dealing with but a conspiracy that involves high ranking people in Washington, D.C. It’s a race against time to find the real murderer before Andra is whisked away from Sanctuary for good.

Ms. Phillips has created an entire town of citizens that are all hiding something. Not knowing why these people have been exiled to Sanctuary, you realize anyone could be guilty, even though everyone appears so innocent. The interaction with John and Andra was definitely a love-at-first-sight connection. That was a bit hard to believe since it happened in less than a week, but I didn’t let that detour me from enjoying the story.

Can I just say, I love the books that are coming out of the self-publishing community.  I will definitely be continuing with this series.

I've been recognized as being in the TOP 1% of Reviewers on Goodreads!

So, this was a fun email to find in my inbox. Goodreads has recognized me as being in the top 1% of reviewers on Goodreads! This definitely put a smile on my face. I have been actively posting book reviews for years. I've posted them on Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari (no longer available), my blog, and other sites when asked. It's nice to know the time I've put in has paid off. If you're interested in my reviews, scroll down. My Goodreads reviews are posted in the right-hand margin. Just click on a book cover that interests you, and it will take you to my review of that book. Once on Goodreads, you can read my other reviews, view my bookshelf, and see other goodies.

Author Spotlight - Lisa Phillips

It was easy to choose my first Author Spotlight because I just finished a series from Lisa Phillips. The WITSEC Town Series (which I will be reviewing throughout this month) has a very unique setting. Imagine . . . an entire town populated with people in the U.S. Marshal's witness protection program.
 

No one in Sanctuary is who they say they are.   

Everyone is hiding a secret.

Some people are in Sanctuary because their testimony put their life in danger.   

Others are dangerous criminals who cut a deal with the Marshal's office.

As you can see, the unique location of the WITSEC series sets the stage for intrigue, suspense, and fortunately for the reader, romance. I won’t say much more because I will be reviewing books 1-3 in the weeks ahead. But, if the WITSEC series sounds like something you would be interested in, and you are a Kindle reader, books 1-3 are available now for only .99 each. Though book 4, SANCTUARY DECEIVED, is not yet available in paperback, it was just released on Kindle and is selling for $2.99.

Lisa Phillips has other books available, including several in the Love Inspired Suspense imprint. In fact, Lisa has most graciously offered to give a copy of her current release, SUDDEN RECALL, away to one lucky blogger. Just comment on this post before April 12th to be entered into the drawing. Make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.
 
A quick blurb on Lisa Phillips - A British ex-pat, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. It wasn't until she graduated from college that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Click here to be redirected to Lisa’s website.

Look for my review of SANCTUARY LOST on Saturday. If you want to make sure you don't miss any of my reviews, author spotlights, or giveaways, sign-up (on the right) to receive an email alert of my weekly posts.Link to Amazon

Next Book Release ?

I find myself in a quandary. I have several completed manuscripts, but I'm not sure which one to release next. I've narrowed it down to two. So, I thought I would write a synopsis on each and see if any of you would like to cast a vote. If you have the time, please read the following blurbs and tell me which one peaked your interest. (Pictures just added for interest)

Working title #1 - Just an Act

Mitch Burk wants out.  Known as Simon Grey, Hollywood heartthrob, he decides to walk away from his celebrity status to find what’s missing from his life. With an Airstream trailer in tow, he gets into a beat up Suburban and heads for the middle of nowhere. 

Shane Justin is feeling the growing pains of adolescents.  Hating the small town of Triune—and the family ranch he’s grown up on—he begins to rebel.  When his friends talk him into a roadside prank, Mitch Burk gets caught in the crossfire.

Beth Justin has not had an easy life.  A teen pregnancy, a broken heart, and the death of her parents, has left her with her fragile faith, her son, and the Iron J Ranch—and now even those things might be in jeopardy. 

Mitch finds himself on the Iron J with a busted windshield and a chip on his shoulder, while Beth feels herself being pushed to the limit.  She has no idea who her unexpected guest is, only that he’s a real pain in her side.  But when she sees the way Mitch bonds with her son, she realizes she might’ve overlooked some of his finer qualities and decides to let him stay at the ranch and help out while his Suburban is being repaired.  

What follows is three people navigating lives that are not what they dreamed, wanted, or desired, but are theirs to figure out.

 

Working title #2 - Grace Will Lead You Home

As a teen, Cassidy Martin loved life, family, small town ranch living, and the Lord. That is until her world was turned upside down by a tragic accident. Hating God for ruining her life and feeling betrayed by her father’s God-has-a-plan-in-all-things mentality, Cassidy left for New York on an art scholarship the minute she graduated high school.

It’s now nine years later, and Cassidy’s life is in shambles. Running from a marriage that is beyond fixing, she has nowhere to go but home. When she gets there, her father is still the same man-of-few-words rancher who serves God faithfully. It makes Cassidy bristle and stirs her anger.  But the real problem is Will Marsh. Wilbur Marsh was the consummate nerd in high school, but now he’s a handsome veterinarian living on her father’s property. Immediately, Cassidy and Will are at odds with each other. Cassidy is jealous of the relationship Will has forged with her father, and Will lets Cassidy know he won’t stand back and watch her father get hurt by her caustic behavior. Cassidy battles her father, Will, and the anger that’s tearing her apart inside.

 

So . . . what do you think? I would love to hear from you. You can email me at tamara@tamaratilley.com, comment here on my blog, or hit me up on Facebook. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.

 

ONE SATURDAY - Now available on Kindle

For those of you who've asked, ONE SATURDAY is now available on Kindle. You can find it one of two ways on Amazon. You can type in One Saturday Kindle in the search bar, or simply click here to be taken directly to that page. It takes a few days for Amazon to sync the paperback version and the Kindle version together on one page, so use this handy link if you are interested.

And remember, if you like ONE SATURDAY, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Independent authors like myself count on readers like you to spread the word regarding new releases and other books in my catalog.

Thank you for your support.
Happy Reading!

My Review - The Red Door Inn

4 out of 5 stars

THE RED DOOR INN was a genuine story with heartwarming characters.

Marie Carrington leaves Boston, trying to put as much space between her and the past that haunts her. With a fixation on Prince Edward Island, she finds herself at the ferry but without enough money to buy a ticket. A chance meeting with Jack Sloane gets her not only passage on the ferry but a job at his yet to be opened bed and breakfast. Marie immediately feels a connection with the fatherly Jack, but not his nephew Seth Sloane. Seth is rude, standoffish, and makes Marie feel very uncomfortable. She contemplates leaving but Jack needs her help and feminine touches if the Red Door Inn is going to open on time. Marie works hard to hide her fragile emotions and keep her distance from Seth. But over time, she sees another side of Seth. He’s a hard worker, loves his uncle fiercely, and his softer attitude towards her makes his drop dead good looks all the more attractive.

Seth Sloane doesn’t trust Marie. She shows up out of nowhere and worms her way into helping his uncle decorate his B and B. Though she’s quiet, timid, and keeps to herself, Seth is sure she’s working some kind of con on Jack. Seth knows all the signs since he was recently conned and fleeced of his life’s savings. He might’ve been blinded by love, but he refuses to let it happen to Jack. He has every intention of keeping his eye on Marie until he can expose her for what she is. But the longer he watches Marie, the harder it is for him to see her as the opportunist he pegged her to be.

THE RED DOOR INN pulls together three people who are all dealing with their own kind of loss. As they each navigate their own path to healing, they find that accepting help from others is what will help them find restoration.

Liz Johnson’s characters were so engaging it was easy to get lost in THE RED DOOR INN. Jack is the perfect fatherly type to both Seth and Marie. Having no kids of his own, he relishes the time spend with these young people. Marie’s fear and distrust is understandable, as is Seth’s cynical disposition. Secondary characters of Aretha and Caden are quirky and lovable and make North Rustico all the more inviting. THE RED DOOR INN is the perfect book to read curled up next to a fire, cocoa in hand.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available March 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

TOP READ OF 2016 - Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann

5+ stars out of 5

I cannot say enough about TOLD YOU SO by Kristen Heitzmann, other than it was an exceptional story of faith and forgiveness!

The style and rhythm of TOLD YOU SO were quite intriguing, but challenging as well. Admittedly, I had a hard time with the first hundred pages or so because of the staccato timing in the dialog. I am a multi-tasker, so it’s nothing for me to watch a movie and read a book at the same time. But with TOLD YOU SO I couldn’t do that for fear I would miss something pivotal. A friend asked if I was going to bother finishing the book if it was that difficult to read. I answered with an emphatic “Oh Yes!” I just recognized that I had to give TOLD YOU SO my undivided attention if I was going to be able to follow the storyline. The energy between Grace and Devin was volatile. Their dialog crisp and sharp. I had to be present one-hundred-percent so I didn’t miss out. The rest of the book was finished in less than five hours. The story was intelligent as well as inspiring!

Grace Evangeline has a light about her everyone is drawn to. Everyone but Broadway producer Devin Bressard. A romance novelist—whose characters are virtuous and always have a happily ever after—Grace is convinced her latest novel needs to be on the Broadway stage. Devin dismisses Grace’s writing, calling it contrived and farcical, and has no intentions of producing it. Devin considers his work literary art, not flights of fancy, and his feelings towards Grace are nothing less than insolent. But Grace refuses to give up. And then, by a twist of fate, Grace and Devin are partnered to work on a project for a mutual friend. Their time together is verbally volatile and emotionally exhausting. Devin is determined to write something realistic and impactful while Grace challenges him to allow hope and chance to inspire him. Devin’s irritation with Grace soon turns to fascination. The more time he spends with Grace the more he is drawn to her. The sparks between them are emotionally charged but soon become romantically driven. Grace feels the pull as much as Devin but knows their attraction can’t lead anywhere. Their outlooks on life are worlds apart. But when their worlds collide, the fallout affects more than just themselves.

I think TOLD YOU SO is an exceptional example of worthy Christian fiction. I don’t understand people who have been critical of Ms. Heitzmann or insist this book should not be categorized as ‘Christian’. TOLD YOU SO is centered on the life of a woman who propagates virtue and encourages other women not to sell themselves short. How is that not considered a Christian perspective? I, myself, do not look to Christian fiction for perfect characters with charmed lives. I look for characters who try to do the right thing, and even when they fail, they cling to God to help them right their course. Ms. Heitzmann’s portrayal of a Christian woman living in the world that surrounds her screams of realism. A perfect example was when Grace attended a high-class party with another notable celebrity. When alcohol, drugs, and more—completely acceptable amenities in celebrity circles—were offered to her, she didn’t act horrified, self-righteous, or get on a soapbox to tell others what was wrong with their lifestyle. But her simple refusal showed people where she stood and spoke louder than any sermon she could’ve preached. And, her unpretentious reaction gained the respect of the celebrity she was with. Grace successfully navigated these pitfalls. But that’s not always the case. Do we fool ourselves into thinking Christians don’t lie, swear, or fall into temptation? Because they do. Not because they love God less, but because they aren’t perfect. I applaud Christian fiction that will accurately portray the trials along with the triumphs in the lives of Christians. I don’t in any way condone sin or make excuses for it. But I also am not so pious as to believe it doesn’t touch the life of those who love God. I read for enjoyment, pleasure, and escapism, not for fantasy or a place to stick my head in the sand. Thank you, Ms. Heitzmann, for penning a story that was realistic and inspiring. I hope people see that same kind of realism in the books I write.

My Review - A Sweet Misfortune

4 out of 5 stars

A SWEET MISFORTUNE, the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series, may have been predictable, but was still a joy to read.

Rachel Matthews is doing what she can to make it through life. While waiting for her brother to strike it rich in California, Rachel has no choice but to work as a dance hall girl. She knows, once he returns, they will buy back their family ranch and make a life for themselves in Montana. But, when John McIntyre all but kidnaps her, Rachel’s direction in life takes an about face. Fiercely independent, Rachel is angry with John for interfering, but soon admits to herself she is far better off working for his grandmother. When Rachel feels a spark of interest for John, she quells her heart. John is a respectable man, she is merely a saloon girl. They are worlds apart and that’s where they’ll stay.

Wealthy ranch owner, John McIntyre, has only two interests in life—acquiring land and cattle. But, when his friend, Preston Matthews, asks him to rescue his sister from the life as a dance hall girl, John obliges. Thinking he’s doing Rachel a favor, John is shocked when she is anything but grateful. But, being a man of his word, he’s determined to keep Rachel under his roof and in his care until her brother returns to Montana. John soon finds himself infatuated with Rachel. She’s a hard worker, compassionate towards others, and doesn’t take things for granted. But, knowing the life she’s led in the dance hall, John isn’t sure he can overlook her past.

I really enjoyed A SWEET MISFORTUNE. I was under the gun to get this book read, in order to fulfill a commitment, but had no problem finishing it in a day. The pacing was good, the characters likeable, and there was enough action throughout the book to keep the story going. Rachel is a real firecracker (love that in a heroine), and John is all business, but with a tender heart (can you hear the swoon?). The interaction between these two was lively and entertaining. Secondary characters like Estelle, Molly, Annabelle, and even the snarky Beatrice, definitely added dimension to the story. I felt A SWEET MISFORTUNE had better pacing than THE TROUBLE WITH PATIENCE. It flowed well and had more substance.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Always Watching

5 out of 5 stars

ALWAYS WATCHING, another riveting book from Lynette Eason.

Radio personality, Wade Savage, is being stocked. Thinking it is just an infatuated fan, he chooses to ignore it. But his father doesn’t. Unbeknownst to Wade, he is being watched by a bodyguard his father hired. When that bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, Wade realizes his stalker could prove to be deadly. Caring for his daughter’s safety, Wade concedes to a team of bodyguards from the Elite Guardian Agency. But, this show of security does nothing to scare off his stalker. In fact, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner, has now become a target. Though he doesn’t have the time to devote to a love interest, Wade immediately finds himself attracted to Olivia. But . . . that attraction could get her killed.

Almost losing one of her agents—and best friend, Olivia Edwards takes over the Wade Savage case. Always the professional, Olivia is all business with Wade Savage. But somehow, the attraction she feels for him is like nothing she’s ever experienced. Reminding herself not to blur the lines between business and pleasure, Olivia focuses her attention on finding Wade’s stalker. Knowing everyone around Wade is a potential victim, Olivia calls in some favors from friends in local agencies to not only protect Wade and his family, but to find the stalker before it’s too late. As Olivia’s attraction for Wade grows, and knowing he feels the same way about her, Olivia realizes she’s not just protecting another client but the man she’s falling in love with.

Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors, and she is yet to disappoint me. ALWAYS WATCHING is the first installment of the Elite Guardian series. Though at first, I had a hard time imagining a bodyguard agency made up solely of female agents—young ones at that, my skepticism quickly vanished the more I got into the story. Though I guessed early on who was behind the attacks on Wade’s life, there were still twists I hadn’t expected. I will be watching for the release of WITHOUT WARNING this summer.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - On Lone Star Trail

3 out of 5 stars

ON LONE STAR TRAIL was a sweet romance by Amanda Cabot.

Gillian Hodge is looking for direction. After suffering from a career ending motorcycle accident, Gillian goes to her friend’s resort—Rainbow’s End—to gain focus. Being a concert pianist is all she knows. Now, she needs to figure out what she’s going to do next. The one thing she is sure of—she’s not looking for romance. But, what if romance finds her? Mike comes from a wealthy family and has his sights set on politics. Gillian would fit into his world perfectly. Fancy parties, public appearance, an affluent circle of friends—things she’s already used to. T.J. is a man without direction, who’s trying to put the past behind him, and who rides a motorcycle—something that terrifies Gillian. Though her heart is drawn to T.J., in spite of their differences, her mind is constantly reminding her that Mike is a great guy and could provide her with a stable future. But, the heart wants what the heart wants.

ON LONE STAR TRAIL was enjoyable to read. Not many twists or turns or surprises along the way, just a sweet story with pleasant characters—some that reappear from the previous books in the Texas Crossroads series.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

New Release - ONE SATURDAY

I am excited to announce,
ONE SATURDAY
will be released in the month of March.

Here 's a preview of the cover. More to follow.

My Review - The Peacock Throne

3.5 out of 5

THE PEACOCK THRONE had its ebbs and flows. A fascinating story, but at times, it had a tendency to drag.

Lydia Garrett and Lord Anthony Danbury are an unlikely pair. She works at a coffee house, he is an aristocrat. But they do have one thing in common. To catch a murderer. Lydia’s guardian and Lord Danbury’s father have both been murdered, and it would seem their deaths are somehow linked. Lydia finds the link between the two men in a diary, and Lord Danbury learns that Lydia’s guardian had been on the same ship as his father. They both learn of an amazing tale regarding the spiriting away of something called The Peacock Throne.

Now, Lydia, Lord Danbury, and Marcus Harting—a government official that thinks Danbury isn’t as innocent as he would like everyone to believe—set out to find not only the murderer, but the throne that was hidden years ago. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones seeking the throne. The French are quick on their heels to find the location of the throne and take it for themselves. Lydia, Danbury, and Harting embark on an amazing adventure that takes them over the high seas, through tribe inhabited jungles, and to foreign lands. There hope is to draw out the murderer before he can capture the throne or cause any more bloodshed.

I enjoyed THE PEACOCK THRONE with its twist and turns, but the pacing of the book was a bit slow for my liking. The main characters were well fleshed out, and the secondary characters added to the depth of the story. Lydia is strong-willed, but still every bit a woman. The attraction that both Lord Danbury and Marcus Harting begin to feel towards Lydia makes for an intriguing triangle. But knowing two of the three are deceiving the other will keep the reader interested in not only the outcome of the throne but who will win Lydia’s heart. The last third of the book moves at a quicker pace, but the middle was a bit slow. Still, it was an adventurous read.

Book provided for review purposes.

My Review - Thin Ice

5 out of 5 stars

THIN ICE is only one in a long list of novels that continues to showcase Irene Hannon as a premiere writer in the Christian Romance-Suspense genre.

After the devastating loss of her parents in an auto accident, and her sister in a house fire, Christy Reed is beginning to get her legs back under her. As a world class figure skater in her teens, Christy knew what was needed to push through adversity, pain, and loss. But as an adult, losing her family meant far more than losing a career. Her only support system now that her family was gone was her faith. Little did Christy know that her faith was going to be put to the test.

When Christy receives an envelope in her sister’s handwriting, two months after her sister’s death, she’s shocked. Even more so when the letter inside claims her sister is still alive. Even though she’s warned not to involve the police, Christy feels she has no choice. She calls the FBI and is soon explaining to Special Agent Lance MacGregor about the letter and her hope that her sister is still alive. Lance convinces her she’s in good hands with the FBI and that he’s going to do everything in his power to get to the bottom of what appears to be the kidnapping of her sister. And, with every assurance he gives her, Christy becomes more attached to the special agent that seems to care far beyond what protocol allows.

Agent MacGregor, upon the arrival of a second letter, is convinced there is something more to Christy’s letters than an ill-conceived hoax. But finding out who wants to see Christy suffer is harder than expected. Christy has no enemies to speak of, and even when she was in the competing world of figure skating, she’d been liked by everybody. When another letter arrives, more ominous than the others, Lance is convinced this isn’t just a cruel game, but that Christy’s life is in danger. And now that he’s allowed himself to get emotionally involved with Christy, he’s terrified he’s not going to be able to piece together this macabre game before it’s too late.

THIN ICE was a page-turning, suspense-filled novel that I didn’t want to put down. I immediately became attached to the characters. Christy was the quintessential heroine, liked by all, and Lance was the charismatic hero with a take charge attitude, but soft around the edges. Of course how could he be anything but captivating? He was from MacGregor stock that we were first introduced to in BURIED SECRETS. One of three brothers—all Special Forces soldiers—Lance easily carried the mantel of enigmatic hero. The suspense side of the book was done exceptionally well. Though we knew who Christy’s stalker was, we really didn’t. Ms. Hannon allowed us to know the culprit from a distance, but didn’t giveaway his true identity or why it is he wanted to inflict such pain on Christy until closer to the end of the book. Great reading all the way around. The only negative . . . I have to wait until Fall for the next installment.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available January 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - Where She Belongs

4 out of 5 stars

WHERE SHE BELONGS is a heart-warming story about love, loss, family ties, and a tragedy that transcends generations.

After the death of her husband, Shelby Kincaid longs to give her girls what she had as a child. So, she goes about buying back her family homestead, Misty Willow. The house is in disrepair but her plans are not detoured. Shelby sets out to rebuild the home while making life-long memories with her girls. Her only obstacle is A.J. Sullivan, the current owner of Misty Willow. The Sullivan’s have been at war with Shelby’s family for decades. Though Shelby doesn’t understand much about the family feud, she does understand A.J. is a Sullivan, so she plans to keep her distance. But that becomes more difficult when their paths continue to cross.

A.J. Sullivan never wanted to own Misty Willow. It was willed to him by his rancorous grandfather as a source of punishment. So, when Shelby Kincaid approaches him about Misty Willow, he finds a loophole in his grandfather’s will and allows Shelby to lease the property. A.J.’s very aware of the bad blood between their families, but in his heart, A.J. feels a connection with Shelby that he wants to explore.

WHERE SHE BELONGS had many layers to the story. Shelby trying to give her daughters stability after the loss of their father, Shelby immersing herself in her childhood memories, A.J. battling his cousins regarding the rights to Misty Willow, and flashbacks to A.J.’s and Shelby’s grandparents where we learn how the feud between the families began. There is more to the story than meets the eye, which I really enjoyed. The unknown definitely kept me interested through a few areas where the pacing was slow. There were a lot of characters to keep straight, especially since the story dealt with both the past and the present, but overall, I really enjoyed WHERE SHE BELONGS.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available December 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.