In the sequel to "Living Lies", we learn more about reporter Vivian DeMarco - reviled in book one, but with some redemption and understanding to be found in book two.
Vivian is back in Walton with a specific plan in mind. She has changed her ways and is determined to see her goals through. She will not get attached to anyone or any place, so don't even try....but when her boss Harold dies under suspicious circumstances, she can't ignore the possibility of foul play. Vivi is determined to find out what happened, no matter the cost.
Deputy Ryan Frost has recently returned from training at Quantico, and is being pursued by the big agencies. He's pretty sure he is going to stay a hometown boy, though - because who else will take care of his mother and sister? But between possible foul play in Harold's death, blackmail, and the intriguing reporter, his life in small town Walton has grown exponentially more exciting.
Ryan and Vivian soon find out that there is far more behind the scenes than they could imagine. Just who is The Watcher? Who is he blackmailing, and why? When the villain strikes far too close to home, Ryan and Vivian must work together to solve the mystery.
With plenty of twists and turns and some surprising answers, the author's sophomore effort does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the third book in the series!
I receive a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Review of "A Girl's Guide to the Outback" by Jessica Kate
These books are so fun, and I am delighted to have found a new author to love! The sequel to "Love and Other Mistakes", in "A Girls' Guide to the Outback" we get to better understand the very driven Kimberly and the extremely conflicted Sam.
Although this is a sequel, you could read it as a standalone, if absolutely necessary. :) (I always believe your reading experience will be highly enriched by reading the first one, you know, first.)
Business Manager for the non-profit Wildfire, started by Sam Payton, Kimberly Foster can best be described as determined...determined to meet goals, to succeed, and to find love (although she is loathe to admit it). With a challenging childhood and generous heart, she will do whatever it takes to help kids.
Sam Payton may have founded Wildfire but he is not sure how to navigate it's growth without anyone in need slipping through the cracks. When his family in Australia needs help, he leaves the US...and Kimberly eventually follows, because without his agreement to return her proposal will not have support and Wildfire may close down. And without Kimberly's expert assessment and advice, Sam's family business may not recover.
As you can imagine, when the city girl gets to the outback, hilarity ensues...and we just may see a romance or two, if some of our characters can get over their pride and guilt! ;)
I was provided a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Although this is a sequel, you could read it as a standalone, if absolutely necessary. :) (I always believe your reading experience will be highly enriched by reading the first one, you know, first.)
Business Manager for the non-profit Wildfire, started by Sam Payton, Kimberly Foster can best be described as determined...determined to meet goals, to succeed, and to find love (although she is loathe to admit it). With a challenging childhood and generous heart, she will do whatever it takes to help kids.
Sam Payton may have founded Wildfire but he is not sure how to navigate it's growth without anyone in need slipping through the cracks. When his family in Australia needs help, he leaves the US...and Kimberly eventually follows, because without his agreement to return her proposal will not have support and Wildfire may close down. And without Kimberly's expert assessment and advice, Sam's family business may not recover.
As you can imagine, when the city girl gets to the outback, hilarity ensues...and we just may see a romance or two, if some of our characters can get over their pride and guilt! ;)
I was provided a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review of "Being Known" by Robin Jones Gunn
Can I just say how thankful I am that Robin Jones Gunn has seen fit to continue giving us some Christy Miller connection points?! We are able to get a glimpse of what Christy and Todd are up to, and meet new friends along the way. Part of the "Haven Makers" series, this second book follows a deeper dive into the story of original DOE (Daughters of Eve, as they have name themselves) Jennalyn (we also learn a bit more about Tess, another DOE). The author does not shy away from challenging subjects, including grief, depression, co-dependency, and emotional affairs. For anyone who has been married for more than 10 minutes this is a poignant and possible illustration of the disconnects and seriously difficult times that can occur and we see that when they are navigated with grace and forgiveness we are able to fully known.
Jennalyn is still grieving the loss of her mother. With two small children and successful but very busy restauranteur husband, Joel, she begins to feel very alone. When she runs into former high school boyfriend and first love at her daughter's dance class, they begin to slowly reconnect. Sister DOE Tess is struggling with connection as well, and although she tries to keep it professional with one of her clients, their deepening friendship may soon be crossing a line - because he is married. There are some interesting surprises and just enough conflict to keep it real.
If you haven't already, you should DEFINITELY read "Becoming Us" first. I am loving this series and will gladly endorse this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Jennalyn is still grieving the loss of her mother. With two small children and successful but very busy restauranteur husband, Joel, she begins to feel very alone. When she runs into former high school boyfriend and first love at her daughter's dance class, they begin to slowly reconnect. Sister DOE Tess is struggling with connection as well, and although she tries to keep it professional with one of her clients, their deepening friendship may soon be crossing a line - because he is married. There are some interesting surprises and just enough conflict to keep it real.
If you haven't already, you should DEFINITELY read "Becoming Us" first. I am loving this series and will gladly endorse this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review of "On Wings of Devotion" by Roseanna M. White
Oh, this series! It is so good, you guys.
Wealthy Heiress and Nurse Arabelle Denler is convinced that her only avenue to having the family she has always craved is to marry for convenience...and in exchange will save her fiancée's family estate. With her mother dying when she was young and her explorer father always away on "adventures", she has learned to cope with disappointment but certainly has some abandonment issues. When said fiancée's unfaithfulness comes to light, things change rapidly....and in the process of navigating this she is introduced to Philip Camden (aka Black Heart). He's a grounded pilot accused of allowing his entire squad to die - and Ara has already been praying for him.
The substory of spy Diellza Mettler eventually intersects with both families, and the author weaves them beautifully together. The characters are multi-faceted and rich. The result is a story of pain, forgiveness, grace, and true mercy that illustrates the love God has for us.
I always enjoy when authors include little winks from other books, supporting characters that were leading ones in other books pop in for a visit - it makes it even more enjoyable. However, you can definitely read this as a standalone. I wholeheartedly recommend this entire series!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Wealthy Heiress and Nurse Arabelle Denler is convinced that her only avenue to having the family she has always craved is to marry for convenience...and in exchange will save her fiancée's family estate. With her mother dying when she was young and her explorer father always away on "adventures", she has learned to cope with disappointment but certainly has some abandonment issues. When said fiancée's unfaithfulness comes to light, things change rapidly....and in the process of navigating this she is introduced to Philip Camden (aka Black Heart). He's a grounded pilot accused of allowing his entire squad to die - and Ara has already been praying for him.
The substory of spy Diellza Mettler eventually intersects with both families, and the author weaves them beautifully together. The characters are multi-faceted and rich. The result is a story of pain, forgiveness, grace, and true mercy that illustrates the love God has for us.
I always enjoy when authors include little winks from other books, supporting characters that were leading ones in other books pop in for a visit - it makes it even more enjoyable. However, you can definitely read this as a standalone. I wholeheartedly recommend this entire series!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Review of "Castle on the Rise" by Kristy Cambron
Kristy Cambron is one of my favorite authors; I devour her books and they are usually feel life changing. That being said, this book was an exception and I still haven't gotten a handle on what the issue was for me. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but had a difficult time getting going with this one - I think I read the first two chapters about six separate times before I finally pressed on to finish it. I struggled with bouncing around between three timelines and ultimately found it challenging to fully engage with any one of them. (Although I generally like books with split time....this one felt like I was always missing something; whether it was context or connection, I am not sure.)
It even took me forever to write this review because I couldn't figure out how to articulate all of this. I truly think she is an excellent writer. And, I didn't know a lot about the Irish War of Independence and really appreciated learning more about that time in history. I very much appreciated the tie in towards the end for all three timelines and found it to be quite clever.
My final word is that this book should be one that you read it and decide for yourself. The author is generally great, and you may not suffer from the same frame of mind that I did - so get it and make your own decision!
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
It even took me forever to write this review because I couldn't figure out how to articulate all of this. I truly think she is an excellent writer. And, I didn't know a lot about the Irish War of Independence and really appreciated learning more about that time in history. I very much appreciated the tie in towards the end for all three timelines and found it to be quite clever.
My final word is that this book should be one that you read it and decide for yourself. The author is generally great, and you may not suffer from the same frame of mind that I did - so get it and make your own decision!
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review of "Lake Season" by Denise Hunter
When I first read the summary of this new series by one-of-my-favorite-authors-Denise-Hunter, I was extra excited....what a fun premise! I will tell you up front, I was not disappointed and can't wait for the next book.
The Bennett siblings (Adults Levi and Molly, high school senior Grace) are still reeling from the unexpected death of their beloved parents, who were in the process of renovating their historic house to open an inn that was to be their retirement. After some pleading and contemplation, Levi and Molly agree to stay in Bluebell, finish the renovations, and open the Bluebell Inn for a while to allow Grace to finish high school.
Adam Bradford is a successful author who writes under a pseudonym. Through a series of amusing mistaken identity events, he winds up staying at the Bluebell Inn prior to their soft opening. Molly, a devoted reader of all Nathaniel Quinn novels (two guesses as to who Nathaniel Quinn really is) might be drawn to Adam but is still recovering from a painful dishonest relationship. She has sworn she will never be taken in again by anyone or anything that is less than truthful.
When Molly finds an old letter wedged behind the old mail slot (from when the historical house was the post office!) she is determined to return it to it's rightful recipient. With some "past days" woven in to complete the story, this book is a treat of whimsical mystery and romance and fun. It is easy to recommend this book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The Bennett siblings (Adults Levi and Molly, high school senior Grace) are still reeling from the unexpected death of their beloved parents, who were in the process of renovating their historic house to open an inn that was to be their retirement. After some pleading and contemplation, Levi and Molly agree to stay in Bluebell, finish the renovations, and open the Bluebell Inn for a while to allow Grace to finish high school.
Adam Bradford is a successful author who writes under a pseudonym. Through a series of amusing mistaken identity events, he winds up staying at the Bluebell Inn prior to their soft opening. Molly, a devoted reader of all Nathaniel Quinn novels (two guesses as to who Nathaniel Quinn really is) might be drawn to Adam but is still recovering from a painful dishonest relationship. She has sworn she will never be taken in again by anyone or anything that is less than truthful.
When Molly finds an old letter wedged behind the old mail slot (from when the historical house was the post office!) she is determined to return it to it's rightful recipient. With some "past days" woven in to complete the story, this book is a treat of whimsical mystery and romance and fun. It is easy to recommend this book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review of "A Pursuit of Home" by Kristi Ann Hunter
The third book in the Haven Manor series, reading "A Pursuit of Home" was definitely bittersweet! I loved it - but also knew every page I read brought me closer to the likely ending of this great series. Note: your experience with this book will be greatly enriched by reading the other books in the series first. That being said, I can also make a case for it being a standalone if it were absolutely necessary.
We first met our heroine, Jess, in the other books. She has always been somewhat of a mystery. With a quick wit and sharp tongue, Jess still won our hearts with her fierce love for her friends and protective nature mixed with some wry humor. This book opens with a flashback of sorts that gives a bit of insight into why she has always been so closed off - mainly due to dangerous necessity (no spoilers here, though). :)
Art expert Derek Thornbury knows he is not Jess's favorite. He is therefore especially baffled when she asks for his assistance in first translating a diary and then using his exceptional knowledge of art and history to solve her mystery - and save a country.
Hilarity ensues. This entire series is a must read! The supporting cast (many main characters in the other books) are a delight. The author's fresh voice and approach to historical fiction (all of her books) are well worth your investment of time and money.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
We first met our heroine, Jess, in the other books. She has always been somewhat of a mystery. With a quick wit and sharp tongue, Jess still won our hearts with her fierce love for her friends and protective nature mixed with some wry humor. This book opens with a flashback of sorts that gives a bit of insight into why she has always been so closed off - mainly due to dangerous necessity (no spoilers here, though). :)
Art expert Derek Thornbury knows he is not Jess's favorite. He is therefore especially baffled when she asks for his assistance in first translating a diary and then using his exceptional knowledge of art and history to solve her mystery - and save a country.
Hilarity ensues. This entire series is a must read! The supporting cast (many main characters in the other books) are a delight. The author's fresh voice and approach to historical fiction (all of her books) are well worth your investment of time and money.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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