Top Ten Tuesday: Auto-Buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday

I am a fan of so many authors that I couldn't possibly put them all in one post. I have listed some that no matter what I will buy their new book. Some authors I will request from the library but these ten I know I will love their novel so I tend to put them at the top of my wish list.

Joanne Bischof

 

Susan May Warren

 

Jody Hedlund

 

Liz Curtis Higgs

 

Kristin Hannah

 

Terri Blackstock

Laura Frantz

 

Katie Ganshert


 

Dani Pettrey

Elizabeth Camden

Storm Rising Book Review

 

About the Book

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 

This is the first book by Ronie Kendig that I have read. I don't love military books but my husband really likes her books so I thought I would give them a try. While this book wasn't as suspenseful as I had hoped, I still enjoyed the story line. Sometimes I feel like authors can get too many characters and with this book I think it was the perfect amount. I liked the different settings and Leif was a fun character to read. The ending seemed to just kind of end and that is where I was a bit bummed out but I am curious to see where she takes book two. I think Ronie is a talented author and while this still isn't my favorite genre I enjoyed this story. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions of this book are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. "

Celebrate Lit Tours: Danger on the Ranch

About the Book

Book: Danger on the Ranch
Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense
Release date: June 1, 2019

After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, June 25

Maureen’s Musings, June 26

Among the Reads, June 26

Quiet Quilter, June 26

Blossoms and Blessings, June 27

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 27

Vicky Sluiter, June 27

Wishful Endings, June 28

Blogging With Carol, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 28

For the Love of Books, June 29

Retrospective Spines, June 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Hallie Reads, June 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

The Becca Files, July 1

Real World Bible Study, July 1

Through the Fire Blogs, July 1

Remembrancy, July 2

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 2

janicesbookreviews, July 2

Just Your Average reviews, July 3

Moments, July 3

Genesis 5020, July 4

Lighthouse Academy, July 4

Emily Yager, July 5

Carpe Diem, July 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 5

Bigreadersite, July 6

To Everything a Season, July 6

Daysong Reflections, July 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

Inklings and notions, July 7

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8

EmpowerMoms, July 8

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.  

GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

I have really loved every book by Dana I have read. I was eager to get my hands on her latest and it was pretty darn good. I don't think the story line was quite as in depth as some of her previous books but this one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I thought it was interesting reading from the perspective of a serial killer's ex wife. I think that gave a good spin to things and made me consider family members to these people that we hear horrible things about. I also enjoyed Mitch's character and the setting is wonderful as well. If you enjoy suspense and need something fresh this could be the book for you! I also recommend Dana's other books as well. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher/author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Yours Truly, Thomas Review

 

About the Book

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I knew nothing about the dead letter office until reading this book. I love it when authors write about something in history that is a bit of an unknown. Penny researches letters to find clues on who it was sent to or from. There in lies the rest of the story with a man whom letters she finds. Writing letters is so much fun. Growing up I had multiple pen pals and I still find time to write a letter every once in a while. Not only is writing the letter fun but who doesn't love to get one in the mail? I think there should be more letter writing in the world and from reading this book it has encouraged me to do so. 

This story is fairly predictable and light in my opinion. I enjoyed it as an easy read. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

June Thoughts

These flowers are so beautiful.

June zipped by. Between work and mowing my grandparents came to visit, Father's Day happened (we had a fun breakfast cookout with my in laws), and I had a Pampered Chef party. All things that made our weekends delightful. We also had lovely cooler weather most of the month and I was not complaining.

June also means yard sales. I found this gem at a sale for $4. A 1919 copy of Little Women. I was giddy.

I was given this BEAUTIFUL book quilt by my husband's aunt. She is so talented and this is something I will treasure. She even put moose on the back, which are my favorite!

I was really terrible about taking pictures in June. I need to get better at capturing our life happenings. 

We discovered this amazing Quicksicle Maker with my Pampered Chef party I hosted. WOW does this work fast! We can have frozen popsicles in ten minutes! HIGHLY recommend!

Have a wonderful July!

Celebrate Lit Tours: The Medallion Review

Blog Stops

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 22

Christian Bookaholic, June 22

Carla Loves To Read, June 22

The Power of Words, June 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

janicesbookreviews, June 23

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 24

By The Book, June 24

For Him and My Family, June 24

A Reader’s Brain, June 24

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 25

Through the Fire Blogs, June 25

Retrospective Spines, June 25

Inklings and notions, June 25

Remembrancy, June 26

Lis Loves Reading , June 26

The Becca Files, June 26

Genesis 5020, June 27

Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27

Connect in Fiction, June 27

Bigreadersite, June 28

Maureen’s Musings, June 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 28

Blossoms and Blessings, June 29

For the Love of Literature, June 29

Spoken from the Heart, June 29

Inspired by fiction, June 30

Have A Wonderful Day, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Inspiration Clothesline, July 1

Connie’s History Classroom, July 1

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Just the Write Escape, July 2

Seasons of Opportunities, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 2

As He Leads is Joy, July 3

To Everything A Season, July 3

Hallie Reads, July 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 4

For The Love of Books, July 4

Emily Yager, July 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 5

About the Book

Book: The Medallion

Author: Cathy Gohlke

Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)

Release date: June 4, 2019

 

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 

Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

More from Cathy

Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.

The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.

The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?

Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.

 ENTER GIVEAWAY

 My Thoughts

I am a big fan of Cathy Gohlke. While this book was a tad slower for me I still really enjoyed it. Also I love the cover! I think I enjoyed Sophie's story the most but both take you on a crazy adventure during world WWII. It is difficult I think for us to imagine a time and place with so much hate and so much pain. Those that lived it are truly remarkable and Cathy does such a wonderful job portraying the history and people of this time. Rosa and Itzhak are another couple in the book and their story will leave you tattered. 

If history interests you this is a great book to pick up and read! 

Four stars 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Favorites

Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Favorites

There are so many children's books that I loved growing up. To narrow it down to ten is impossible. But here some of the favorites that popped into my mind today! I am so thankful for my mother who read to me constantly and taught me how to read.

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2019

Personally, this year has been tough when it comes to finding GOOD books. I have read many and I am having a hard time finding five stars reads. I am hopeful that the many coming out later this year will be worthy of the five star review!

Here are my top ten most anticipated releases coming out the rest of the year! 

Summer by the Tides With Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book: Summer by The Tides
Author: Denise Hunter
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 21, 2019
 
From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance.
Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe’s love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke apart is a struggle, and undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the sisters under. In the midst of the storm, sparks begin to fly between Maddy and Gram’s maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy.
As the sisters pack up the family belongings, memories of idyllic, slow-paced summers are resurrected. But long-buried secrets also come to light as Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven—nor today in the seemingly perfect lives of her sisters.
As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy’s heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

Read an Excerpt from Summer by the Tides

MADDY MONROE WAS COWERING behind a ficus tree near the hostess station when her cell phone rang. Her hands shook as she silenced the phone before it drew the attention of the staff.
She jabbed the elevator button for the third time. “Come on, come on.” A star could be born in interstellar space, a polar valley carved by a glacier in the time it took the elevator to reach this floor. Stairs were not an option, as she was on the twentieth floor of the Waterford building and sporting heels.
She sniffled. Drat. She seemed to be crying. She swiped a hand under her eyes, heedless of her makeup.
She heard voices, Nick’s boisterous laugh. Maddy shrank deeper into the ficus and finally, finally, the elevator dinged its arrival.
“Maddy?” Noelle’s concerned voice tunneled down the hall. “Maddy, wait.”
“Oh, come on,” she muttered, tapping her fingers against her leg until the gold doors crept open. As soon as she could fit, she squeezed inside and punched the ground-floor button.
She didn’t draw a breath until the doors sealed and the elevator began to drop. She placed a palm over a heart that was threatening to beat its way out of her chest. Her white blouse clung to her back, and her skin prickled beneath her arms.
She closed her eyes, the scene that had just transpired playing out in fast-forward in her mind. And then, as if that montage weren’t painful enough, the image of Nick’s face appeared. The look on his face just before he’d kissed her good-bye last night.
Nick. She clamped her teeth together until her jaw ached.
There had been signs. Many of them, really, she was realizing now. They ranged from whisper-subtle to neon-sign obvious. But like so many other walking clichés before her, she was only seeing them in retrospect.
Maddy opened her eyes to the buttery sunlight streaming through her blinds. She scrambled for her iPhone to check the time. But as she did so, the events of yesterday washed over her like a tsunami. She didn’t have to get up at all, because she didn’t have a job anymore.
Her cell buzzed with an incoming call, and she squinted bleary-eyed at the unfamiliar number on the screen before declining it.
She drooped against her pillow, only now aware of how fat and swollen her eyes felt. Of the persistent achy lump pushing at the back of her throat. Her heartbeat made the bed quake. Her eyes burned with tears. Yesterday’s anger had faded, and something worse had filled its spot.
Yesterday she’d come home, changed into yoga pants, and worked in her little garden until she was too exhausted to do anything but flop on the sofa. She hadn’t fallen asleep until after three o’clock in the morning.
She didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to see anyone. She didn’t even want to be awake today. She pulled the covers over her head and prayed for oblivion.

Required text: Taken from “Summer by the Tides” by Denise Hunter. Copyright © 2019 by Denise Hunter. Used by permission of http://www.thomasnelson.com/.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 4
The Power of Words, June 4
Back Porch Reads, June 4
The Morning Chapter, June 5
A Baker’s Perspective, June 5
Worthy2Read, June 5
Carla Loves To Read, June 6
Genesis 5020, June 6
Through the Fire Blogs, June 6
Among the Reads, June 7
Quiet Quilter, June 7
For Him and My Family, June 7
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 8
cultivating us, June 8
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8
Girls Living For God’s Glory, June 9
Moments, June 9
Inklings and notions, June 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 10
Coast and anchor, June 10
amandainpa, June 10
Lighthouse Academy, June 11
EmpowerMoms, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 12
For The Love of Books, June 12
Just the Write Escape, June 12
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 13
Texas Book-aholic, June 13
Hallie Reads, June 13
2014 and Beyond, June 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14
Simple Harvest Reads, June 14
Living Life Free In Christ, June 15
janicesbookreviews, June 15
Vicky Sluiter, June 15
Have A Wonderful Day, June 16
A Reader’s Brain, June 16
To Everything A Season, June 16
Lukewarm Tea, June 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 17
Daysong Reflections, June 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away a finished copy of Summer by the Tides!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click here to enter.

My Thoughts

I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, Denise tends to surprise me in some way with her writing. This was a easy breezy summer read. I enjoyed the sisters and their issues because-real life. I thought the romance could have been a little better written maybe not so obvious or predictable but otherwise this was a good read. The story line was fun and the setting made me want to go on vacation. Their is food mentioned in this book as well that made my mouth water. I would be curious to read more about the other sister's from this novel as their lives interested me more so than Maddy who is the main character in this book. If you are looking for a fresh summer read this would be a good book to pick up! 

"Thanks to the publisher for the free copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."