Monday, June 30, 2014

Seagrass Pier Book Review



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About the Book

In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger's memories . . . before they cost her everything.

Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.

But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks--and vivid dreams of being strangled--she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor's murder.

Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked--by a man she's only met in her nightmares.

The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent agrees to help her: Agent Marc Everton.

Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there's no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her--before she remembers too much.

Colleen Coble has sold over two million novels worldwide. "Seagrass Pier," the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense. (Goodreads)


My Review

I am a big fan of the Hope Beach novels. I had to buy the first one after I read the second just because I knew it would be good. I've read a lot of books by Colleen and I really think her suspense/mystery books are the best. While there is tons of romance, it's not the main focus of the story and the intrigue adds so much. That being said I do think the first two books are better but this book is great! Taking you back to Hope Beach we get wrapped up in another murder only this one is being remembered by someone who has the heart of the woman murdered. Talk about creepy. I don't know if it's possible for someone to have a transplant heart and then start acting like the previous owner of that heart. But in any case it makes for a great story line. This one has the same feel as the other two books but is still unique in it's own way with different characters. I loved getting wrapped up in Elin's life and her sweet daughter and mom. Elin takes care of her mother in this book and I really liked that part and relationship. 
I think this book is very well written and had me on the edge of my seat. 
You don't need to have read the previous books, they are all pretty separate. But I would read them because I love them all!


"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

























Don’t miss Colleen Coble‘s latest release in the Hope Beach series, Seagrass Pier. The book releases July 1st, and Colleen's publisher is offering the ebook at a special pre-order price of just $4.99 between now and 6/30 everywhere ebooks are sold.

PLUS . . . between 6/9 – 6/30 Colleen will be hosting a Kindle giveaway.
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One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
  • Seagrass Pier and the rest of the Hope Beach series by Colleen Coble
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced on Colleen's blog on July 1st.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning and be sure to stop by Colleen's blog on July 1st to see if you won!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Four Weddings and a Kiss Book Review



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About the Book

In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they've seen God bring together.

“Spitfire Sweetheart” by Mary Connealy

Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

“Love Letter to the Editor” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He’s resolved to change Molly's mind about him—as an editor and as a man.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Thad Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Thad change Katie’s mind?

“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive—or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case—until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace. (Goodreads)

My Review

In Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy I liked the male character more so than Maizy. The story was cute and rather humorous. The only thing I didn't like is the beginning of the book when the two meet unexpectedly. There is a grizzly bear involved and I found that to be rather silly for the location but it did add humor.



In Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher I loved it all! The storyline, the setting ( I love reading about newspapers and working on one) and the characters. There was a bit of mystery within the two main characters and a bit of humor. It was well written and out of all the stories this one was my favorite.


“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley reminded me a lot of a Dr. Quinn episode of trying to figure out who is guilty. The mystery continues but I wasn't really on the edge of my seat. I felt like I had read this before but it was an alright story.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton was a really cute story about a strong woman who needs some help. I liked how it was written and the characters were fun to read. While this story is not new I thought the author brought her own uniqueness to characters.

This set of books is really one of the best I've read.
 If you like this type of book Four Weddings and a Kiss is a must read.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."










Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don't miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.

The authors are celebrating with a "Sweet on Love" iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin' Facebook party.
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  One winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
  • A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!

So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Yikes Book Review


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About the Book

In an effort to find the last of the fuel ingredients for their time pod, 23rd-century goofballs Tuna and Herby transport themselves to Africa. Unfortunately, they also transport TJ Finkelstein and half of her 7th-grade science class, including TV star Hesper Breakahart and dreamy Chad Steel. In the jungle, the Time Stumblers' usual mayhem jumps to a new level as Herby is adopted by a mother gorilla, Tuna is transformed into an ostrich chick, and the students are taken in by an African tribe. When Hesper tries to escape by leaping into a raging river, TJ finds that it's time to begin showing the leadership qualities that Tuna and Herby claim she'll have someday as a world leader. Thanks to her, everyone makes it home safely, and the Time Stumblers fuel up their time pod, leaving with laughter, tears . . . and one last zany surprise for TJ. (Goodreads)


My Review

What a fun book that takes you to Africa! TJ thinks she is just going on another science field trip when her friends from the 23rd century show up. Of course Hesper Breakahart happens to be in the class and so very annoying to read about. Her character adds a point to the book but sometimes I think the author makes her too annoying. They end up in the jungle of Africa and encounter all it's dangers, including animals.
Hesper drives everyone crazy but in this book TJ learns to be a real leader even with annoying people.
I really enjoyed this book in the Time Stumblers Series!

Young adults (or older!) will enjoy!

Switched Book Review

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About the Book


Still on their quest to teach TJ Finkelstein the life lessons she'll need to be a great world leader, 23rd-century goofballs Tuna and Herby are brewing up even more trouble for the new kid in Malibu. As the boys try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, TV star Hesper Breakahart . . . and vice versa. And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use. The time stumblers set up a concert for "Hesper" as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack--one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life. Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson that TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes--and body! (Goodreads)

My Review

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the other's I have read. I did enjoy the overall storyline and the meaning behind it. TJ gets to know Hepser Breakahart's life a little better when they end up switching bodies. Hesper has been the popular mean girl and now TJ gets a look behind the scenes. With help from the 23rd century everyone starts switching places and did I mention TJ is now bald? People are not always as they seem and there is usually more to their life than meets the eye.

This is a good book just not my favorite. Young adults will enjoy.



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Ho-Ho-Nooo! Book Review



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 About the Book

"Ho-Ho-NOOO!" is all about TJ Finkelstein learning the real meaning of Christmas as she prepares for her future as a world leader with a little help from her 23rd-century goofball friends, Tuna and Herby. In a competition with her middle sister, TJ races to earn money so she can give it to her father as a Christmas present; he's lost his job and the family is preparing to spend their first Christmas without their mom. Thanks to Tuna and Herby's help at her job interview, where their futuristic gadgets expose the true motivation of each candidate, TJ lands a job at the mall--making kids smile for Santa and eventually playing (a much smaller) Santa herself. That job turns into a nanny gig for pop star Lady Goo-Goo's spoiled and unattended kids. She also takes on a delivery job to help with dreamy Chad Steel's plan to provide a hearty meal for the homeless on Christmas Eve . . . only to find herself delivering caviar cream puffs on the whim of TV star and classmate Hesper Breakahart. Despite all her work, her efforts to get money for Christmas backfire, but in the end TJ realizes Christmas is really about being with those she loves and sharing the love God has given through Christ. (Goodreads)



 My Review


 I really enjoyed this book (even though it obviously is not Christmas time). This book takes you into the life of TJ a week before Christmas and she has no gift for her father who has just lost his job. She feels like she needs a better gift that what her sister is giving him so she sets out to find a job. She becomes Santa's helper (with the help of the 23rd-century) and ends up running around taking care of kids and getting lots of opportunities to make money. Meanwhile everyone around her keeps telling her spend more, it is California after all. 
While this book is meant for young adults there is some humor in here that had me cracking up. There are some underlying comments that really add to the story and make it all the better. 
In the end TJ realizes that the money doesn't work like she thinks it will and realizes Christmas means a lot more. 
This is a great book I highly recommend!











Veil of Secrets Book Review





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 About the Book

"Knowing that one of the authors is a life coach with a counseling degree who portrays the experience realistically, may make readers who are considering a step in that direction feel more comfortable making that choice." --"Romantic Times"

Can a woman face--and forgive--her own painful past before her house of cards crumbles . . . and before her own daughter makes the same mistakes?

Melanie and Will Connors are the perfect power couple. Will is the chief campaign strategist for a rising presidential candidate; Melanie is a prominent advocate for protecting children in an over-sexualized culture. Their devotion to one another is admired, even envied.

But their marriage isn't what it appears to be.

Will maintains an apartment in Washington DC, and over the years his visits home have grown fewer and farther between. The long-distance marriage has enabled Melanie to avoid intimacy--and has only increased her shame about her secretive past. But then Will issues this ultimatum: We work on the marriage . . . or we work on the divorce.

The Connors commit to marriage counseling in the most brutal of environments--snowy New Hampshire, a tiny state that is 'first in the nation' for presidential primaries and a prize to be won at any cost . . . and the price of victory keeps rising.

As Melanie sifts through the debris of her secretive past, she obsesses over the fear that she hasn't done enough to protect her teenaged daughter. When she sees her facing some of the same temptations she knows she must intervene . . . but how can a woman with so many veiled secrets guide a daughter honestly?

While the country struggles with threats to its integrity and security, Melanie can no longer ignore the dangers looming in her own world. She can never undo the mistakes of her youth, but perhaps she can still save her marriage and family--if she can surrender her guilt and learn how to open herself to her husband once again. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is the first fictional book I have read by Shannon so I wasn't sure what to expect. In typical Ethridge fashion she does not shy away from real life and what happens in a marriage. The first part of the book I was really intrigued and excited to read the book. The story line started right off and I slowly started to understand the characters. Then it started switching between many people. While the marriage between Will and Melanie is the central part of the book and I really enjoyed reading about Carrie who has her own crazy life going on. 
I liked the real raw emotions about life and marriage and family. This book is all set during a Presidential Primary season so it's very political and many times I had no idea what was going on. This book reminded me a lot of the TV show Scandal only with a Christian back ground. It still holds all the drama of long lost secrets that happen to be uncovered in order to ruin the other candidate. 

This was a decent read, though I probably won't read it again.  

I rate it four stars.

 Look for this book July 8, 2014!

"I received this book from BookLook for free in exchange for an honest review."









The Frangrance of Crushed Violets Book Review






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The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable
The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable is a companion Bible study booklet on forgiveness written to go along with the spiritual theme of the fifth Miller’s Creek novel, A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant. The book is designed to work for either individual or group study. A women's Bible study group has been formed on Facebook, and will be studying the topic of forgiveness using this book beginning July 1, 2014. We would love to have you join us at LifeSword: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LifeSword/.
Book Description:
What do we do when a loved one, boss, co-worker, friend, or enemy seem determined to bring us down through an attack? How do we handle it when their assault is personal, public, deep, unjust, unfair, and unfounded? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse? Do we file it in our brains and rack it up to “one more senseless act” and chance to think that God somehow messed up?
In short, how do we move past the hurt and anger to a place of forgiveness?
Join us as we examine relevant scriptures about forgiveness and come away with a scriptural understanding of:
  • what forgiveness is and what it isn’t
  • God’s role in the process of forgiveness
  • what Jesus did at the cross for each of us
  • our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven
  • what gets in the way of forgiving others
  • how to truly forgive
Quotes From the Book:
"Ultimate forgiveness can only be found in God, because all sin is ultimately against God."
"Forgiveness isn't natural; it's supernatural."

“…through forgiveness, we reveal to a watching world the perfect illustration of what Christ has done for each of us.”

 My Review

I really enjoyed this Bible study. Cathy has a way of writing that makes sense. I have read her fiction work and I was pleasantly surprised by her study. I thought this book was very strong in holding true to the Bible and what it says. I liked how easy the book is to read while still holding depth. Sometimes Bible studies get a bit dry and this one had the right balance. I found myself asking a lot of personal questions and it really made me actually think, not just gloss over. How do we forgive? Sometimes its easy but other times it's way more difficult and this books talks about what hinders us from forgiving. How God can help you through a difficult time of forgiving how to make it real and not just words.

If you are looking for a fresh study on Forgiveness you really need to read this one!


"I received this book from Cathy for free in exchange for an honest review."

Print Version Purchase Link
Kindle Version Purchase Link
About the Author:
Cathy Bryant writes both Christian fiction and devotional materials. She’s written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books, and for various online devotional sites including her own website, www.CatBryant.com. The Fragrance of Crushed Violets is her first Bible study booklet.

Cathy's standalone novels are set in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, Texas, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis contest finalist and has been on the Amazon Kindle Best-Seller list. Since then she's added four other books to the Miller's Creek novels, the latest one released in Spring 2014. Readers have compared her novels to those of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks and have called Miller's Creek the Texas version of Mayberry.

A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. When she’s writing, you can find her rummaging through thrift stores, hiking through the wilderness, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she calls home.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Oops Book Review




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About the Book

The mishaps never end as TJ's "helpers" from the 23rd century--Tuna and Herby--continue to study TJ as she learns the valuable lessons she'll need to become a future world leader. In "Oops , " TJ learns the importance of speaking and thinking well of people even when they are difficult, thanks to the Thought Broadcaster Pen, which exposes the thoughts of everyone it hits. As usual, Tuna and Herby's attempts to fix the pen only make things worse--now all of TJ's thoughts become reality As she fights not to return meanness to others (and to clean up the disasters her thoughts cause, like turning whiny TV star Hesper Breakahart into a giant baby), TJ learns from her dad a little more about how her mother handled things: She kept reminding herself that each of us is God's creation. And no matter how mean people may be, we all need to be loved. The same message also unfolds through a side story of classmate Chad Steel learning to treat a mean boy better. (Goodreads)


My Review

This is a fun book that takes into the mind of a young adult. I enjoy these types of book because they are fun while portraying a lesson. This book adds a lot of color with BOLD words and exaggerated dialogue, but in a good way. This is the first book I've read in this series but now I want to go back and read the first book. I liked how TJ's thoughts became reality and it was rather amusing. The book jumped around a lot which made it hard to follow a couple times but I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

I recommend for you or young adults!








Sunday, June 22, 2014

Rival Hearts Book Review




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About the Book
 
Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.



My Review

This was a cute book to read, while being very predictable it was still fun. The main characters are easy to understand I could be in their place. Molly is great because her personality is much like my own. I loved the competition between a quilter and an outdoor man to fight for a promotion. I thought this gave a unique twist to the story line. In the middle of the book it got a little slow for me but I was excited to know what was going to happen. For a short romantic comedy this is a great read. 
"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Rival Hearts
Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014)
by
Tara Randel


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Bittersweet Book Review


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 About the Book

On scholarship at a prestigious East Coast college, ordinary Mabel Dagmar is surprised to befriend her roommate, the beautiful, blue-blooded Genevra Winslow. Ev invites Mabel to spend the summer at Bittersweet, her cottage on the Vermont estate where her family has been holding court for more than a century; it's the kind of place where swimming boldly is required and the children twirl sparklers across the lawn during cocktail hour. Mabel falls in love with the midnight skinny-dips, the wet dog smell lingering in the air, the moneyed laughter carrying across the still lake, and before she knows it, she has everything she's ever wanted: wealth, friendship, a boyfriend, and, most of all, the sense, for the first time in her life, that she belongs.

But as Mabel becomes an insider, she makes a terrible discovery, which leads to shocking violence and the revelation of the true source of the Winslows' fortune. Mabel must choose: either expose the ugliness surrounding her and face expulsion from paradise, or keep the family’s dark secrets and redefine what is good and what is evil, in the interest of what can be hers. (Goodreads)



My Review

 *Note: this book is not Christian fiction just so my usual readers know.

 I picked this book because it looked slightly intriguing. I pictured a setting sort of like the TV show Revenge only a different plot and sadly this book was a major disappointment. The characters have no depth at all. There is really no point to the story line and the ending couldn't come soon enough for me. Every few chapters is a detailed s*x scene between a new guy with the same girl. I'm not against non-Christian books by any means, but why must authors add so much s*x and detailed things that do not add to the story one bit. Nothing is gained in these chapters and the story drags on. So basically the main character, Mabel, stays with her roommate from college for the summer. While Ev is out sleeping with someone Mabel is trying to figure out this "mystery" which is rather predictable and the ending was no surprise. While discovering a boyfriend and nearly getting raped along with a handful of other details this book wraps up with some people dying, murder or suicide is the question. There is also a mystery about art pieces and Nazis.
While I have no doubt in my mind that this story could actually happen I think it could have been written a lot differently to tell the same tale. I am not usually this harsh when it comes to books but I just did not like this book one bit.
I rate one star.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."









Full Steam Ahead Book Review



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 About the Book

When Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston from an eastern finishing school, she's stunned to find her father in ill health. Though she loves him, he's only ever focused on what she's "not." Not male. Not married. Not able to run their family business, Renard Shipping.

Vowing to secure a suitable marriage partner, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure: a dagger personally gifted to Nicole's father by the pirate Jean Lafitte. Many believe the legend that the dagger is the source of all Renard Shipping's good fortune, though Nicole is sure her father's work ethic and honorable business practices are the keys to their success. Before she can board the steamer to New Orleans, Nicole finds her father's rivals—the Jenkins brothers—on either side of the gangplank, ready to grab her and steal the dagger. Quickly, she decides to instead travel north, to Liberty, Texas, where she can decide what to do next.

Darius Thornton needs a secretary—someone to help him get his notes in order. Ever since the boiler explosion aboard the "Louisiana," Darius has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. The pretty young socialite who applies for the job baffles him with her knowledge of mathematics and steamships. He decides to take a risk and hire her, but he's determined her attractive face and fancy clothes won't distract him from his important research.

The job offer comes at exactly the right time for Nicole. With what Darius is paying her, she'll be able to afford passage to New Orleans in mere weeks. But Mr. Thornton is so reclusive, so distant, so unusual. He can create complex scientific equations but can't remember to comb his hair. And his experiments are growing more and more dangerous. Still, there are undeniable sparks of attraction between them. But Nicole is leaving soon, and if she marries, it must be to a man who can manage a shipping empire. Darius certainly doesn't fit that description. And the Jenkins brothers have not given up on kidnapping Nicole and seizing the Lafitte dagger for themselves. (Goodreads)



My Review

I enjoy Witemeyer's sweet stories and was really looking forward to this book. This book has a fun twist and the characters are humorous. The science and math parts of the book went way over my head but I liked how the characters were able to work together even while they despised each other. While I enjoyed the characters I did think the book was a bit drawn out very slow moving in many parts. The ending, while predictable, was still good and fans of Witemeyer will love it. 
I rate four stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."








Friday, June 20, 2014

Hunt for the Devil's Dragon Book Review


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About the Book

If you're brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it's a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice--a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius's plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene--the dragon isn't its worst enemy. (Goodreads)



My Review

This book was not as interesting as others in the series but I'm sure young boys would love it. This adventure takes Patrick and Beth to Libya where is conflict and debate about Christos (Jesus) and panic because of a dragon. The kids end up right in the middle of things as usual and end up coming face to face with the creature that has been harming livestock, no it's not the dragon!
Little do they realize that there really is a dragon who breathes fire and they end up in it's cave with no way out.
This is an action packed adventure tied in with a bit of history. At the end of the book there is a page that talks about the fact that dragons really didn't exist for sure that we know of and didn't breathe fire. Though there were dinosaurs which could have been like a type of dragon.

This is still a fun book just not my favorite out of this series.


















The Redcoats Are Coming Book Review

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About the Book

The first of a three-book story arc about the American Revolution, "The Redcoats Are Coming" follows Patrick and Beth as they assist the revolutionaries by waking up the sleeping citizens of 1775 Concord before the Redcoats come. In this adventure, the cousins meet Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. They help smuggle musket balls, sound the alarm that the Redcoats are coming, and deliver a secret message to Paul Revere. Along the way they learn that most of the revolutionaries leaned on God's direction and even pastors helped in the cause.Christian parents and teachers will appreciate the historical facts as well as the biblical worldview training their kids and students will absorb. The kids will appreciate the excitement and tension of an America at war with England, and in some ways, with itself. A curriculum for Christian schools and homeschool families will be available. (Goodreads)

My Review

Here we go on another adventure with Beth and Patrick on the Imagination Station! I was actually really excited about this book because I love stories about the Revolutionary War era. This book takes the kids right into the thick of conflict and they haul musket balls secretly for the Patriot cause. While learning the secret code between Patriots, Patrick also has a letter for Paul Revere that happens to disappear. Some men start poking around and it comes down to who is the spy for the Loyalists.
This book is so fun while being action packed. This is a great book to get young adults into history, it doesn't have to be boring!
I highly recommend!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Visible Threat Book Review

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About the Book

Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection--perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O'Reilly asks for Brinna's help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier--an organized human trafficking ring. (Goodreads)



My Review

I actually liked this book better than the first book in the series. This, being book two, has the same lead character Brinna. I followed her on this book in finding young women who have been imported into a type of slave trade, mainly pleasing men. After a dead body is found a few different stories come together to track down the man behind the scenes. This book is a lot like a few books I've read, the girls, they have tattoos, they have no idea what they are getting into. This book took a different twist when it included a woman who was behind the scenes and wanted to change her situation.
This book is pretty suspenseful, while a bit predictable. I still liked plot line and Brinna is a fun character to read about and I hope to read more about her.

Four Stars.






Critical Pursuit Book Review

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VIA


About the Book
Officer Brinna Caruso has built a reputation at the precinct as the cop to call when a child goes missing. For Brinna, it's personal because she was once one of them. Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero, will stop at nothing to find a missing child, no matter the stakes.

Detective Jack O'Reilly isn't ready to return to his homicide duties after losing his wife to a drunk driver. He's on the downside of his career, and bent on revenge, when he's assigned as Brinna's partner. While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner.

Skeptical of Jack's motives, Brinna isn't sure she can rely on her new partner, whose reckless abandon endangers the safety of those around him. But when a man surfaces with an MO similar to the criminal who abducted Brinna twenty years earlier, Brinna and Jack must cast aside previous judgments and combine efforts to catch the kidnapper and finally allow Brinna the peace stolen from her as a child. (Goodreads)

My Review

I really enjoyed the start of this book because of Brinna's character. I like her personality and desire to see that kidnappers are caught for their crime. It's sad because while this book is fiction, children disappear every day. Brinna has history and was once abducted so she really understands the situation. The person who abducted her discovers her again once an article goes out about Brinna and her life. This takes the book on a different turn aside from all of Brinna's own cases, she is soon to be apart of her own. She is targeted and the man thinks it's a game. Some of this story reminded me a little of Ted Dekker with the sick mind game that the "bad guy" plays.

To be honest there were a few times when I thought the book was wordy, I had gone five chapters and nothing had really happened. That being said this is still a good book and great if you need a little suspense.


I rate four stars.









Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Below the Surface Book Review


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via



About the Book

Something is wrong with Cooper. He is plagued by a fear he doesn't understand and can t control. Cooper just wants to escape, and a summer vacation aboard the restored cabin cruiser, The Getaway, with best friends Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk seems like the perfect way to do it. Two weeks of fun---with no mysteries or life-and-death danger. That's the plan. But their plans are shattered the very first night when they witness a murder. Or did they? Despite their intentions of leaving the investigation to the police, narrow misses and creepy encounters lure them in. Is there really a body floating in the underwater currents of the lake? The closer they get to the truth, the deeper into danger they get. Too late they see the trap. Now each of them must face their own buried fears . . . just below the surface. (Goodreads)


My Review

I requested this book for something new and young adult is really fun to read. This book jumps right in with witty dialogue and suspense as Cooper and his friends think they witness a murder, but do they really? Right when the author has you thinking one thing, something happens and it wraps you into the story line. I haven't read the previous books in this series and I went ahead a read this one because I had read that it could stand alone. While this is true, I wish I had read the two previous books I think I would have understood the characters better.

While this book is full of plot twists and mysteries the characters I didn't connect with as much in this book. For a young adult I was surprised at the detail within the mystery and plot.
I rate four stars.
Recommended for ages 11-14 (or older of course).

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."









When I Fall In Love Book Review

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 About the Book

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet. (Goodreads)


My Review

I have loved this series from the first page of the first book. I usually am not into contemporary books much as historical but this series is wonderful. While I do think these books can be read separately, please don't! The same characters are in each book and they are so good!
This third book is about Grace who works at the pizza place in Deep Haven. She has dreams but they don't seem to be working out. She ends up going to Hawaii with a hockey player which neither of them wanted. 
I love the food and cooking in the book, it adds to the storyline. Grace's character is so easy to relate with I love her story. Max Sharpe is an interesting man and I enjoyed getting to know him. The romance is sweet but there are things under the surface that take a while to be resolved between the two. This book includes the romances from the previous couples and a lot of cooking challenges!
There is a side story in the book about Casper and Owen that had me wrapped up in life at Deep Haven.  It didn't distract from the main story and I think it will lead into another book. I love the Christiansen family I just want to jump into the book.
I loved this book and I loved how Warren intertwines the love of God.

Five stars.  

If you have read this series you must get this book, it comes out July 1, 2014! 

If this is a new book to you start reading the series!