The Spice King Review

 

 About the Book

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building a successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Tasked with gaining access to the private Delacroix plant collection, Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin unwittingly steps into a web of dangerous political intrigue and will be forced to choose between her heart and her loyalty to her country. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I so enjoy Camden's books. She always has such a way of digging up little known historical facts and weaving them into her stories. This book is no exception. I loved learning about about spices and plants and it made me think of things a bit differently. We haven't always had all of the fruit and veggies like we get from the grocery store and of course I knew that but hadn't thought about how it all started. Also this book talks about how food products were not regulated or inspected. It was fascinating and really made the book unique.  I'll be honest in saying that I had a hard time loving the characters on this book. They just didn't click with me, I thought there could have been a little more character depth. Otherwise it was an enjoyable read and if you like a dash of humor sprinkled with romance, and history this could be the book for you! 

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. 

Finding Lady Enderly Review

 

 About the Book

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I so enjoyed this book! It took me awhile to like Raina's character. She is very unique and at first she comes across to me as a bit annoying to be honest. But as the pages turned I became more engrossed in the mystery and the secondary characters. It was a fun idea and perspective that I think was well written for the most part. There were some slower spots but with the underlying mystery it made it a book that was difficult to put down. I think Joanna's writing has only gotten better and I am eager to read her next novel. She creates fresh characters and has some great story lines that you wouldn't expect. 

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

July 2019

This post is a tad late but I still wanted to sneak the month of July in! July was a busy event month for us. My man had a few events that included playing guitar and riding his horse behind a stagecoach reenactment. After that we had a friend of ours get married so that was quite the celebration weekend. Meanwhile our garden started to take off and I have been harvesting tomatoes.

We celebrated our anniversary by staying home and eating Chinese food. I don't know that it gets much better than that. July was almost wheat harvest in this area so I snapped a few pictures before hand. Wheat is beautiful green and during harvest.
I really had a slow reading month, it has still been difficult for me to find any AMAZING books. I think this year is just a reading slump. Hopefully this latter part of the year gets better in the bookish world. I am very much looking forward to Autumn.
I have been reading the book of Acts again. A friend of mine introduced me to the YouVersion Bible App. I am really slow when it comes to technology guys so I just discovered that this App is amazing.  I can listen or read it and then share reading plans with other people! This has been so great for the car rides to and from work.
So July wrapped up quickly and here we are almost mid August. Have a great month!

Celebrate Lit Tour: Cross My Heart Review

About the Book

Book: Cross My Heart

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: June 25, 2019
 
Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
For more information, visit robinleehatcher.com; Facebook: robinleehatcher; or Twitter: @robinleehatcher.

More from Robin

MY WRITING DESK
ROBIN LEE HATCHER

I have a wonderful home office with a large screen iMac and the perfect place to keep important papers and reminders right in front of me for easy access. There is also a bed for my dog, Boo, because no office is complete without a bed to welcome the dog. Right?
I also do a lot of writing while seated in a big easy chair in the living room. It all depends upon my mood and how many reference books I might need at the time.
My office usually looks neat when I begin a book. By the time I’m writing the end, the room has become a disaster—stacks of papers demanding my attention and a layer of dust are the most obvious issues.

My office also serves as my art studio (where I do decorative planning and Bible art journaling), so every inch that isn’t taken up by writing related items is filled with art related ones—paints, washi tape, stickers, pens galore, etc.
An early riser naturally, I consider sleeping in to be anything after 6 AM. On a normal writing day, I try to get in half an hour on the treadmill first thing in the morning (and often return to it for ten minutes segments a couple other times during the day). Then I sit at my desk or in my easy chair to do my Bible study. And finally I begin writing.
I can usually create new words for about four hours or so a day. The rest of the work day is filled with editing, revising, research, and correspondence with publisher, agent, readers, and other writers. I have an active online presence which needs attention daily, as well.

I am also a late-in-life part time college student, taking my classes online, so at least a couple of days a week, you’ll find me doing assignments and taking quizzes. For some reason, I rarely use my office for that. The kitchen table seems to suit me better. Probably because it is a large table and I can really spread out.
I feel very blessed to be able to work at home. I had a full time job when I wrote my first book. In fact, I wrote nine novels over the course of nine years while still working full time. The month my ninth book released, I quit my job in order to write full time. Seventy books and almost 28 years later, I’m still at it. As I said, I am blessed.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, July 27
The Power of Words, July 27
Carla Johnson-Hicks, July 28
Christian Bookaholic , July 28
Through the Fire Blogs, July 29
A Baker’s Perspective, July 29
Back Porch Reads, July 30
Cultivating Us, July 30
Godly Book Reviews, July 31
For Him and My Family, July 31
God’s Little Bookworm, August 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1
Daysong Reflections, August 2
EmpowerMoms, August 2
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 2
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 3
Moments, August 3
Cultivating Us, August 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4
Remembrancy, August 4
Pause for Tales , August 5
For The Love of Books, August 5
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6
Hallie Reads, August 6
Living Life Free in Christ, August 7
To Everything A Season, August 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7
Wishful Endings, August 8
Texas Book-aholic, August 8
janicesbookreviews, August 8
A Reader’s Brain, August 9
Inklings and notions, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
GIVEAWAY


 My Thoughts


Robin Lee Hatcher is always an enjoyable author to read. This story is set in Idaho and has some great characters. I liked the equine therapy aspect of this story as it is something that I have always found interesting. The characters are both a bit broken and also have some past baggage. I thought this part was fairly well written and it was fun to see how everything was going to end. There were a few times throughout the story when I thought it was a bit slow. Many things were predictable and I had a hard time being completely engaged in the story line.  There were some great moments it just was a bit slower. Fans of Hatcher will enjoy!

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

My Thoughts on The Killing Tide

 

 About the Book

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, CGIS special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous and volatile crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's adrift cutter, and the direction the clues point will test him and the guard to their limits.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of investigative reporter Harper Grace. An unrelenting journalist who was nearly killed as the result of her last expose, Harper has been sent to Wilmington on the hunch of her boss that the Coast Guard is stonewalling the truth about the officers. An interview with the dead victim's wife convinces her there's a story worth uncovering, even if it means risking her life again.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Harper can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them, but will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer before they become his next mark? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have been a fan of Dani's since her first book. The Killing Tide is the start to her new Coastal Guardians Series. I really enjoyed the aspect of the Coast Guard spin in this book. It is a fresh background for a story and I think this series will take us on quite a ride. The start of this book started a bit slow for me. Crazy to say that with suspense but for me it was a slow start. It takes time to figure out all of the characters and the suspense doesn't really start to build until a bit into the pages. Half way through the book I really couldn't put it down. It is obvious who the next book will be about and  the characters are written/presented similar to her other stories. I really struggled with Gabby and her character, she simply wasn't my favorite. The romance side of the book was my least favorite part as it was super rushed and the characters didn't seem to click that way. But all that to say I enjoyed the suspense aspect and the setting and I am super excited to read the next book in the series! 

Four Stars. 

"Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

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."