Cynthia Marcano's Blog, page 3

You Get A Free Book, I Get A Review

Like to review books? Like Free Books?
I am in search of a few reviewers to read my upcoming novel Hand In His and supply an honest review on your blog, Amazon and Goodreads. If you are interested in being a reviewer, please contact author Cynthia Marcano at cynthiamarcanoauthor(at)gmail.com


The man intended for Nicole DeLeón will come along when she is good and ready and not a minute sooner, no matter how desperately the older women of her church try to find her a match. She simply does not have the time to date with Nursing courses, her best friend's wedding, work and volunteering at church. If and when she finds the time to find love, it will be with a man in love with Jesus and most certainly not the flirty best man that makes her heart do funny things.

Drew Wells is adamant that falling in love is a waste of time, as is organized religion. As long as he has a say, neither are in his future and the closest he will ever get to either is being the best man at his cousin's wedding and spending a week with the bible thumping bridal party. The beautiful brunette bridesmaid is fun to flirt with but she will most certainly not make him want to think about settling down or worse, become a holy-roller.

Can either stop their hearts from betraying their minds?

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

 Like Never Before
 Author - Melissa Tagg
 Rating - 4.25 out of 5 Stars
 Would I Recommend: YepBack Cover...Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

What I Loved...Two words. Logan Walker. But I suppose you want to know what makes Logan so lovable. Logan Walker, the hero of Like Never Before, it all too wonderful. Melissa Tagg did a wonderful job with this character. He is a single dad that LOVES his daughter. He's smart (like almost nerdy smart which I love) and caring. He is character yumminess wrapped up ready to devour.

There is a portion of the book that takes place in a library, which I more often times than not just love. This was definitely one of those times where I loved it.

When a Christian Fiction novel incorporates lots of romance, humor and history, I am already half way in love.

What I Liked...There was a lot going on in Like Never Before that added to the overall story. I had a deeper appreciation for the story and characters due to Tagg showing depth with all of the characters, from Logan to the non-essential hotel clerk.

 Amelia, the heroine, had her issues going on but overall she was a character that grew on me more and more as I read the book. It was nice to see her character mature without changing her personality.

The family dynamic of the Walker Family was endearing and this series will be one that be bittersweet when it wraps because Melissa does such a good job making you feel like you are a part of Team Walker. I felt like I was in the noisy Walker kitchen waiting for one of Logan's special omelets.

Other...Like the cover. Not how I pictured Logan but did picture Amelia very similar to the cover model.

The novel started out slow for me, but I am so glad that I pushed through. This is a really good read and I really and truly recommend it!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Counted With The Stars by Connilyn Cossette

Counted With The Stars
Author - Connilyn Cossett
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Absolutely Back Cover...Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus. She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

What I Loved...Counted With The Stars is a uniquely fresh and captivating tale woven from biblical events. Author Cossette did such an awesome job making the Exodus come to life in my head. The story of Moses and the Exodus has been done so many times that I have come to expect certain aspects to be portrayed as I have always seen them but Cossette completely blew me away with her creative spin on the plagues, the exodus itself and life as an Egyptian in those days as opposed to the Hebrew point of view.

In an odd way, everything was equally over the top and yet minimal. Cossette took the reader through the everyday life of Hebrew slavery without grandeur but painting the life so realistically. The mass exodus was written so vividly yet also seemed so realistic. What I Liked...I really liked Kiya. She matured as the story progressed, giving the reader the opportunity to love her more and more. The secondary characters made an equal impact on me as the reader. I am excited to read the next in the series.

I have only read a few books with disabled or impaired characters. I can now add Counted With The Stars among them. I loved Kiya's brother, Jumo. He was a mix of nurturing and one who struggled. A very real character.

Other...The cover is lovely although I didn't picture Kiya this way. I just can't help but picture Ancient Egyptians with bronzed skin.

I look forward to reading future works by Connilyn Cossette.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by Bethany House. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings

Love's Violet Sunrise
Author - Naomi Rawlings
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

Review...I try to never read a series out of order. If a novella is published after a series but the plot takes place before the series, I feel cheated so I avoid them altogether.

However I am a Naomi Rawlings fan and I couldn't resist.

Love's Violet Sunrise's plot does take place before the Eagle Harbor Series, but I am so glad I read it! It is a wonderfully charming short story. I LOVE Hiram. I love Hiram so much I wish that the story was longer because I wanted to keep reading Hiram. He is intelligent, caring, heroic and determined. I usually prefer the flirts but I also love intellectual gentleman...that's Hiram!

Mabel was great too. She was a no-nonsense and equally devoted woman when she set her mind to something. I loved her spunk.

***Some Spoilers if you haven't read Eagle Harbor Series*****
Please put down whatever you doing and go read it immediately or skip this part.
This book was so bittersweet for me. As soon as I knew I was reading Hiram's story, I already knew he had a tragic end (in another book). I read it anyway and the more I fell in love with Hiram's character, the more my heart broke knowing his tragic death. Thanks Naomi! In a way, I am glad I read this after Eagle Harbor Series. I was prepared for the blow.
***End of Spoilers***

I definitely recommend this charming love story and I honestly can't decide whether to read this before or after the Eagle Harbor Series...I am literally baffled.

I did want to mention that I am not a fan of the cover. Naomi's Eagle Harbor Series has beautiful covers and so this one fell way short. Since its part of a different series, I logically understand the difference, but I don't have to like it. I am a book cover snob so this one is not my cup of tea.

It doesn't take away from the story...I promise.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author Naomi Rawlings. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: Abraham and Sarah by Roberta Kells Dorr

Abraham and Sarah
Author - Roberta Kells Dorr
Rating - 1 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: NoBack Cover...A splendid exploration of faith against great odds and love that endures years of disappointment.

Abraham and Sarah is a masterful historical drama from the moment that Abraham strides into the pagan temple to rescue Sarah. The couple sets out in search of the blessings God had promised: abundant fertile land and decedents more plentiful than the stars.

But years of wandering bring the couple to Egypt, where once again Abraham convinces Sarah that as sister and brother surely they will pass safely through the territory. But Pharaoh takes Sarah into his harem, where she befriends Pharaoh’s daughter, Hagar. Together the three are ordered to leave.

Years of barrenness have embittered Sarah, and she hatches a plan: Hagar must become the vessel for the child God has promised. Ishmael is born to Hagar, and jealousy is born in Sarah’s heart. But God had a plan and He was right all along. This miracle unfolds with historical authenticity, leaving the reader with a better understanding of the ancient world and the life-changing faith of Abraham and Sarah.

Review...I was immediately drawn to this book because I enjoy biblical fiction and the cover is beautiful, but from the very beginning, my interest plummeted.

I can only assume that author Kells Corr did a lot of research about the times and religious practices of Abraham's family because it seems liked endless pages of it. It dragged on and on.

I particularly didn't like that Sarai was portrayed in a bratty way. Kells

Corr took a little too much creative license. The bible states that God told Abraham to leave his family but that is not the reason in the book.

It is my opinion that a good biblical fiction book does not change ANYTHING the bible says. Great biblical fiction takes the little that is said in the bible and makes it come alive without altering it. It make me want to go back and reread the biblical account.

I can not say that Abraham and Sarah accomplished either.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by Moody Publishing. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Playing The Part by Jen Turano

Playing The Part
Author - Jen Turano
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yes. Yes! Yes!!Back Cover...Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucinda's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

What I Loved...Playing The Part is definitely one of my favorite books by Jen Turano. It is also one of her funniest. Turano really thought out of the box for this plot and I couldn't be happier about. I can honestly say that I have never read this plot in any other book. It's a wonderfully fun read. I love Lucetta's character and while Bram is not my favorite hero, I do adore the couple that makes up Lucetta and Bram.

As is her custom, Turano brings back a few characters and I always love to read where they are now.

What I Liked...With so many things that I loved about this book, I am almost remiss to downgrade anything to like rather than love.

The other characters in the book are a delight! A mishmash of odd characters always helps stir up some funny.

Other...Love the cover which is no surprise.

Looking back, I can't help but smile when I think about the fact that this book contains an actress, a goat, cannons, cemeteries and a dungeon. Yes, that makes absolute sense...lol. This is a must read if you are in the mood for light-hearted romantic comedy.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: Deadlock by DiAnn Mills

Deadlock
Author - DiAnn Mills
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yep!Back Cover...Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?

That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.

When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.

What I Loved...In mainstream Christian Fiction, it's rare to find a heroine of Hispanic heritage. I was so super excited to read a book that featured one that was an authentic Mexican woman. I loved reading Spanish throughout the book and the Hispanic family dynamics. I am working on my first real book as an aspiring author and the female lead is an authentic young woman and feared that it would not be widely accepted. Deadlock was an inspiration to me.

What I Liked...I am not usually a suspense fiction reader, but I loved that Mills had me guessing until the end. The twists and turns made me want to keep reading late into the night. I honestly guessed that the killer was everyone at one point or another...lol. I literally changed my suspect a hundred times.

Other...Love the cover. Great depictions of the characters.

There was one loose end that I wish would have been solved better.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley Book Publishers. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

With This Ring? Novella Collection

With This Ring
Author - Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings 
& Melissa Jagears 
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yep!Back Cover...Love isn't always a fairy tale, and it doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes the best stories, though, are the ones that are the most unexpected. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that celebrate the power of love to triumph . . . even when circumstances go awry!

What I Loved...A compilation of novellas from awesome authors is a bonafide treat. It's like a box of delicious chocolates. Decadence in small batches. I loved that novellas were short enough to finish in a few hours and could enjoy a new story every night for a few nights.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would be Karen Witemeyer's The Husband Maneuver but they were all really good reads.

What I Liked...See what I loved.

Other...I'm not a big fan of the cover, but I don't hate it either. Now having to write a review for the collection, I find it a little more difficult than a full-length novel. It would be writing four full reviews in one.  I can say that I enjoyed each story. They are all romantic and comedic. Runaway Bride (the 3rd novella) was a bit more thrilling while Her Dearly Unintended was very comedic.

I recommend highly!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason

A Worthy Heart
Author - Susan Anne Mason
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...Maggie Montgomery's long-held wish to see America is finally coming true. She'll visit her beloved brother Rylan and his wife, Colleen, and at the same time, escape Neill Fitzgerald's unwanted attention. In addition, Maggie has a secret! She plans to remain in America to seek her fortune and to hopefully find love. While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man whom she thinks is a stable hand. Only when Rylan demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary does she realize he's Colleen's brother, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her heart conform to her brother's request.

Adam O'Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Spending time in jail only reinforces his belief. Now that he's free, Adam hopes to make amends and earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with Maggie Montgomery, however, was never in his plans.

Despite everyone's effort to keep them apart, the two develop a bond nothing can break--but has Adam truly changed, or will the sins of his past prove too much for Maggie to overcome?

What I Loved...I have become so accustomed to a focal love story and sometimes hints of another (for the next book), that having a second love story take up so much of a book was a real treat. A double header, two for one, two scoops of goodness...I could get used to that.

Of all the characters in this book (and there are lots) I loved Gabe (the lesser main hero) the most. A confident and flirty firefighter, he was not afraid to go after what he wants.

A Worthy Heart is full of emotion. I laughed and cried. I hardly ever cry for a book, but A Worthy Heart took me there.

What I Liked...A Worthy Heart is packed full of a lot of plot points. I was never bored because something was always happening to someone or everyone. Mason did a great job making all that was taking place in the story flow easily and believably.

Protagonist Maggie was a real treat to read. She made me laugh and I was rooting for her throughout the book. Not just for her love story, but for her in general.

Other...The book cover is beautiful. The cover model depicts the Maggie of my imagination.

While this is a stand-alone book, I often felt like I was missing something since I didn't read book one of the series. Although I have read second books in a series without having read the first, I didn't get that "missing info" feeling as much as I did with this one. To be clear, Mason did a great job supplying the main info needed, but it's the small details that make us fall in love with stories and I feel like I am missing that. So my advice is to definitely read book one (Irish Meadows) before reading A Worthy Heart.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

At Love's Bidding
Author - Regina Jennings
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse.

What I Loved...A mixture of romance, intrigue, and humor, At Love's Bidding has all the ingredients for what I love in a novel.

I've grown accustomed to characters going out west and falling in love and settling. Without giving away spoilers, I was excited how Jennings, turned the ending up a notch.

What I Liked...Character, Wyatt Ballentie, is my kind of hero! More times than I can count I wanted to smack some sense into character, Miranda. Logically I couldn't blame the character for her choices, but when a character makes you want to toss caution to the wind...I know that he is my kind of hero!

The secondary characters were delightfully written and provided most of te humor.

Other...The cover is absolutely adorable! I love it.

While the novel did have the ingredients I found I liked the book but not loved it. It is still worth a read. I enjoy Regina Jennings books and this one is no different. The book is part of a series, but is a standalone book and you need not read the others in order to read this one. But for those who have the other books in the series, the previous characters make appearances...I personally love that.



Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.