Laura Jackson's Blog, page 17

Rebellious Heart: A Review

 
Susanna Smith grew up with everything she could ever want except an education. Ben Ross grew up with nothing and has only his Harvard education. When they meet, sparks fly, and they must work together to stand for justice.

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite for historical fiction. She has a way of making the characters real and the circumstances come alive. However, I didn't really like Susanna and Ben much at first. They were well-written; I just didn't love them from the get-go. However, about halfway through, they had grown on me, and I read the second half much quicker than the first.

The action starts with the very first page, and there are plenty of turns along the way to the happy ending. I also liked that the author tackled topics of slavery, punishment for crime (even when innocent), and even rape and murder. While not giving too much detail, the author gave a more realistic view of the time than the romanticized version we often read.

The author's note at the end intrigued me as much as the story. I'm going to check out some books on Abigail and John Adams.

Fans of Jody Hedlund will enjoy her latest book. Fans of historical fiction will also enjoy this. A Noble Groom is still my favorite by Jody though. :)

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
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United We Spy: A Review

    I didn't want to start reading this book because I knew it was going to be the last new Gallagher Girl book. This is one of the best series I have ever read. Ally Carter is an amazing writer, weaving small little details perfectly to create an adventure for the characters and the readers. The young, naïve girl we met in book one is all grown up. She's about to graduate, but high school is the least of her concerns. Instead, she's chasing The Circle instead of letting them chase her. The last mission proves to be the most important. Lives hang in the balance, and Cammie and her friends finally learn what it is truly means to be a Gallagher Girl. Although this isn't my favorite book in the series, it's still a great book and a solid conclusion to a terrific series. I recommend this book for fans of YA featuring strong females, adventure, and a whole lot of spying. '

Giveaway: Need You Now

    Congrats to Michelle for winning Rebellious Heart. Today, I'm giving away Need You Now. I enjoyed this book.  To enter to win, leave a comment about something you need. It can be fun or serious. I'd love to pray for you if it's a serious need....or a fun one too because God cares about even the tiniest of details in our lives, which is a fact I can't even understand. I need self discipline. I've always joked that I think better under pressure as if that excused me doing what I wanted and rushing at the last minute to get things done. I don't want to waste the precious time God has given me any more. A fun need---I really need (want) to go on vacation to somewhere cold with a pretty view.  I can only ship to the US.Be sure to leave an email address.I'll pick a winner next week. Have a great week! I don't have to work tomorrow, so I'm excited about getting some writing time in.....if I don't procrastinate.  '

Like Pens?

   Do you love pens? I have some for you then!I may end up making some cute bookmarks, but I decided that a lot of people don't use bookmarks. I use them sometimes, but I often use whatever's nearby---scraps of paper, envelopes, pictures, etc. So, I thought pens would be a fun way to promote my website and upcoming book. If you would like some to pass out to people you know, let me know. Email me at laurajacksonwrites(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know where/how you'd pass them out and your address. If you've won a book recently from me, you'll get one with your book. :) I'll compile a list and then mail them out closer to the release of Worth the Wait (February 4, 2014). Happy writing!   '

Stranded: A Review

 Gage McKenna won't let himself admit that Darcy St. James got under his skin when she helped clear his brother's name. When he agrees to lead activities for a cruise ship, she's the last person he expects to see. Darcy is on the ship, determined to find out what happened to her friend, who disappeared from the ship while undercover for a story.  I love this series. I love the characters and the strong family ties. I love the adventure with twists and turns. I love the suspense. Dani Pettrey is fantastic. I really can't say enough about these books. So, I'll just leave it with this: if you're a fan of Christian romantic suspense, you MUST read this series (in order).   '

Giveaway: Rebellious Heart

 
Congrats to Cindi for winning Never Say Never. I have to warn you that I haven't read it yet---planned to do that this week but had a busy week. Anyway, I know you have won before and know I'll eventually send it.

I'm reading Rebellious Heart right now. I love it. It starts off with a bang. The characters are good so far. In fact, I need to turn off this Texans game and go read. (The Texans have a ton of talent but are NOT doing well this year. SO Frustrating!) In fact, I can't even think of a topic for comments since I'm so annoyed with Matt Schaub throwing pick-sixes!

I guess you could leave a comment about sports. Or a joke to make me feel better. I had a great day--church, lunch with family, good workout, and Bible study. So, I'm not going to let a football team get me down. :)

Make sure you leave an email address.
I can only ship to the US.

Have a great week. It's finally cooler than 90 degrees here, which is fantastic!
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Fifteen Minutes: A Review

 
Zach loves Reese, singing, and Jesus. When he gets a chance to compete on the TV competition show Fifteen Minutes, he's convinced it's God's plan for him. When fame pulls him away from his faith, and Reese is drawn to London to continue her work as a therapeutic horse instructor, Zach and Reese are torn between their dreams and their love for each other.

As with most Karen Kingsbury books, Fifteen Minutes is full of heart-wrenching emotion. Love, loss, and loneliness plague the main characters, making them authentic and likable. I wanted to see both Reese and Zach happy and pursuing their dreams.

However, the plot was often stalled with what seemed like lectures on the wiles of fame and Hollywood. Page after page was filled with characters bemoaning the evil that came with being a celebrity. It got old and even took away from the great story going on.

I was a little surprised by the ending, but it was fitting and a solid conclusion.

Karen Kingsbury's faithful fans will enjoy Zach's story, but after being one of those faithful readers for so many years, I'm growing weary of the celebrity/fame story lines. I'd much rather read about real people dealing with real issues---the life changing fiction that made me count down to the next Karen Kingsbury book!

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
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Giveaway--Never Say Never

  
Congrats to Polly for winning Rebellious Heart. I have a second copy of it that I'll give away in a couple weeks, so if you didn't win, you'll get a chance soon enough.

Today, I'm giving away Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate. I love her books. To enter to win, leave a comment telling me something you've never done but want to. I've never been on a cruise, and it's on my  bucket list. However, I just read Dani Pettrey's book Stranded, and maybe I should reconsider. :)

Be sure to leave an email address.
If you want a second entry, follow the blog and leave a second comment letting me know you follow.
I can only ship to the US.
If I don't hear from the winner within two weeks, I'll pick a new winner.

Have a great week!
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Shattered: A Review

Shattered shares Piper McKenna's story. As she desperately tries to prove her brother’s innocence, she has to beg family friend Landon to help her.  

I loved this book even more than the first one, mainly because by book two, I knew the characters already. I like how the author showcases one sibling while including all the others, so the romance in the next book doesn't seem contrived since there were hints in book one. Piper is strong and stubborn, making her a great heroine.

Dani Pettrey is quickly becoming one of my favorite for Christian romantic suspense. The heroines are strong. The men are manly and tough. The suspense is fast, and the romance is authentic. Deep character development and family ties tie the story together. 
 I love the McKenna family. In fact, I like them almost as much as my all-time favorite O'Malley family (by Dee Henderson). It will take a few more books for me to decide for sure.

Fans of Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon should check these books out. Don't wait a year like I did.
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Giveaway: Rebellious Heart

Congrats to Dawn for winning Into the Whirlwind.

Today, I'm giving away Rebellious Heart. To enter to win, leave a comment about something on your heart. The violence in the world is on my heart. World leaders can meet all they want, but the only solution is Jesus. Yet, so many want nothing to do with him. It encourages me to live well for Him, to be a witness of His love by loving people.

Be sure to leave an email address.
I can only ship to the US.
I'll pick a winner next week.


Have a great first week of fall!
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