Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 77
October 26, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 27 October 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – TROUBLE BREWING by HEATHER DAY GILBERT
THE BLURB
Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.
Convinced that the elderly lady in her care didn’t die of natural causes, Macy’s friend Della determines to look into the broken relationships surrounding the woman. She books a Halloween-themed getaway at a local inn and talks Macy into coming along with her to spy on her prime suspect.
As they join a ghost tour of the candlelit town, Macy and Della feel their guide is a little too fanatical as he shares his spooky tales. He tells the story of the Greenbrier ghost, a newlywed who supposedly came back from the grave to tell her family that her husband murdered her.
When a disturbing apparition makes its presence known, guests at the inn become apprehensive…and for good reason, because soon after, a young bride turns up dead. Although everything points to a copycat killer replicating the historical Greenbrier murder, Macy has her doubts. She’s discovered that the inn harbors secrets of its own, and when she pokes into one darkened corner too many, she might not stand a ghost of a chance.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip (coming in May 2022)
Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather’s realistic characters–no matter what century–feel like best friends. When she’s not plotting stories, this native West Virginia gal can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find all her books and her newsletter signup at heatherdaygilbert.com
MY REVIEW
Cozy and mystery are two words that just don’t seem to fit together. And yet, as a genre, it totally works. And Heather Day Gilbert does it well. (Watch out, Agatha Christie!)
Macy Hatfield is such a loveable character. I know I can always count on an adventure when I visit Barks and Beans Café. Macy has such an inquisitive mind and observant eye. She’d make a great detective—oh wait! She is. Sorta, kinda. A detective aid, maybe? She sure plays a major role in solving murders in their vicinity.
And Bo. Totally swoon worthy. Strong and silent swoon worthy. Macy’s rock and anchor.
Ms. Gilbert lays out her clues—and more than one red herring—in her stories, leading Macy to the murderer, albeit down a somewhat crooked and indirect path.
And the twists the author creates! Murder is twisted enough to begin with and Ms. Gilbert always seems to put a new spin on it.
Gotta give a shout out to Coal! Can’t leave a review in this series without it! He may be huge but he so loveable and adorable.
#lovemesomeCoalROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
This book was given to me as a gift. T he opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, Trouble Brewing, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks and Beans Cozy Mystery
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 26 October 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNCHARTED COURAGE by KEELY BROOKE KEITH
With the survival of the Land at stake and her heart on the line, Bailey must find the courage to love.
When Bailey accepts John Colburn’s offer for her to visit Good Springs, she leaves the Inn at Falls Creek expecting to spend the autumn relaxing in her favorite seaside village. Upon her arrival, Connor asks her to cover a shift of guard duty on the equinox, and her quiet vacation takes a shocking turn.
Revel Roberts works hard to keep his life commitment-free, making it easy to leave community decisions to men like Connor and John. But when the Land is threatened, Revel sees his chance to prove he is a man worthy of Bailey’s love. Amid the chaos in Good Springs, his unrequited feelings for her preoccupy him. One wrong choice could ruin everything.
As Bailey’s new life in the Land unravels and threats from the outside world loom, a yearning she can’t define surges within her. It distracts her from defending the hidden world she loves, and a tragedy reinforces her need for independence.
With the survival of the Land at stake and their hearts on the line, Bailey and Revel will need more courage than fighting ever required. They will need to find the courage to love.
Uncharted Courage weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. You’ll love this Christian historical romance with a futuristic twist, full of mystery and suspense. Perfect for fans of dual timeline stories and time travel romance! If you enjoy the rural setting and wholesomeness of frontier romance and Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Courage.
THE AUTHOR
Keely Brooke Keith writes inspirational frontier-style fiction with a futuristic twist, including The Land Uncharted (Shelf Unbound Notable Romance 2015) and Aboard Providence (2017 INSPY Awards Longlist).
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys teaching home school lessons and playing bass guitar. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.
MY REVIEWI always enjoy a visit to the Land Uncharted, and Uncharted Courage is no exception. (I could use some of that gray leaf, too!)
Ms. Keith takes her reader on a journey that feels like a trip back in time, but with the all the tension of the 21st century. Outside the Land, a world war rages, But within the mysterious atmospheric shield, the Land is as peaceful as ever. Not without its difficulties or strife, of course, as any society will bear. Or matters of the heart.
Coming from the outside world, Bailey never felt inclined to romance, and has kept her heart tightly secured against it.
Revel Roberts, too, has secured his heart against romance. Like all else in his life, nothing is permanent, nor does it ever work out to his best interest. Better to stick to his solitary life; it’s what’s familiar and comfortable.
But when hearts connect, it’s not so easy to quell that pull. That longing.
There is more at stake, though, than runaway hearts. Evidence that another outsider—an enemy, potentially hostile—has come into the land, and fear runs high.
Ms. Keith takes her characters—and her readers—on a roller-coaster journey. Mystery and suspense on every page hold the reader’s full attention through to the end. She gives her characters real and raw emotions, and having read [almost] all the books in the series, I have come to feel like I have friends in the Land.
ROBIN’S FEATHERSALL | THE | FEATHERS!
This book was given to me as a gift. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Uncharted Courage, Keely Brooke Keith, Uncharted Series
October 8, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 5 October 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDERCURRENT OF SECRETS by RACHEL SCOTT McDANIEL
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDERCURRENT OF SECRETS by RACHEL SCOTT McDANIEL
Book: Undercurrent of Secrets
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Christian Romance
Release date: September 2021
THE BLURBTwo women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at http://www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.
In 1914, America hadn’t joined WWI yet. Airplanes, or flying machines as they were called, were still a phenomenon. Radios weren’t a thing. Hawaii and Alaska weren’t part of the United States. The world as a whole looked different than the one we walk today. But one thing remains true as it had 100 years ago—The Belle of Louisville graced the waters. In fact, the century-old steamboat is like a floating time capsule.
First named the Idlewild, this boat was built in Pittsburgh, PA and was launched in October 1914. It began its days as a packet boat, hauling freight and ferrying passengers. During the ‘Roaring 20s’ there wasn’t much documentation for her travels. But it’s believed the Idlewild spent the decade tramping—a steamboat term for going up and down the river, stopping at various towns and taking passengers for excursions. Which worked perfectly for Undercurrent of Secrets.
The boat was then sold to New Orleans where it continued to ferry passengers. In 1931, The Idlewild spent a season in Louisville running trips to Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry amusement parks. It then spent the next several years coursing the waterways from Canada to New Orleans, living upon the Mississippi and Ohio river systems until WWII. The second world war brought a lot of action to the Idlewild which was then outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.
In 1947, she was sold and renamed the Avalon. For the next two decades the legendary lady spent her days along the rivers, hosting excursions, bringing adventure to the hearts of many Americans. But all those years and miles eventually caught up to her and she fell in disrepair. In 1962, she was put up for auction in Cincinnati where she was purchased by Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. She then received her third name, The Belle of Louisville.
The restoration of the boat was supervised by marine architect Alan L. Bates (later Captain Bates). Capt. Bates’ books, Str. Belle of Louisville, and Moonlight at 8:30, were a huge help to me while researching the history of the boat and the crews who worked on her. The reno crew worked tirelessly rebuilding the Belle and on April 30th, she tested the waters again by racing against the Delta Queen in the first Great Steamboat Race. The Belle has been wharfed in Louisville ever since. This century-old steamboat has stood the test of time, surviving decades, sinkings, storms, weathering all the trials with grit and grace. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, you could book a cruise on the Belle and experience history.
MY REVIEWI do love a story with dual timeline. And a good twist, too! And this story is both! With two strong female characters, both of them go-getters, the verbal sparring—and the sparks that flew—with their male counterparts was both entertaining and charming. Well, annoying at times, too.
Hattie didn’t let her status in life keep her from excelling at life; she took a task and turned it into a skill. And the extreme double-twist [SPOILER] at the end—oh my!
Devyn, on the other hand, faced the task before her as a failure. And the swoony Chase Jones as a hindrance.
Ms. McDaniel takes both her female leads, indeed all her characters, through some paces and brings them to new [SPOILER.]
Ms. McDaniel’s writing is smooth sailing (pun intended) and keeps the reader’s attention. She draws the reader eagerly to the unexpected and satisfying end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/11b61/undercurrent-of-secrets-celebration-tour-giveawayBLOG STOPSDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25
Rachael’s Inkwell, September 25
Texas Book-aholic, September 26
Christian Bookaholic, September 26
Where Faith and Books Meet, September 27
Inklings and notions, September 27
Genesis 5020, September 27
For Him and My Family, September 28
Life of Literature, September 28
deb’s Book Review, September 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29
Remembrancy, September 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
She Lives to Read, October 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 1
Older & Smarter?, October 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 2
Mary Hake, October 2
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 3
Simple Harvest Reads, October 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Bizwings Blog, October 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 4
For the Love of Literature, October 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5
Through the fire blogs, October 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6
Pause for Tales, October 6
Artistic Nobody, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Just Your Average reviews, October 7
Splashes of Joy, October 8
Labor Not in Vain, October 8
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Undercurrent of Secrets, Rachel Scott McDaniel, Celebrate Lit PublicityOctober 6, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Monday 4 October 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BLESSED by LISA T. BERGREN
Their coming was foretold for centuries…and their gathering threatens to change everything.
A portion of an ancient, beautifully illuminated letter—a letter believed to have been written by Saint Paul—has surfaced. The letter speaks of men and women with profound spiritual gifts and the illuminations bear a striking resemblance to those drawing together in medieval Italy.
Their gathering will strike fear in the heart of a Church dedicated to maintaining their considerable power. But there is another enemy on the hunt for them and he is darker still…
Lisa T. Bergren is Tim’s wife, Olivia, Emma and Jack’s mom, and an explorer of people, places and stories in many genres. She’s written over 60 books and sold over 3 million of them, with the help of some good publishing people and readers like you. You can find more about her at http://www.LisaTawnBergren.com.
MY REVIEW
This story, indeed the whole trilogy, is as rich and detailed and telling as the tapestries that hung on castle walls.
Once again, Ms. Bergren has grasped the reality and depth of things not seen, the Truth of who we are in Christ, His hands and feet in the earth. His agents in battle against the enemy. His messengers of love and light and life. The spiritual battle that is going on around us and within us all the time.
The layers and twisted threads pull the reader deeper into the journey with Lady Daria and her entourage. The Begotten, the Blessed, the Chosen. The Gifted.
Ms. Bergren sheds light—the Light of Christ—on the wily, subtle ways of the enemy. Just as with Adam and Eve, he slithers in, into our subconscious, and tells his lies like so many eggs waiting to hatch.
Oh! the temptation, oh! the pull as the enemy targets us in our weakness. Lady Daria craved what her enemy offered. She nearly yielded to the evil one. [SPOILER]
This story moves through miracles and loss as the Gifted seek to vanquish and conquer their enemy once and for all. They are cut down, tormented—both in spirit and in the flesh—delayed, betrayed.
The ending is magnificent, and perfect to the journey, this trilogy. Ms. Bergren truly is gifted herself, both in the telling of the story, and in her knowledge of the spiritual world.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
September 5, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Monday 6 September 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH by KRISTENA MEARS
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH by KRISTENA MEARS
Today, Keturah became a woman. But her joy ends in terror when Abba accepts an offer for her betrothal. Her plan to escape the arranged marriage worked. She’s now free to find her brother and live as she chooses. But the lies and deceit catch up with her. If she confesses, will it lead to her death? Will she ever learn to live the life Yahweh desires from her?
Justus’ devotion to Yeshua results in Abba proclaiming him dead to the family. When Justus rescues a child from slavery, Keturah falls in love with the toddler. But the child’s mother returns, and Justus falls in love. Will Keturah’s jealousy destroy all bonds with her brother? Can they save their relationship?
Onesimus, a runaway slave, has a secret. Befriending Keturah, he finds she has a secret of her own. Will the two friends be destroyed by what they hide, or can they learn to give everything to God?
Will running set them free or sentence them to death?
Kristena is an award-winning author, speaker, and blogger.
She is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur.
She loves history, art, travel, and even research. Out of these, flow her vivid imagination and inspiring stories.
Her heart and life have been given over completely to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She believes in living transparently in all things, with no separation between her day-to-day life and her “.church” life.
Kristena writes an engaging blog that focuses on supporting Indie Author and reaching a writer’s full potential. If you’re looking for new ways to freshen up that dusty manuscript and get it into print, be sure to subscribe to her blog at kristenamears.com
When Kristena’s not busy writing or working her full-time job, you’ll probably find her nose in a book or spending time with her husband and best friend, Mark. She takes frequent trips to the zoo with her friends. She also enjoys cooking and dabbling in photography.
Kristena lives in the Cincinnati, OH area. She has been married to her “better half” for 39 years.and has three grown children.
Oh! how impetuous the youth! Even in her faith, Keturah thought and acted rashly, sure she was doing as Jehovah would have her do. Problem was, she didn’t stop to ask. And we all know what happens when we don’t stop to ask. For help. For confirmation. For directions.
But Keturah found herself on a journey far more than in search of her brother. [SPOILER] For even in her [obstinate] attitude, Father God was with her, guiding her, teaching her. Wooing her.
I appreciated Ms. Mears historical detail, rich and vivid, pulling the reader into the culture of the first century Jew. There were times, though, that (for as much as I enjoy it) the detailed descriptions took me out of the storyline, if only just bit.
As He does with each one of us, Father God set the path before for Keturah, bringing people and circumstance at the very moment it is needed. I look forward to the next book in this series.
ROBIN’S FEATHERSFOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Under Penalty of Death, Kristena Mears, Slavery of the Heart SeriesAugust 30, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 31 August 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A SECOND CHANCE by WALT MUSSELL
Kira Sakamichi is a career-driven woman, trying to achieve success before her mother’s constant interference sentences her to a relationship. But when a grudging drive to meet her mother’s latest “selection” ends in a lake accident, Kira wakes up lost in the past, the concubine of a 16th century samurai, and mother to his six-year-old son. When actions in battle lead to the samurai’s condemnation, Kira learns that she and her son will share the samurai’s fate. Only by understanding the importance of duty and family in both time periods can they survive.
THE AUTHOR
Walt Mussell lives in an Atlanta-area suburb with his wife and their two sons. He works for a well-known corporation and writes in his spare time.
Walt primarily writes historicals, with a particular focus on Japan, an interest he gained during the four years he lived there. He refers to his work as “Like Shogun, but the heroine survives.”
Outside of writing, his favorite activity is trying to keep up with his kids. As one is in college and the other is now out of college and looking for a position related to his major, this is proving more difficult each day.
Visit his website at waltmussell.com
Follow him on Twitter at @wmussell and on Instagram at @authorwaltmussell
Mr. Mussell’s Japanese historical novels are an automatic must-read! His books, so rich and full, never fail to hold the reader’s attention. And A Second Chance is no exception. The history of the 16th century Samurai era comes alive as Kira lives an alternate life.
As with all historical fiction, the cultural differences can be staggering. I appreciated Kira’s confusion and puzzlement when she first awoke after her accident. Her slow grasp of where she was—and when. Her journey, though, was not just through time, but one of self-discovery [SPOILER.] She emerges confused, but with a shift in values and a new and deeper understanding of family and identity.
I look forward to more stories—travels—with Kira.
ROBIN’S FEATHERSFOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
August 18, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 17 August 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE DECORATING CLUB by SUSAN M. MEYERS
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Decorating Club by Susan M. Meyers, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Decorating Club
Author: Susan M. Meyers
Publisher: Just Food For Thought, LLC
Release Date: February 1, 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction
THE BLURBThe Decorating Club shares the story of what happens when a group of women come together to help each other redesign their homes. In the process, they support each other through some of the challenges encountered by women today. While the primary focus is on identifying the best purpose and theme for each room they soon find themselves faced with the need to help one another determine life’s next chapter. The Decorating Club was inspired by true-life experiences with real neighbors and the friendship they shared.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound
THE AUTHOR
Susan Meyers is an optimist who believes the world would be better served if everyone were more aligned with their greater purpose. The challenge as she sees it is not only to serve one’s purpose but also to adapt as it changes from time to time.
While Susan has worn many hats throughout her life, serving as CEO of her children’s business, 3 Sisters and a Brother, LLC is the role of which she is most proud. It began in the family’s basement when they were just 12, 12, 10, and 7 and soon expanded into two storefronts; within less than eight years, it became a well-known brand in the local community.
As time passed and each of the children began to take flight, Susan and her family made the decision to close the business. With each of her four children off pursuing their own individualized dreams and careers, Susan had to deal with a new title; unemployed CEO; as well as the closed doors that it represented for her more personally.
Finding herself questioning her own purpose and determined to regain it, Susan invested her time looking for answers. It soon became clear that none of the information she found talked to her concerns or even spoke the same language.
Eventually, Susan was reminded of what she already knew and in the hope of helping others facing similar challenges, was moved to write The Decorating Club.
Today, Susan makes her home with her husband and youngest daughter in Fairfield, CT. For more information, visit www.susanmmeyersauthor.com.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram
MY REVIEWWhen I saw the title of this book I knew I just had to read it – after all I’m an Interior Designer!
Where to start – so many wonderful elements in this book! Well, even beyond the design and decorating bit. From the beginning, when both Sarah and Tommy felt God’s nudge. Their obedience to follow the Lord’s leading. Setting into their new home, the questioning, and reaching out to their new neighbors.
This reader has some great neighbors who pitch in and help a gal out, so I know the depth of what Sarah was wrangling. Or, rather, what the Lord was wrangling through her.
I appreciated how Ms. Meyers revealed each character’s story, her needs and wants and desires. Even – most especially – those they weren’t aware of.
And the designs they achieved! Trés fantastique! I loved Sarah’s approach to designing. Reaching in to reveal the inner artist in each of us. And her concept of a home reflecting the personality of those who live there.
The dialogue was halting and contrived at times but the concept of what Sarah achieved, and the healing her friends found, far outweighed any shortcomings in conversation.
ROBIN’S FEATHERSFOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $50 HomeGoods gift card, $10 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, The Decorating Club travel mug & retractable measuring tape!!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 17, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HEREFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Decorating Club, Susan M. Meyers, JustRead Publicity ToursAugust 10, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Monday 9 August 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WRITTEN IN INK by SARA DAVISON
Everything he has built his life and future on has been torn away.
Cash McCall has loved Dr. Renee Dawson for half his life. Although they’ve talked about a future together, she has never believed it was the right time for them to get engaged. Now she has ended their relationship, and he has no idea why.
Everything Renee worked so hard for is in jeopardy. One agonizing decision has changed everything, and she has been forced to shatter the heart of the man she loves. And her own.
The extremist militant group The Arm is on a mission. Its leader doesn’t care how many innocent lives are lost in the pursuit of the group’s end goal, and Renee has seen something she was not supposed to see.
If Cash can’t get to her in time, Renee could end up in the crosshairs of the terrorists, and he may lose her—and any chance at the life he’d always envisioned—forever.
Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series – The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy – as well as the standalone speculative romantic suspense, The Watcher. She has been a finalist for a dozen national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, a Holt Medallion, two Selah, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature from Queen’s University. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to. Her favourite way to spend the days (and nights) is drinking coffee and making stuff up. Get to know Sara better at http://www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.
Ms. Davison’s writing is no holds barred writing, filled with real-life trauma and tragedy and impossible situations. Impossible decisions. What we as believers take almost for granted—our moral compass, God’s Word—keeps us grounded and guides us in our decision making. (at least it should) But for unbelievers, that moral compass holds no weight, no value, and decision making becomes a matter of pros and cons, or what “feels” right. And how often do we, as believers, stop to consider that weight upon the nonbeliever’s life? It must be crushing.
Renee, living to prove herself, faces an impossible situation and decision. Second guessing herself, even as she moves forward with what she believes she must do, she is caught up in far more than [SPOILER.]
Cash. Crushed beyond belief, can he sit back and let her walk away? Or should he fight for her, try to win her heart back? And what of this faith his brother keeps talking about? How can Cash believe in something—some One—so intangible, so unreal? And yet… [SPOILER]
Page after page, Ms. Davison raises the stakes, urging the reader on, with challenges and danger—and faith.
The brutal honesty of the characters, the unpretty unpolished human factor. The steadfastness of Father God, ever faithful, even to His unbelieving children.
A powerful story of self-doubt and broken hearts, the depth of true love, and the reach of Divine love, and I look forward to the third book in the series.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
August 7, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Friday 6 August 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BETRAYED by LISA T. BERGREN
They have gathered. And now others gather against them…
An illuminated letter, long buried by the Church—prophesying a fellowship of men and women possessing powerful spiritual gifts—is the catalyst for a profound war that will bring either a new age of enlightenment or a darkness the world has never before seen. As the Gifted gather, gain strength, and follow God’s clues, their enemies grow determined to control them.
Watching the Gifted from afar is Cardinal Boeri, who wants to use the blessed power of the Gifted to secure his own place in the hierarchy of the Church, while the duke of Venezia has reasons of his own to seize control. But the greatest menace is Lord Abramo Amidei, driven to turn the healer, Daria d’Angelo, to his own fold—or to destroy her. And as he schemes to tear apart the fabric of her faith by preying upon those she loves, Amidei knows that together the Gifted are undeniably strong and growing stronger. But if he can succeed in dividing them, the Gifted—and then the world—will be his.
THE AUTHOR
Lisa T. Bergren is Tim’s wife, Olivia, Emma and Jack’s mom, and an explorer of people, places and stories in many genres. She’s written over 60 books and sold over 3 million of them, with the help of some good publishing people and readers like you. You can find more about her at http://www.LisaTawnBergren.com.
MY REVIEWThis book, this series. The depth, the richness, the spiritual challenge.
Don’t we all have spiritual gifts? But how many of us truly embrace our gifting? How many of us dare to walk in the “shadows of death,” to truly trust Father to be who He says He is and do what He says He’ll do? Or do we run, as Jonah, in attempt to hide, escape our gifting? Do we stutter and tell Him, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ as Moses did? Do we doubt our ability? Or His ability to work in us? His faithfulness?
Ms. Bergren answers these questions, the ebb and flow, rise and fall of faith and determination in her characters. Each of the Gifted were rough and raw humans—God’s preferred vessels to manifest Himself. Humans with flaws and weaknesses and failures. As Father Pieri says, “I am a priest who believes in Saint Paul’s words—that we are all in the priesthood of believers, that we all share in Christ’s holy mission.”
Ms. Bergren depicts her characters with truth and honesty and depth. Hurts and fears and emotions. Her writing is so vivid and authentic it feels not only as though she has visited the Dark Ages herself but pulls her reader into the streets to walk alongside her.
Having read Begotten and now completed Betrayed (and eagerly anticipating Blessed) I have come to love the characters—Daria’s strength and courage; to embrace her gifting in an age when miracles were thought to be witchcraft. Gianni, oh, his vehemence against the darkness, the sorcerer. Father Pieri, quiet and unassuming, yet possessed of such a strong faith and commitment to his calling and mission. Sweet Tessa, clinging to the others as family while shaking in fear [SPOILER.]
Perhaps it’s the actress in me, but dialogue sets a story in its era and place more than any other factor, and the dialogue in this story is a banner waving at the pinnacle of a castle turret, so true and authentic is it. Yet Ms. Bergren has not overloaded her reader with too much dialect and ancient verbiage to the point of confusion.
Most of us don’t see (or perhaps acknowledge) the intensity of battle Ms. Bergren’s characters face—nay, endure—but her story reminds us oh! so vividly of the Truth of spiritual battle, and the sole purpose and intention of the enemy—and of God’s faithfulness.
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
August 4, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 3 August 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A SWEETHAVEN SUMMER by COURTNEY WALSH
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A SWEETHAVEN SUMMER by COURTNEY WALSH
THE BLURB
A faded scrapbook reveals secrets that reconnect old friends in a place called Sweethaven. Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends — Lila, Jane, and Meghan — haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored — just as Suzanne intended.
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women’s fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. Her novel, Just Let Go, won the Carol Award in 2019 and Just One Kiss was a 2020 Christy Award Finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Connect with Courtney online at her website (courtneywalshwrites.com) or on any of these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/courtneywalshwrites
MY REVIEW
When things go terribly wrong do you tell your best friends? Or keep it from them, buried for years, decades? Withdraw from their lives completely, never to be seen again…
Betrayal is an ugly thing, creating rifts and scars that don’t always heal. And Suzanne chose to leave, her secret safely intact, saving her friends from grief.
But her sudden absence caused a different kind of wound. A wound they each carried with them for decades.
Until, dying, Suzanne set reconciliation into motion.
Ms. Walsh digs deep into the emotions of four teenage girls—and later, when those same girls are grown—with brutal force and honesty, the tumultuous teen years made more turbulent by circumstances and events.
Fast forward a couple of decades—Campbell is caught in the middle of her mother’s last wishes and the remnants of the former friendships. Page by page, Ms. Walsh unravels the tangled web of hurt and deceit and broken hearts, emotions raw and real and true.
As Lila and Jane work with Campbell to put the truth of the past together, one scrap at a time, the whole story unfolds, and when Meghan returns, scrapbook in hand, pieces fit together to complete Suzanne’s mission.
Ms. Walsh is a master at unfolding her story, one taunting piece at a time, shifting and twisting, holding the reader spellbound to the very end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received this book as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, A Sweethaven Summer, Courtney Walsh, The Sweethaven Circle Series, A Sweethaven Homecoming, A Sweethaven Christmas
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