Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 87
April 5, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Monday 6 April 2020 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-MONDAY – FEATURED BOOK– TROUBLE IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS
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WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-MONDAY – FEATURED BOOK – TROUBLE IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS
ABOUT THE BOOK
Series: Willow Falls
Genre: Christian, Contemporary
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas LPC
Publication date: November 8, 2019
THE BLURB
Months after submitting her first novel to publishers, Emily Hayes receives one response—a rejection. When famous artist Naomi Jasper offers her much-needed cash to finish writing, then cast and direct a play about Willow Falls’ colorful history, Emily faces a difficult decision—postpone rewriting her novel or accept the offer. Aware the project has a high probability of failure she attempts to recruit the one person who has the experience she needs.
Rachel Streetman is one audition away from jump-starting her lackluster acting career. When an unexpected incident sends her fleeing to Willow Falls and reeling back into Charlie Bricker’s arms, she reluctantly accepts Emily’s offer. An invitation to audition for a play in Atlanta’s premiere theater forces her to choose between loyalty and her life-long dream.
If anyone understands broken hearts, it’s Willow Inn’s beloved innkeeper. Sadie Liles learned to live with the fact that love is the last thing she’ll ever find. Then he walks through Willow Inn’s front door.
When a scathing blogger review and a negative Atlanta television newscast threaten Willow Falls’ premiere as a North Georgia tourist destination, the town council invests the remainder of its annual budget to hire a PR firm to restore the town’s image. At a town-hall meeting, angry residents brainstorm ideas to address the problem. When a second Atlanta television station announces plans to film a segment for its Around Georgia series, residents dig deep to invest their time and limited resources to boost Willow Falls’ appeal.
As the town prepares for Redding Arms’ grand opening, five newcomers and one British tourist test the town’s quirky, lovable, argumentative residents. Dealing with the strife, bickering, and personal backstabbing challenges Willow Falls in ways the small town never imagined. Could it be that the trouble in Willow Falls is the very thing that reminds its residents that honesty, love, and loyalty to one another is what binds them together?
THE AUTHOR
Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, released January, 2019. Book two, The Trouble in Willow Falls, releases November 4, 2019 and book three in 2020. Pat received a 2018 NGCWC Georgia Peach Awards for her short story, The Vet and Valentine’s Day, and a 2019 NGCWC Georgia Peach Award for Willow Falls series book three. She received the 2017 CRW Woman of the Year Award and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. She has been featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive and in Voyager Magazine http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-pat-nichols-author-duluth/
FACEBOOKE| TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
EXCERPT
Rachel Streetman stood on the sidewalk in downtown Atlanta and imagined living on the street. Sleeping in a doorway or on a bench in Centennial Park. Penniless. Alone. Men and women stepping around her as if she was nothing more than an obstacle blocking their paths. Children staring at her.
She tilted her head back and gazed at the top of the seventy-three-story circular Peachtree Plaza Hotel. Until a dizzy sensation threw her off balance and forced her focus back to ground level. She pressed her hand against a light pole. A week away from the most important audition in her life, she couldn’t risk passing out and breaking her arm or a tooth.
When the spinning stopped, she glanced at her watch. Fifteen minutes before lunch with her former assistant. She walked across the street and spotted a young man crouched on the sidewalk. His dog sprawled beside him. Brown hair brushed against his shirt collar. A scruffy beard covered the lower portion of his face. Was he the guy she’d befriended last year, before she resigned as vice president for her father’s company?
She moved closer and pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head. “Dennis Locke?”
His eyes widened. “Ms. Streetman?” He stood and wiped his hands on his jeans.
“It is you.”
He nodded.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been around in a while.”
“No need to apologize. I didn’t expect a fine lady like you to keep coming back.”
She swiped a layer of sweat from her lip. Should she give him money and walk away? Or do some audition pre-work for the role—Penelope, a homeless woman who finds a winning lottery ticket. She stepped beside Dennis, relieved he smelled of soap and shampoo. “Are you still staying at the homeless shelter?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She leaned back against the wall. A man wearing expensive shoes and a three-piece suit tossed a handful of change toward the ball cap serving as Dennis’s collection plate. A quarter and three pennies missed the target and landed on the pavement. He moved past without making eye contact or uttering a word.
Heat crept up Rachel’s neck. “I guess he didn’t want those pesky coins rattling around in his pocket.”
“Don’t give him a hard time.”
“He could have said hello or at least nodded.”
Dennis shrugged. “Why would he?”
Rachel turned her attention to men and women rushing past without acknowledging their existence. “It’s like we’re invisible.”
“Easier for them.” He slid back to the pavement.
She sat beside him and imagined this was her spot, her cap poised for contributions. How would it feel to be hopeless and invisible, then suddenly have enough money to turn your life around? Frightening? Challenging? What if she had no place to go? No one to love?
She swallowed the lump in her throat as images of Charlie, Mama Sadie, Emily, and Willow Falls played in her mind. Her refuge. She glanced sideways at Dennis. Maybe he needed something … or someone to motivate him off the street. A bizarre idea bubbled up. “July Fourth is in a few days.”
He swatted a fly from his face and wiped sweat from his forehead.
Words tumbled off her tongue before she had time to think. “Why don’t you spend the holiday in Willow Falls with me and my family? Emily, my twin sister, owns a lovely inn. You can stay there.”
Silence.
What are you doing, Rachel? You don’t need responsibility for a homeless man days before your audition. She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around her shins. Should she withdraw the invitation? Treat him like everyone who passed him by? She couldn’t do that.
“Look, I know I’ve caught you off guard. Frankly, I’m a bit surprised myself. The invitation still stands. I’ll come by the shelter on the third and pick you up.” She opened her wallet, removed all the bills, and dropped them in his cap.
REVIEW
I reviewed this book last year in November. You can read it here:
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway ends April 15 at 11:59pm MT.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Follow along with the tour over on SLB Tours.
#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday-on-Monday, Featured Book, Trouble in Willow Falls, Pat Nichols, Singing Librarian Publicity
March 30, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 31 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE BLUE CLOAK by SHANNON McNEAR
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE BLUE CLOAK by SHANNON McNEAR
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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Book: The Blue Cloak
Author: Shannon McNear
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense
Release Date: March, 2020
THE BLURB
Evil Incarnate Leaves a Trail of Destruction across the Frontier
Book 5 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence in 1797 at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend Sally Rice’s wedding only to watch the marriage dissolve into horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin Micajah become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims.
How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?
Click here for your copy.
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.
MORE FROM SHANNON
How dark is too dark for a Christian to write?
That was the question I wrestled with when deciding whether or not to take on the story of the Harpes. The histories in Scripture itself aren’t rated G, but writing fiction requires a level of detail and depth of emotion I wasn’t sure would be wise, or helpful, to explore in this case. But as I prayed and sought the counsel of those whose discernment I trust, the answer came back, overwhelmingly …
Is God stronger than the darkness, or not?
Well, of course He is. And nothing in human history has ever escaped His notice, or taken Him by surprise.
So, was there something redeeming to be found in the tale of the Harpes?
For the first few weeks of research, I walked around in a state of shock at the horror of the historical accounts, but details surfaced that helped me shape my fictional characters Rachel and Ben. With Rachel working in her family’s trading post near the wild frontier town of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Ben a lawyer who recently passed the bar, the real-life Hugh Lawson White provided a handy connection point between them. Many other details fell together in ways I had not foreseen when I began developing the story. Sally Rice Harpe, however, rose to the forefront. This was more her story than anyone’s, but realizing I couldn’t properly write the book without using her point of view? That was scary. I knew the moments I’d have to visit, some of them in real-time.
Despite the tragedy, however, I could see an overarching story of spiritual warfare. Felt a growing conviction that prayer must have played a vital role in bringing the Harpes’ reign of terror to an end. So it is my hope that against the backdrop of one of the most chilling episodes of our country’s early history, the hand of God shows clearly, and that yes, the reader finds it redemptive.
MY REVIEW
It’s one thing to fabricate facts and events to fit a fictional narrative, but it takes a special skill and finesse to extract historical facts into a readable fictionalized story. Ms. McNear possesses this skill, weaving a taut story with ribbons of fiction entwined in cords of history.
While the subject was deplorable, Ms. McNear makes the reading of it enjoyable. Or at least, keeps the reader turning the page. The characters were sadly believable, the story chilling.
It boggles the mind the actions of Harpes, and grips the reader to know they eluded capture for so long. This reader’s heart broke to read of Sally’s life, one moment a happy bride and the next a living nightmare. The faithfulness of her friend, Rachel, an anchor in the depths of despair; the intercession Sally’s lifeline.
I deeply appreciated Ms. McNear’s discernment to include the spiritual element. To write characters who continually prayed for Sally—and against the evil at hand.
I applaud Ms. McNear for braving this story, and appreciate the thoroughness of her research and authenticity in her telling.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Blue Cloak and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
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/f7a3/the-blue-cloak-celebration-tour-giveaway
BLOG STOPS
Just the Write Escape, March 24
Texas Book-aholic, March 24
Inklings and notions, March 25
Girls in White Dresses, March 25
Emily Yager, March 25
Godly Book Reviews, March 26
Genesis 5020, March 26
Remembrancy, March 26
Among the Reads, March 27
Through the Fire Blogs, March 27
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 28
Christian Bookaholic, March 28
Inside the Wong Mind, March 28
For the Love of Literature, March 29
For Him and My Family, March 29
Betti Mace, March 30
Older & Smarter?, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 30
Robin’s Nest, March 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 1
Stories By Gina, April 1
By The Book, April 2
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 2
Blossoms and Blessings, April 2
A Reader’s Brain, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 3
Artistic Nobody, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 4
Back Porch Reads, April 4
Daysong Reflections, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Britt Reads Fiction, April 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 6
Hallie Reads, April 6
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 6
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Blue Cloak, Shannon McNear, True Colors, Celebrate Lit
March 23, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 24 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE SOLID GROUNDS COFFEE COMPANY by CARLA LAUREANO
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE SOLID GROUNDS COFFEE COMPANY by CARLA LAUREANO
THE BLURB
Analyn Sanchez can handle the long hours and arrogant clients that come with her job as a crisis management associate at Denver’s largest publicity firm. The high-powered job, expensive condo, and designer wardrobe are all part of her plan to prove to her family that her life choices haven’t been in vain. But when she’s asked to cover up a client’s misdeeds with serious moral and legal ramifications, she can no longer sacrifice her conscience for her career . . . and the cost is no less than her job.
Ever since a devastating climbing accident in South America eight months ago, and a bad decision that dried up his sponsorships, professional rock climber Bryan Shaw has found himself at similar loose ends. When the opportunity to buy a coffee farm in Colombia arises, he jumps on it—only to discover his wandering ways have left him utterly unprepared to run a business.
When Bryan returns home and offers Ana a role in his company as a solution to both their problems, she’s desperate enough to consider working with the far-too-flippant and far-too-handsome climber, even though he’s the polar opposite of her type A nature. As they delve deeper into the business, however, she begins to suspect there’s much more to Bryan than she’s given him credit for . . . and that sometimes the best plans are the ones you never see coming.
THE AUTHOR
Carla Laureano is the two-time RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.
MY REVIEW
Well guess who MUST go back and read the first two books in this series?? This reader, that’s who!! I loved this story!
A gifted writer, Ms. Laureano draws the reader right into the story and doesn’t let go. Descriptions so vivid it was like walking into the room—or the roastery. Circumstances so gripping, personalities so raw, characters so real I was ready to sit down and share a hot cuppa with them myself.
Detail oriented and micromanager Analyn meets free spirit, world wanderer, rock climbing Bryan was kind of like pinning a cloud to the ground. But perhaps Ana was just the pin to put Bryan on solid ground.
I appreciated the struggles each of them face, both with their respective pasts and with secrets well hidden. But as they spent time together—in a strictly professional capacity of course—they both discovered the other has something they each need.
The twists in this story caught this reader by surprise and kept me turning pages—and wanted a good hot cuppa.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Solid Ground Coffee Company, Carla Laureano, The Saturday Night Supper Club, Brunch at Bittersweet Café
March 22, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Monday 23 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – A LITTLE IRISH LOVE STORY by AMY FLEMING
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – A LITTLE IRISH LOVE STORY by AMY FLEMING
THE BLURB
Elderly Sarah returns to her hometown of Adare, Ireland, with her daughter-in-law, Anna. The suffering that World War II brought them was unimaginable, but they still have each other. With all their loved ones killed in the war, the two women have nothing but a hope that one distant relative will help them. Will this new beginning bring the healing that both of them have prayed for?
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Amy Fleming was gifted with amazingly detailed dreams. She dreams in perfect sequence, picking up exactly where she left off the day before. Her dreams are all grounded in Biblical theology. She is the author of four books including Through the Bride’s Eyes, Secret Beloved, and Remember Heaven. She resides outside of Charleston, South Carolina.
MY REVIEW
I have an affinity for all things Irish—my ancestry is part Irish—so I enjoyed the setting of this story. I appreciated the love story, and always enjoy a good twist to a story, but found it hard to follow at times. The dialogue was not authentic either to Ireland or to the era, and much of it was mundane and banal.
The [SPOILER] twist was dark and frightening, and sadly, quite plausible. Ms. Fleming’s version of the aftermath was, to me, questionable but not impossible.
I liked Anna’s spunky personality and Henry’s pensiveness; love it when opposites not only attract but balance each other in a happily ever after.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]THREE 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, A Little Irish Love Story, Amy Fleming, JustRead Publicity
March 20, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 21 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – IN THE GARDEN from WHITAKER HOUSE
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – IN THE GARDEN from WHITAKER HOUSE
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: In The Garden
Author: Whitaker House Editorial
Genre: Christian non-fiction, Biblical history, cultural, Biblical reference
Release Date: January 10, 2020
THE BLURB
Consider not only the lilies of the field, but all the plants, trees, herbs, shrubs, and flowers that play a role in the biblical narrative through this illustrated guide. From the barley Ruth harvested to the hyssop David craved, from the frankincense the wise men brought to Jesus to the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed, the Bible is peppered with allusions to the plants that were a part of daily life in the ancient Near East and in New Testament Israel. With original illustrations, this beautiful gift book clarifies the biblical references to fifty plants and provides delightful new insights into the Word of God. Includes indexes to each plant and its corresponding Scripture references, a calendar of Jewish festivals and the growing seasons in Israel, and tips for growing your own biblically inspired garden.
Click here to get your copy!
MORE FROM WHITAKER HOUSE
Rather than being a dictionary of the plants mentioned in the Bible, In the Garden, with its original illustrations and plant descriptions, is meant to spark the reader’s spiritual imagination. It is our hope that these pages about the plants of the Bible will prompt your imagination and inform your study of the precious Word of the living God
MY REVIEW
This book appealed to me because I love being outdoors and gardening, and I especially appreciate the Biblical roots The illustrations are colorful and inviting.
This lovely book is divided into sections: Trees and Shrubs (my favorites are the Cedar of Lebanon and the Fir), Edible Plants, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, and Flowers.
Each entry begins with a Scripture reference, and includes the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew names. The description is informative, with cultural Biblical reference and application, a hallmark of thorough research and study. This would make a great resource for Biblical fiction authors.
The book concludes with a section for growing your own Biblical Garden and a Calendar of Jewish Festivals.
The timing of this book for this reader is serendipitous—as one with a chronic illness, I have struggled in recent weeks. The image of walking in the Garden with our Lord is especially uplifting to me.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]FIVE 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 their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and finished 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.
ENTER HERE
BLOG STOPS
She Lives To Read, March 11
Texas Book-aholic, March 12
For the Love of Literature, March 13
For Him and My Family, March 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15
deb’s Book Review, March 16
Mary Hake, March 17
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18
CarpeDiem, March 19
Inklings and notions, March 20
Robin’s Nest, March 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 22
Mamma Loves Books, March 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, In the Garden, Whitaker House, Celebrate Lit
March 18, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 17 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE LITTLE LIE by COLLEEN COBLE
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE LITTLE LIE by COLLEEN COBLE
NOTE: Writing reviews is not easy for me, and my original post for this fantastic book was just awful. I was tired and distracted, and utterly dissatisfied with it. I have, therefore, scrapped that and written a new review.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020
THE BLURB
It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.
Click here to get your copy.
THE AUTHOR
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
MY REVIEW
My goodness, what a story! The layers, the threads, all skillfully twisted together into a single compelling story.
Ms. Coble’s characters are real, raw, and personable. Jane Hardy’s fears shape her life and her every decision, keeping her prisoner to an array of “what ifs.” Reid Bechtol has secrets, too. But unlike Jane, he is being proactive, trying to resolve the damage of the past.
The conflict between Jane and Reid smooths into a tenuous alliance as she investigates the murders in her town.
It took me a couple of chapters to settle in to the story and become acquainted with the characters. But once I did, it took hold and didn’t let go. The city council member who had it out for Jane for no other reason than she was a woman. The detective who resented her promotion. The detective who always had her back. And her father.
I played detective along with Jane, and rooted for her to come out from her self-imposed injunction on any kind of personal life and embrace the attraction she felt for Reid. I applauded Reid for his courage, especially with [SPOILER] making waves.
Ms. Coble has long been a favorite author, and I was happy to read her latest story.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
BLOG STOPS
Back Porch Reads, March 10
Life of Literature, March 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10
Texas Book-aholic, March 10
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 11
The Avid Reader, March 11
Lighthouse Academy, March 11
By The Book, March 12
Older & Smarter?, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, March 12
Remembrancy, March 12
Betti Mace, March 13
April Hayman, Author, March 13
Emily Yager, March 13
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
deb’s Book Review, March 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15
Inklings and notions, March 15
CarpeDiem, March 15
Christian Bookaholic, March 15
Just the Write Escape, March 16
For Him and My Family, March 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16
Robin’s Nest, March 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 17
Stories By Gina, March 18
Janicesbookreviews, March 18
Mary Hake, March 18
Empowermoms, March 18
For the Love of Literature, March 19
Blossoms and Blessings, March 19
Because I said so – and other adventures in Parenting, March 19
Hallie Reads, March 19
A Baker’s Perspective, March 20
Quiet Quilter, March 20
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Splashes of Joy, March 21
Moments, March 21
amandainpa, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21
Pause for Tales, March 22
Britt Reads Fiction, March 22
Spoken from the Heart, March 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 22
To Everything There is a Season, March 23
Life love writing, March 23
Daysong Reflections, March 23
Lights in a Dark World, March 23
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, One Little Lie, Colleen Coble, Pelican Harbor Series, Celebrate Lit Publicity
March 16, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 17 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE LITTLE LIE by COLLEEN COBLE
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE LITTLE LIE by COLLEEN COBLE
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020
THE BLURB
It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.
Click here to get your copy.
THE AUTHOR
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
MY REVIEW
Newly appointed Chief of Police, Jane Hardy is thrust into a bizarre murder investigation. The further she digs, the more twisted it gets.
Jane carries a secret that wraps her in a cocoon of grief and weighs heavy in her life.
Reid Bechtol carries a secret, too. But how can he tell her what he knows?
So many layers to this story, so many threads, a jigsaw puzzle skillfully crafted. Ms. Coble dug into the cult psyche, the lasting mental effects of the damage incurred. Scars that don’t fade, and portrayed its victims with heart-wrenching and brutal reality.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
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#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, One Little Lie, Colleen Coble, Celebrate Lit Publicity
March 10, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 11 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WOMAN FALLING by MELANIE CAMPBELL
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WOMAN FALLING by MELANIE CAMPBELL
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THE BLURB
Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own.
After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight.
While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance?
As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.
When not writing, she does the bookkeeping and other office work for her husband’s painting business, obsesses over the well-being of their three daughters, and cooks healthy meals. In the spring, you may find her hitting the trails to one of Oregon’s magnificent waterfall
MY REVIEW
OH MY HOLY HECK!!! THIS STORY YA’LL!!!
Ms. Campbell grabs the reader, jerks you into the story, and doesn’t let go.
Cassie’s situation is terrifying and yet all too common. Sticks and stones… but words can be deadly. Cassie was beat down by the venom-laced words of her husband as surely as if she had been pummeled with a fist or a baseball bat. Derrick was a bully. Self-important, manipulative, and controlling.
The suspense and tension in this story builds with every page. So tangible was the telling, I wanted to scream at Cassie, to drag her away with my own hands. To warn her of the mind games Derrick was playing.
Ms. Campbell conveys Cassie’s anguish, her torment vividly, and Renee’s confusion at the conflict in her father’s lies. She skillfully portrays Derrick for the rage-controlled coward he is.
My heart breaks to know there are women who live—and die—in such circumstances, and I applaud Ms. Campbell for telling this story and bringing awareness to abuse by way of verbal bullying.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, One Woman Falling, Melanie Campbell, Whispers of Grace, JustRead Publicity
March 9, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 10 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE GIRL WHO TEMPTED FORTUNE by JANE ANN McLACHLAN
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE GIRL WHO TEMPTED FORTUNE by JANE ANN McLACHLAN
THE BLURB
In the royal courts of medieval Europe, where aristocrats vie for power and royal cousins battle over crowns, is it possible for the lowly daughter of a fisherman to dream of becoming mother to a monarch?
Impossible!
Yet Philippa of Catania, the daughter of a Sicilian fisherman, risks everything to ride the wheel of fortune to the dizzying heights of power. And in the most enlightened kingdom of all Christendom, the 14th Century court of King Robert the Wise and his beautiful and brilliant heir, Queen Joanna 1 of Naples, it might not be so impossible after all.
Arriving alone and friendless in the Kingdom of Naples with only her wits, beauty and native intelligence to guide her, she forges allies and finds a love she never expected, as well as enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy her. Follow the story of Philippa of Catania as she defies the limits of birth and station on an unbelievable yet true journey to the heights of power and wealth in 14th Century Italy.
THE AUTHOR
J. A. McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of a short story collection, CONNECTIONS, published by Pandora Press and two College textbooks on Professional Ethics, published by Pearson-Prentice Hall. She has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. Walls of Wind was her first published Science Fiction novel. She has two young adult science fiction novels, The Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game, published by EDGE Publishing. And her first historical fiction, The Sorrow Stone, set in the 12th Century, is now available. She is represented by Carrie Pestritto at Prospect Agency.
MY REVIEW
No one does Historical Fiction like Jane Ann McLachlan! She “paints a vivid story of life in the 14th century.” (taken from my review of The Girl Who Would be Queen, 30 April 2019, https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/blogwords-tuesday-30-april-2019-tuesday-reviews-day-book-review-the-girl-who-would-be-queen-by-jane-ann-mclachlan/ )
The gritty, grueling reality of life in the 14th century. Rigid class lines, crossing them unthinkable. And yet many tried. Many failed and few succeeded. Philippa of Catania was one such. What it cost her this reader cannot fathom; nor the life she abandoned, so base and mean.
We live in an era and a culture that encourages rising above our lot in life, bettering ourselves, cheers our accomplishments; it’s hard to fathom being barred from higher education, reaching for the stars, being the best we can be.
With every turn, as Philippa’s good fortune increased, as favor seemed to smile on her, a piece of her was lost. I wanted to cry out against the injustice, I wept at trade off she made.
I was rather enamored of Raymond, his attention and affection for Philippa, as he, too, found favor and rose above his origins. His devotion to Philippa enviable and coveted, the stuff of romance and fairy tales.
The fact that this story is true makes it all the more fantastic and compelling.
“Ms. McLachlan’s telling [of this story] was exquisite, her research certainly thorough and impeccable, as conveyed in the details, the colorful descriptions and vivid language. The richness of this story is a luscious, velvet tapestry that wraps you in the richness of it.”
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Girl Who Tempted Fortune, Jane Ann McLachlan, The Girl Who Would be Queen
March 2, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 3 March 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHERE YOU LEAD by LESLEA WAHL
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHERE YOU LEAD by LESLEA WAHL
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THE BLURB
Sixteen-year-old Eve Donahue’s lonely existence changes in an instant when visions of a mysterious stranger haunt her. Certain God is calling her for a mission, she bravely says yes and begins her quest to meet this young man.
Thousands of miles away, Nick Hammond has been dealing with his own unusual experience, an unwavering certainness to convince his father to run for political office.
When these two unlikely teens finally meet, their belief that God has called them to work together sets them on a journey of faith to untangle a web of deception involving international trade agreements, lost confederate gold, and a blossoming romance. As they follow century old clues, they realize God can call us all in big and small ways. We just need to listen and say “Yes Lord, I will go where You lead.”
THE AUTHOR
I’m Leslea Wahl, author of faith-filled teen mysteries. For as long as I can remember I have been a creator of stories with ideas swirling through my head. I am thrilled now to be able to share some of them with others. For many years I have been driven by a belief that our purpose in life is to use our gifts to glorify God and lead others to Him. I am blessed to have found a way to intertwine my two passions by creating adventurous stories with positive Christian messages for today’s youth. Not only do I hope to entertain with my writing, but also to inspire others to find their gifts as well.
MY REVIEW
I’ve not read many Teen & Young Adult stories, but I truly enjoyed and appreciated Ms. Wahl’s story and characters. I especially appreciated that she didn’t discount teens hearing—and following—God’s voice!
As God so often does, Ms. Wahl wove seeming disparate threads together, leading her characters blindly—but obediently—on their quest.
As Eve and Nick follow the clues, they discover not only the answers they seek, but discover more about themselves in the process. Their teen angst over whether the other liked them.
I enjoyed Ms. Wahl’s spunky dialogue (and especially loved Eve’s neighbor lady.) But mostly I appreciated that both Even and Nick’s faith grew deeper and stronger as they followed God’s still small voice.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]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.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Where You Lead, Leslea Wahl, JustRead Publicity
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