There's plenty of intrigue going on in Seaside and I was pleasantly surprised at who the bad guy turned out to be. There was more than one, but one was not so obvious. There are a lot of issues talked about in this novel ranging from alcoholism, to drug dealing, to polygamy, to abuse, to grief in the loss of loved ones, and heartache over spiritually lost friends & family. Sound depressing? NOT SO!!! The author shows us, through characters that are believers and followers of Christ, how He uses each situation in our lives to mature us in the faith, teach us mercy & grace toward others, and most of all love. We gain strength of heart & character when we turn to Him in all things.
Ms. Roper does a nice job of keeping the pace moving along between Carrie & Greg, the main characters, as well as some quite interesting secondary characters who are heavy into texting and twittering. One reviewer stated they didn't think it was an accurate portrayal of those who tweet & text but I disagree. Everywhere I go people are texting, even when they're in the checkout line or driving! There's plenty of evidence on YouTube that recording what's happening in public is very popular. Even the more grotesque side of life. Thankfully, the characters in the novel were actually helpful with their tweets & texts.
I liked how the cult group was handled and exposed. The author certainly explained the allure of this type of thing and the difficulty in getting out, if you manage it at all. Courage and tenacity are needed!
I had no trouble visualizing the sand & sea, the ornery teenager and her boyfriend, or the regulars at Carrie's Diner. Small town life pleasantly depicted! I highly recommend this to any mystery lover.
Special thanks to Laura Tucker of WaterBrook Multnomah Publicity for sending me a review copy. Here's the link for the FIRST Wild Card Tour where you can read more about the author and the first chapter of the book! Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery
Please leave a comment for an opportunity to win my review copy. US Only!!! Ends August 6th.
PLEASE RANK MY REVIEW. THIS HELPS ME GET QUALITY BOOKS FOR FUTURE REVIEWS :)
Hi, Anne;
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for bringing this book to my attention. You've hooked me. I'd like my name to be put in the hat to win a copy of Shadows on the Sand
THANKS
Nora St.Laurent
norafindinghope (at) gmail.com
Shadows on the Sand sounds like a great read! I have read all of Gayle's books and I know this one will be just as good! Please enter me into the giveaway. Thanks!
ReplyDeletejudyjohn2004{at]yahoo[dot]com
I love reading Mysteries so sign me up to win this book. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a blogger, but an avid reader of Christian fiction, and would love to read Gayle's newest book. I've enjoyed her writing, and others as well. I am a new email subscriber to your blog, and enjoyed the comments about Gayle's book. Thank you for the entry, and for the interesting books you read and review. I like finding new authors to read. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteI love reading Christian fiction and mysteries and am a avid reader. Even read while we are in the vehicle. No, I am not the driver so I can get away with it. This sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity of entering me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteShadows on the Sand sounds like a terrific cozy mystery with unusual themes. Add me please!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Hey Merry! Thanks for coming by...got ya' down :)
ReplyDeleteGotcha in the drawing, Nora! Thanks for coming by and entering :0)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! Thanks for stopping by and entering.
ReplyDeleteJudy, This was my first one by Gayle but it won’t be my last! I just need to find some time to read extracurricular
ReplyDeleteHi Sandee! I think you'll enjoy this one. Thanks for subscribing!
ReplyDeleteHey Jo! Glad you stopped by and entered. This is a cozy mystery and it’s good!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting read. Put my name in the pot to win!
ReplyDeleteHey! You're in :) Glad you entered.
ReplyDeleteGood review! I read an excerpt and would enjoy winning the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having a giveaway.
Thank you, Pam!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this one!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for the contest.
ReplyDeleteStory in intriguing and interesting. I'm familiar with Gayle's writings before, but not this book. Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win this good book. I hope I win!!
ReplyDeleteIs it too late to enter the contest. I have always loved Gale Ropers books. Please enter me if it is not too late.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Debbie Clark
debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com
hi Debbie! Thanks for coming by. The drawing for Shadows on the Sand was yesterday. I have another giveaway going on though if you're interested. http://duhpaynes.com/2011/08/01/first-wild-card-tour-wolfsbane-by-ronie-kendig/
ReplyDeleteCount me in! This sounds a great book to read! Lots of issues!
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Hi Linda! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. This giveaway closed on the 6th but I will have more books to give away coming soon. So stay tuned :)
ReplyDelete