Review ~ The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

 

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: October 11th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett VanHilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor, George Wasziak, convinced she practices quackery. It doesn't help that her mother, Maribeth VanHilton, is a Spiritualist who regularly offers her services to help others speak to their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she relies on both George and an intriguing newcomer for help.

In the present day, life has not developed the way Molly Wasziak dreamed. Facing depression after multiple miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband's purchase of a new farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a vintage web of deceptions, made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds in the old farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time silence their truths forever?

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My Review 4.5 STARS

‘Molly ducked her head. She watched a tear fall, dropping onto the wood floor, staining it. Yes. She knew. She knew, deep in her heart, she had to move on. To be healthy again. To find healing. To find…meaning. But when an earthly hell came to visit you, it didn’t just go away. It dogged your feet until—Molly glanced at the attic window—until maybe you actually started to see physical ramifications of it. Evil. Abandonment. Loss. It haunted you until it enveloped you entirely.’

The Premonition at Withers Farm is thick with darkness, one in particular that afflicts many women. I did not like Molly as a person but this contemporary aspect of the story is actually what kept me reading. Don’t get me wrong. The historical timeline is so incredibly well-written that it makes the book hard to put down. It does have spiritualist content that was extremely hard for me to read but again, this author is a master at bringing all the pieces together and making them fit.

Wright always, always makes sure the reader knows even though there is darkness, the tiniest bit of light shined in will devastate it, and she brings Christ into this story beautifully.

I received an early advanced reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and also purchased a copy.

Review ~ WILLOW (The Metcalfes #2) by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

Purchase: Amazon

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My Review 4.5 STARS

I’ve been anxiously awaiting WILLOW’s story since STONE came out in January. Kendig does a commendable job expressing the horrific circumstances that these victims are under. It is not for the faint of heart. I'm sure it must take an emotional toll when submerging oneself into the research required to execute a story like this. I know my own emotions were ripped during certain scenes.

Willow was not what I was expecting but she surprised me with a strength and dignity that comes out in remarkable ways. While she seems irrational at times, her heart is kind, compassionate, and truly loving toward others.

Chiji has a remarkably strong and resolute faith in God. He is a warrior in more ways than one and is always challenging Willow, reminding her that she can trust in God. His show of strength and abiding faith during some of the most degrading and horrific times is what spurs her on to explore reclaiming a relationship with Christ. And he’s beautiful. Yep. Beautiful. J

Of course, in fiction there will always be some astonishing things taking place that might not be quite believable but this is a potent novel that needs to be read. And more cameos from other Metcalfes take place, best of all Canyon (of course)! I actually teared up when he appeared suddenly in one scene. Kendig managed, once again, to draw out multiple emotions. I highly recommend WILLOW to anyone who is looking for something with a little more grit than roses.

I was provided an early digital copy of the book from the author. I also purchased my own copy. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Bride by Blackmail by Debbie Lynne Costello

Coming Soon!!!

A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass's hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

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My Review 

4.5 STARS!!!

Costello has penned an intriguing novel. I’ve read marriage of convenience and mail order bride stories but bride by blackmail? That’s a new one. And it’s funny. Not the circumstances surrounding the blackmail but the man doing it. Duncan has a great sense of humor but he’s also an overbearing Scot who runs roughshod over people sometimes. I loved him in the beginning of the book, then disliked him a lot for a while, and eventually came back to liking him because you know he has to find redemption. If there’s one weakness in his story that stands out it was that. I really would like to have been privy to his private confession and repentance before the Lord. The emotional element of that experience was missing. It would have made me fall in love with him all over again. 

(UPDATE: The author expanded Duncan's conversion scene and it's well done!)

Charlotte is the epitome of a  fictional debutante in that she has eyes only for a scoundrel, unbeknownst to her, of course. She is willful and forward-thinking for a woman of her time and yet remains submissive on a certain level. Her family is everything to her and she will go to great lengths to see that her sisters have choices in life, which she feels she doesn’t have, and rightly so. The lessons she learns about herself are brought through a harrowing experience and that is one of my favorite parts of the story. Costello brought me right into, and through the storm with her descriptions.

I enjoyed the cast of characters and see several who need their own books. Hopefully that will be the case. :-) Fans of historical fiction will be delighted with the drama and romance that ensues in 

Bride by Blackmail. It’s an easy, entertaining read.

I was provided an early electronic copy from the author. No compensation has been received.

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*As soon as I find out a release date, I will let y'all know. 

This really is a lovely story for Christian fiction fans!

Review ~ At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Paperback, 384 pages

Published June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers 

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Recently voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a two-time winner of the ACFW Carol Award and three-time RITA® finalist. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Connect with Karen here.

Purchase:

Christian Book Distributors

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Fans of Witemeyer have anxiously awaited this new series and will not be disappointed in the first book at all! I know I sure wasn’t. At Love’s Command is filled with adventure and romance on a whole new level. Hanger’s Horsemen has some pretty intense drama swirling around these ex-Cavalry men.

Matthew Hanger is a tough guy. He has to be as their leader. And there’s a code all leaders follow. “Protect your men. Complete your objective. Ignore the rest.” That has some pretty heavy ramifications later on. To see Matthew work through emotional hurts and regrets was quite a moving experience. He knows the saving grace of Jesus Christ and yet he struggles, as we all do.

Josephine Burkett is quite a forward-thinking woman for her times, being a doctor and all. She’s had to take a bold stance in order to begin carving out a place for her medical practice. When unforeseen circumstances bring Matt and his men to her door, it was fun to watch two forces collide without knocking each other out. *wink*  

Plenty of excitement, both dramatic and romantic, fills the pages of At Love’s Command. Overall, I highly enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.

I received an electronic copy from Netgalley and the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Review ~ Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars 2) by Ronie Kendig

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 31st 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

Purchase:

Christian Book

My Review 

4 STARS!!!

Reaper Team comes back like a rocket launcher! Talk about explosive scenes, snappy dialogue, heart thumping action, and crazy-cool fight scenes…Kings Falling has it all.

Kendig is well known for causing readers to stay up late into the night to finish her stories and this one is no exception. I was engrossed in the continuing plot and had a hard time putting the book down. It’s not a nice and tidy ending but will culminate in Soul Raging, coming November 2020. I cannot wait to find out how in the world this team is going to survive…and who is going to survive.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Lost Lieutenant (Serendipity & Secrets #1) by Erica Vetsch

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (April 21, 2020)

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well? 

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith. 

Purchase:

Christian Book


I'm not affiliated with Christian Book and make no monies if you use the link to purchase a copy. Link provided as a courtesy only.

My Review

5 STARS!!!

"Love was more than regard, more than trust, more than companionship. It was getting everything without reservation, without secrets."

A friend gifted me The Lost Lieutenant because she knows I adore Regency era stories. Well, this one was an incredible tale! I was captivated from beginning to end. My emotions went for a wild carriage ride that came to a spectacular happily ever after ending. I'm looking forward to the next book in this exciting series filled with intrigue and blessings. There's a sneak peek of The Gentleman Spy at the end and oh my....Marcus Haverly is going to be amazing. 

Review ~ The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 1st 2020 by Shiloh Run Press

What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?

 

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

My Review

3.5 stars

How can we ask God to show justice in the world when while willfully nursing our own hidden prejudices, selfishness, lusts, greed...our own broken relationships?

Griep's talent in writing Gothic romance is well-known. The House at the End of the Moor is an easy read and one that many will enjoy. I'm a huge fan of the author but I struggled with the alternating chapters in first person POV. That being said, Maggie and Oliver have quite an adventure. Their story is filled with danger, mystery, hard truths, and romance. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

I received a review copy from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.

Review ~ The Best We've Been (Thatcher Sisters 3) by Beth K Vogt

Coming May 5 from Tyndale House Publishers!!!

How can you choose what is right for you when your decision will break the heart of someone you love?

Having abandoned her childhood dream years ago, Johanna Thatcher knows what she wants from life. Discovering that her fiancé was cheating on her only convinces Johanna it’s best to maintain control and protect her heart.

Despite years of distance and friction, Johanna and her sisters, Jillian and Payton, have moved from a truce toward a fragile friendship. But then Johanna reveals she has the one thing Jillian wants most and may never have―and Johanna doesn’t want it. As Johanna wrestles with a choice that will change her life and her relationships with her sisters forever, the cracks in Jillian’s marriage and faith deepen. Through it all, the Thatcher sisters must decide once and for all what it means to be family.

My Review 

5 STARS!!!

I'd deprived myself of so much because I'd looked...and seen the wrong thing.

Vogt’s conclusion to the Thatcher Sister’s series is an emotional story for all three siblings that I'm glad to have experienced.

I’m not even sure how to break it down where it makes sense but one of the things that moved me the most was Payton’s experience when she went to her first Bible study. I can vividly remember being a new Christian and when I was around mature Christians it was easy to feel ‘stupid’ when they were talking about biblical things. Payton’s struggle reminded me I need to be sensitive to others who may not know the ‘lingo’ and that maybe I need to stop using so much church slang.

Jillian’s journey is ongoing and I can’t say I’m completely satisfied with where she and her husband ended up. It’s like real life though. Sometimes we have to focus on the present, not what we are wishing for in the future. They settled in a good place for now but I sure would like to know what happens in a year or two. *hint hint ;-)

Johanna….oh, Johanna! In the first two books, I didn’t like her at all. I was seriously wondering how the author was going to make me care about her but oh, boy, did she! Not until I went through the ringer again though. I was grumbling under my breath about a decision she was facing but then the beauty of Vogt’s story telling brought hope and love into Jo’s life. Later the author showed me how a single misunderstood moment can have a devastating impact on a young girl. My heart ached for Johanna and I was brought to tears when she finally realized the truth of the situation so long ago. I think she is another character that needs a sequel one day. ;-)

The Best We’ve Been is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is a top read in 2020 for sure! Anyone who enjoys family drama and complex characters facing challenging life circumstances will find promise in this book. I recommend reading the series in order for the full affect.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher (Tyndale) via Net galley. I was under no obligation to write a review. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Waiting for You (The Spencer Family Book 1) by Andrea Boyd + GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway Closed!!!
Wendy Newcomb won the ebook Waiting for You!!!

About the Book

Responsibility—that one word sums up Wade Spencer’s existence since his father’s death. Thrust into the role of head of the family, he’s keeping the farm running and his younger siblings in line. When a life-threatening illness attacks his momma, he readily steps in to support her. Sure would be nice to have someone by his side to help carry the load, but all that responsibility hasn’t left much time for dating. Or maybe it’s just his reserved nature holding him back.

Dani Connor had gotten everything she ever dreamed of as a child. Married her high school sweetheart, had a sweet little girl she could shower with all the love she’d been denied by her own parents, and built a life far away from the farm. When those dreams come crashing down, she realizes that back at home on the farm is where she should have stayed.

It doesn’t take long after Dani’s return to Shiloh for Wade to realize she’s the one God has in mind, but Dani will have to get over past hurts and take another chance if she wants Wade to be part of her new dreams.

About the Author

Andrea Boyd has always been a dreamer. Once her most awesome job of raising her wonderful children was over, she decided to take up the challenge of putting these dreams into words and sharing them with the rest of the world. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC

Connect with Andrea at any of the following:

Web- http://andreaboyd11.wix.com/author 

Newsletter- https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f3g6z2

Twitter- https://twitter.com/andreaboyd111

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/andreaboyd11/?ref=bookmarks

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14689507.Andrea_Boyd

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/andreaboyd11/?hl=en

Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-boyd

My Review

5 STARS!!!

Nevertheless, Your will, not mine, Lord.

I had so many emotions floating around while reading Waiting for You. Boyd brings complicated family dynamics out in full force. Wade Spencer is a man after God’s own heart and lives as such. At almost 30, he lacks dating experience that some might find weird but I thought it was a nice touch. He’s a kind, compassionate man with a killer sense of humor. He had me laughing one minute and the next in tears with the way he took such loving care of his mom, Leora, who is diagnosed with cancer.  

The Spencer children rally around their mom and the realistic portrayal of their reactions to her diagnosis really hit home. There’s a scene with Jolene (a Spencer sister) and her mom in the bathroom after one of the chemo treatments. Leora is sick and laying on the floor. Something happens (no spoiler) and Leora knows how emotionally vulnerable her daughter is at that moment. It brought me right back to the days I spent with my own mom during her cancer and chemo treatments. Let’s just say I was a blubbering mess and had to reach for a tissue.

If I get emotionally tied to the hero in a story, it’s a challenge for me to connect with the heroine. In this case, that’s Dani Sutherland. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments that I was cheering her on, and some of the scenes between her and her dad choked me up. But I just couldn’t relate to her. I can’t put my finger on it but I think it's because I'm so keen on Wade.

The supporting characters are exceptionally written. I liked how they each face obstacles and we get to see, for the most part, how those are handled.

I’m dubbing this book ‘country as cornbread’ because it clearly portrays much of the vernacular that is true to the Carolinas. In one scene, Wade has the windows down on his truck and Charlie Pride blaring on the radio. Back in the day my daddy liked to listen to Charlie Pride and it brought back fond memories.

I enjoyed every moment spent with the Spencer family and look forward to each of the siblings getting their own stories. Chase already has his in Mistletoe Kiss (Sweet Tea Holiday Collection). It’s a super cute novella you won’t want to miss!

My thanks to the author for an electronic copy of the book. I was not required to write a review. 

All opinions are my own.

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GIVEAWAY

The author is offering an ebook copy of Waiting for You to one of my blog readers! It will be in the form of a book code that anyone should be able to retrieve. That means if you live outside the US, you can enter!!! 

Leave a comment AND an email address!!!

Ends Jan 16!

Review ~ Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps #1) by Lynette Eason

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

Learn more about the author ~ Lynette Eason website

Purchase Link
CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Collateral Damage is an intense start to Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series. Numerous twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Brooke and Asher are strong characters both reeling from trauma sustained in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of each and watching how they navigated murky waters when dealing with PTSD. I felt like I gained a bit of perspective and compassion for our current and past military members.

Eason delves into a deep and dark stratum of society that completely took me by surprise. I was saddened and disturbed that some of the ‘enemies’ would be among those we normally think of as heroes. That left me slightly disheartened (as it should) but I did find the story mesmerizing.

I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense because watching Brooke and Asher’s relationship develop was endearing, and Eason’s criminals are chilling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.