Review ~ Secondary Target (The Secrets of Kincaid #1) by Angela Carlisle

About the Book

After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But then strange things begin to happen, and she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex, army veteran Bryce Jessup.

Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn't willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina's family before it's too late.

Debut author Angela Carlisle will leave you breathless with this bone-chilling story of a ruthless murderer, a deadly secret, and an unbreakable love.

Purchase:

Baker Books 

I don't make any money if you use the link to purchase. It's provided as a courtesy only.

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My Review ~ 3.5 STARS

Secondary Target had a lot of potential based on the plot. The writer is obviously talented at spinning a good story. By halfway through, I was in disbelief that so many murders could be committed for so long, and yet no one could figure out who the killer was. I love a good suspense but it needs to be believable to me and this one was overkill, in my opinion.

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

Review ~ The Mistletoe Countess | Pepper D Basham

COMING SEPTEMBER 2021

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

Pre-order - Amazon

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My Review 5 STARS!!!

‘God hadn't created her for plastic smiles and shallow relationships.’

Basham has gone all-out in The Mistletoe Countess, blending humor, adventure, longing and love to such an incredible extent that I could hardly put the book down! And it's the most quotable book I think I've ever read. I would give it 10 stars if I could!! Seriously, this story exceeded every expectation I had. It's filled with such an astounding uplifting of spirit through Grace, literally in the character, and in God's grace.

“I have very high standards, Lord Astley.” Her brows darted northward with a playful intensity. “I read fiction.”

Grace's character jumps right off the page and infuses life with boundless joy, energy, and love. She truly is one-of-a-kind in the heroine department. Her bravery and love know no bounds and draws everyone to life, especially Frederick. Grace is young, just 18, but God has gifted her such a strong faith in Him, even someone as wounded as Freddie can't help but be compelled by it.

‘He'd never have chosen Grace, but God knew what he'd needed. What his heart, future, and even Havensbrooke needed.’

It's no spoiler they get married and I loved seeing how they went from being virtual strangers to having their hearts forever woven together. Oh, they are just the best fictional couple!!! I sure hope the author decides to write an adventure mystery series featuring them. It would be simply smashing!!

"I know my heart holds a great number of emotions all the time and my head swirls with uncommon notions, but I do think you are the very best for me, and I can't imagine loving you more." She shrugged, hoping he caught her intention. "You've been absolutely and deliciously wonderful, Frederick Percy."

Basham includes an exceptional array of secondary characters as well. Readers will be clamoring for more, more, MORE!!!

I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ To Find Her Place | Redemption's Light 2 | Susan Anne Mason

In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of troubled children. But if anyone were to find out she is divorced, everything would change.

Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children's Aid Society. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director's position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents' farm, but with the security of the director's job, he'd be able to contribute financially and help save the family business.

Despite their competing interests, feelings begin to blossom between them. But then Jane's ex-husband returns from overseas with an unexpected proposition that could fulfill her deepest desires. Suddenly at a crossroads, can Jane discern the path to true happiness?

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My Review 4 STARS!!!

Mason has once again brought forth a touching tale filled with misgivings, mild mystery and sweet love. To Find Her Home offers gentleness combined with an inspirational message that will touch many.

The plight of orphaned children is of course achingly emotional. However, watching Jane’s fierce love and mercy shown toward them is deeply moving. Garrett is a wonderful character in most every way. He jumps right into life at the Children’s Aid Society even though he is there to find out about the financial disparity taking place. Competing for the same permanent job also brings its own share of tension to this beautiful story.

It was easy to see that the author did some prodigious research in order to get the historical details as meticulous as possible. I highly recommend fans of historical Christian fiction procure a copy of this second installment in the Redemption’s Light series.

I was provided a copy by the author and publisher with no expectation of a positive review. No compensation received.

Blessed are the merciful, 

for they will be shown mercy. 

Matthew 5:7

Review ~ Let it Be Me | A Misty River Romance 2 | by Becky Wade

 

Publication: May 4, 2021 384 Pages, paperback

Having graduated college at 18, Sebastian Grant has continued to leverage his intelligence and determination to become a pediatric heart surgeon. The more accolades he receives, the more he's driven to pursue. Then he meets high school math teacher Leah Montgomery, and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop.

Solving advanced math equations by the age of five, Leah has always wanted to pursue a PhD in mathematics. She willingly put that dream on hold to raise her brother. Now that he is of age, she's set on avoiding any obstacles to her goal--including romance. 

When Leah receives surprising news in the process of taking a test for tracking her ancestry, she asks Sebastian to help her comb through aged hospital records to learn more. Soon his presence isn't so easily ignored. But when Sebastian learns his best friend also has feelings for Leah, he begins to question his resolve to win her. Attaining their deepest desires may require more sacrifices than they ever imagined.

Purchase:

Bethany House

Read Excerpt HERE.

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My Review - 5 STARS!!!

Oh. My. This book is so incredibly good!!! Wade is a master at weaving life issues, faith questions, attraction, heartache and love into the most beautiful mosaic of emotions.

“Since the day we met,” he told her, “all I’ve wanted is to be with you.”

Sebastian Grant is the one that all other heroes are going to have to live up to from this moment on. He is the quintessential wounded hero. He’s guarded, loyal to a fault, and uber focused in his career as a pediatric heart surgeon. Throw in the added perk of him being tall, dark and handsome, and yep, not sure any other character is going to live up to Sebastian. J

Leah Montgomery gets the shock of her life when she receives her DNA results and it is on from there with such a compelling aspect to this story. She’s a genius mathematician so the way she goes about dealing with the news and ferreting out the truth of what happened kept me glued to the pages.

There are many great characters in this story. Wade has truly raised the bar with this one. Let it Be Me is destined for my Top Reads in 2021! 

I received an advanced and unedited copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation received.

Review ~ Come, Sweet Day by Julianne Donaldson

 

About the Book

Bestselling romance author Julianne Donaldson has written deeply emotional, sweeping love stories in Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, often commenting that her characters were a reflection of what she wanted a woman’s life to be: happy, secure, unconditionally loved, and fulfilled. But in reality her own life was far more marked by difficult challenges and disappointments. In her new book, Donaldson reveals her thoughts and feelings from that unsettled time of despair and suffering so women can know they are not alone and that there is hope even in the hard times.

Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media—and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer’s journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family. Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer’s toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character’s thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God’s love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.

 

My Review ~ 4 STARS

Come, Sweet Day is a compilation of poetic musings from highly-acclaimed romance writer Julianne Donaldson. Weaving a journey of heartache and hope, Donaldson shares deeply personal struggles through a very hard season of life with open, honest words.

Anyone who has experienced grief will be able to empathize with what this author reveals. I know from personal experience getting out of bed when your life has been wrecked with grief is definitely a feat in its own right, and Donaldson grasps this small victory because she has lived it. Hope does come, and when it does, it is a sweet day.

I received an electronic copy from the publisher though NetGalley. No compensation has been received.

Rebecca Reviews ~ My Dear Miss Dupré (American Royalty, #1) by Grace Hitchcock

 

Thirty suitors, six months of courting . . .
would it be enough time for her to fall in love?

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, she is forced into a different future. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the business empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is told to to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets a gentleman who captures her attention, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

Purchase: Baker Books

Rebecca’s Review ~ 4.5 stars

"Gentleman, allow me to present the lady of the hour, the future queen of the Dupré Sucre empire, Miss Willow Dupré ".

It was either the most brilliant idea in high society history or the most abominable; as far as Willow Dupré was concerned the jury was still out. Her parent's notion of parading thirty gentlemen callers in front of her was not only embarrassing, but seemingly impossible. How was she to choose a potential husband from the lot of them, when her time would be hopelessly divided between so many? Was this truly the only way to maintain leadership of her father's prestigious sugar company, to convince the board of directors that she was capable; she was on a deadline to snag a "male figurehead? This wasn't the 1840's." How utterly chauvinistic of them.

As Willow begins to cull out the gentlemen who are obviously not "match material", the selection process becomes harder as the stakes become higher. Unfortunately there are wolves in sheep's clothing mixed in among the flock, determined to watch her fail, but Willow has no time to commiserate her circumstances; her father's health is deteriorating quickly while the company curiously continues to gain customers, but lose money. Who might Willow trust to treasure her heart, while fully and selflessly appreciating her acuity for numbers and ledgers, for as one of her best friends duly noted, "the heart was not like a business transaction". And just when her decision becomes clearer in her mind, her heart takes a near fatal tumble.

A story that might have come across as a bit trite, has instead portrayed encounters rich in experience, allowing extravagance to dance upon the pages of a delightful journey into the lives of the nouveau rich, proving that at the core of every soul is a desire to be loved unconditionally, first by a Maker and with the help of Providence, also by a soul mate. It will require incredible courage for Willow to make the right decision, as it has for so many others.

"Lord, I trusted you to give me a new song. Is this it? A ballad of a broken heart?"

I was scheduled to receive a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Rebecca Reviews ~ A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, #1) by Jody Hedlund

Paperback, 384 pages

Published January 5th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

Rebecca's Review ~ 3.5 stars

"You can walk away every time the flies start bitin'. Or you can swat 'em until they're gone."

Wyatt McQuaid felt like he'd been swatting flies for years, echoes of past discouragements and reoccurring failures tainting his optimism about the future . . . . including his hasty marriage to a beautiful young woman who was in dire straits, for what prompted him to make that dratted business arrangement with the mayor without thinking it through more carefully?

Greta Nilsson is most grateful for her marriage of convenience, Wyatt McQuaid is not only handsome and kind, but he's willing to give her three months time to determine if living on his Colorado ranch will improve her little sister's health. Greta isn't afraid of hard work and sincerely enjoys seeing Wyatt's property begin to thrive, but the clock is ticking and she is beginning to feel more like a burden that Wyatt must bear, rather than a member of his family.

This story was a bit hypnotizing at first, somewhat predictable and yet quite enjoyable when all of a sudden . . . . "boom, goes the dynamite", and the story line dove deeper, pulsating with an energy that readers will appreciate and respect, for who can argue the fact that "the more you pile on the manure, the harder it'll be to come clean"; Wyatt and Greta suddenly find themselves knee deep in multiple conundrums and it's going to take more than a few toe tingling kisses to dig themselves out.

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

              Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt Reviews ~ Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn

Paperback, 320 pages

Published November 3rd 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.

But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew--one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past--and discover a means of redeeming his future.

Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope.
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Rachael's Review ~ 3 STARS

This author has a wide range of genres...I’m not sure what this one is called, but it includes time travel. This type of time travel was totally different than any other to which I have been exposed.

The plot is a fascinating one, and it really kept me engaged. The mystery part was well done. I didn’t find myself thoroughly connected with the characters. I felt like I wanted a bit more there, but I was glad to see the characters grow from the beginning.

What really stuck with me was the talk of doing things for the “eternal.” None of us are guaranteed tomorrow so each day should be spent on those things that have eternal consequence.

It had a rather abrupt end, characters felt distant, and I was disappointed in the lack of any spiritual content. However, I did finish this in one sitting because it was somewhat fascinating, and the plot/mystery kept me plenty engaged ( and because I’m a ridiculously fast reader which does bother me at times.) If you have read the book, I would love to hear your thoughts. This might be an interesting book for a book club as I think it does provoke thought...that was the best gift this book gave me.

Guest Reviewer; Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt 
Rachael is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger.

COMING Jan 7th!!! #TheCodebreakers #OnWingsofDevotion

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna White About the Book

Against Every Warning, She’s Drawn Ever Closer to the Man Known as “Black Heart” All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well. With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive. Purchase Links: RoseannaWhite.com About Roseanna  Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at:  Blog: https://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roseannamwhite/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseannamwhite/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseannaMWhite Website: http://www.roseannamwhite.com #TheCodebreakers #OnWingsofDevotion

Review ~ WYATT (The Montana Marshalls #4) by Susan May Warren

Kindle Edition, 298 pages

Published October 2019 by SDG Publishing

About the Book

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again...

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives...

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar...

But when he discovers she’s in danger...

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?

What will it cost them to save her?

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending.

Continue the breath-taking Montana Marshalls series!

About the Author

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember – I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life. Click here to read more about Susan May Warren.

Purchase:

Amazon

My Review

5 STARS!!!

“You should have forgotten about me, like I said.”

WYATT is my favorite in the Montana Marshalls series! I’ve loved all the characters but his tugged on my heart the most. Deep-seated insecurities and comparison thinking drive Wyatt, leading to numerous misunderstandings and eventual heartache. Lost love, Coco, has resurfaced and he is intent on rescuing her from whatever circumstance is causing her so much pain. He has no idea what’s really going on but things are about to heat up in the frozen tundra of Russia. J

Warren is the cream-of-the-crop in contemporary romantic suspense. Her ability to accurately portray family dynamics is amazing, all the while digging into the faith of each member and making them stronger apart and together. It blows my mind how similar so many of the root causes of the trials Wyatt goes through mirror my own. And I’m not a man or a hockey player. J It’s a matter of the heart.

If you’re a Warren fan, you’ll love this book. If you’ve never read her books, I would advise you not to read these out of order. Each one definitively builds on the next. I'm on pins and needles waiting for Ruby Jane, thrilling conclusion to The Montana Marshalls, to come out next month.

I was provided a digital copy by the author. No obligation to review. No compensation received.

Review ~ The Number of Love (The Codebreakers 1) by Roseanna White

Paperback, 368 pages

Published June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together. 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

“Don’t be absurd. One is never greater than twelve.”

“It is when you love the one.”

There is much to like in this first offering of the new The Codebreakers series set in WWI England. The Number of Love is filled with interesting characters, some I liked more than others. Drake Elton is one I very much like. He is a protector by nature with a determined personality, a sharp wit and is not afraid to take risks. I loved how he cared for Dot’s wellbeing and was sensitive to her anxiety issues, always showing kindness and patience. Some may think he was being overprotective but who knows you better than a sibling, right? Only in this case, it took someone who doesn’t relate to others well, thinks in numbers, and shows very little emotion to enlighten him to the strength that was within his sister.

Margot De Wilde is like no young woman Drake has ever met. A friend of Dot’s, she has the ability to look at people and circumstances unencumbered by emotions. Margot was definitely a character I had a hard time connecting with but people are worth getting to know. It takes time and patience. Not everyone has the ability to verbalize their feelings. It’s much harder for some but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel. You have to put aside self and enter into their world, looking for ways to connect with them because in the end you will find a person who very much feels things deeply and has incredible insights on life.

White is adept at drawing detailed word pictures and always has me believing I have been transported back in time and place. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of historical fiction and especially those who want to know more about The Codebreakers in Room 40. I especially enjoyed the author notes at the end of the book clarifying what was actual history. I want to know more about this time in England’s past.J

I wouldn’t normally do this but I emailed the author to ask her why she chose to make her characters Catholic and she graciously answered me saying that in Belgium during this time, something like 98% of the people practiced Roman Catholicism. Margot is from Belgium and it was easier to make the Elton’s RC as well, in order to avoid the whole “Can we get married, belonging to different churches?” question.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.