2013 Fiction Reads

I have read non-fiction and fiction books over the past year.  My top non-fiction books were listed December 28. Now I want to list some of my favorite fiction books.  There are not in any order other than alphabetical.  Each and every one of them were written by authors that were new to me and I am so glad that I have found them.

 


A Joyful Break

Even though this was a fiction book it will teach you to be happy where you are.  Here is my orginial review of this book.

Fore more information about Diane Craver and to catch up with her go to her website.

 
The Moses Conspiracy

I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. Here is my orginal review.


To keep up with Susan go visit her website.

 

To Whisper Her Name

This is the first historical fiction that I have read and absoutely fell in love with this author.  Can't wait for the next book in the series.   My orginal review is here.

Check Tamara's website for more wonderful books from this author. 

Winter in Full Bloom

Whether she is writing fiction or non-fiction Anita has a way with words.  Here is my review on Winter in Full Bloom.

For more informaiton about Anita Higman check her blog out to keep up with her.

 

2013 Non-Fiction Reads

 2013 is coming to an end. There have been so many books that I have read this year that has left an impact on me.  Here are my top three picks:

 

 
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-June

A powerful account how Jim and Carol Cymbala began their ministry at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York.  After reading this wonderful book I was able to go visit the church and it was life changing.  Here is earlier review.

More about Jim Cymbala

Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years. The author of the best-selling titles Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire; Fresh Faith; and Fresh Power, he lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

 

Sent: How One Ordinary Family Traded the American Dream for God’s Greater Purpose-June

This book follows Hilary Alan and her family on their response to God's calling for them. Even though they were called to a different area I felt connected to them because of my love for missions in Hungary. I cried quite a bit with this one.  Here is a link to my review.

HILARY ALAN, a former public relations professional, is a wife and mother of two children. Hilary and her family moved to Southeast Asia in the aftermath of a tsunami that destroyed villages, homes, businesses, and hundreds of thousands of lives. Today, the Alans continue to advance the work of Christ internationally in their involvement with a church in North Carolina as they prepare for another overseas assignment.

 

 

Where God Finds You by Anita Higman-May

I seem to gravitate toward devotionals because each one is unique and always so meaningful to me.  I’m so glad that I was able to read this devotional.  It’s a fresh and unique look at so many bible stories that I have read for so long.  Here is my review.

 

 More about Anita

 Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. To find more about Anita go to her blog at Anita Higman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christtime is nearly here

An Unforgivable Secret - Review

An Unforgivable Secret by J.E.B. Spredemann is the first of her Amish Secrets series.  If you enjoy reading Amish books you’ll enjoy this one.  I actually was given the audiobook by the author and even though I love books I enjoyed listening to it even more. 

Hannah Stolzfus is a wonderful young person that is betrothed to Christian Glick in this story.  In a moment of uncertainty the future is drastically and forever changed for both of them.  Even though problems arise, can they turn to God for help?  Will they?

I love reading about the Amish.  Their faith and their spirituality in God amazes me.  It shouldn’t but it’s something that I long and strife for, that I am drawn to these stories.  Oh, I know that they struggle with their faith like everyone else and they aren’t perfect, but every time I read about the Amish they are so caring.   An Unforgivable Secret is about that faith and how if we look to God he will turn the ugly to beauty.

As I said I listened to this on Audible and there was so many times that I had to pause it and back up because the tears just kept coming.  Lisa Larsen was a wonderful narrator for this book.  At first I was really listening to see if she changed voices enough where I could keep everyone apart but honestly, by the second chapter I was so engrossed in this story it felt like I was there with them so it was easy keeping everyone apart.   I had said that it would be a couple of weeks before I could do this review but once I started listening I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it.  The story spans over many years of Hannah and Christian.  I enjoyed the different time frames in An Unforgivable Secret.

Thank you to the author for giving us a story of redemption and grace.  This review is my honest opinion about An Unforgivable Secret.  I can’t wait for the next in this series.

More about J.E. B. Spredemann

 

By the grace of God, J.E.B. Spredemann resides in beautiful sunny California and writes Christian fiction. We hope our books uplift you, inspire you, make you laugh, and touch your heart.



 

Esty Party

Everyone likes parties, right? iblog is having a n esty party and everyone is invited.  Check it out and have fun. 

Rebecca's Christmas Gift - Review

Rebecca’s Christmas Gift by Emma Miller is another of book in her Hannah’s Daughter’s series. 

Caleb Wittner is a widow and a father to Amelia who is sometimes a bit mischievous.  Caleb has had quite a few ladies in their community try and help with tending to Amelia but she needs someone special to take her in hand.   

Rebecca Yoder is a young lady that seems to be able to do just that.   She’s full of life and seems to even turn Caleb’s surly manners to one that is at least one that is tolerable.

Can Caleb and Rebecca find a happy medium when it comes to Amelia?  Will they be able to find happiness with each other?

I enjoyed this book just as much as I’ve enjoyed Emma’s other ones in this series.  She has a way of writing that is so descriptive that you feel as if you are there with her characters.

NetGalley and the publishers allowed me to review this book for an honest opinion. 

More about Emma Miller

Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

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Daily Reflections - Review

 

Daily Reflections on the Name of God by Ava Pennington is a devotional book that I’ve enjoyed.  Whether you are a new Christian or have been a Christian for will help you to know God and the different names used for him.

Even though I have studied the different names the author has shown me different aspects of the names.  I love that you can reflect on each name for 3 days.  Even though I’m doing one name each day I can still find something different in my daily readings that will say something special to me.   I will be buying some books for Christmas.

I received this devotional from the Bookfun Network and the author in exchange for an honest opinion.

 

More about Ava Pennington

 

I’m the author of Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional (Baker/Revell). And I’m humbled to say that Kay Arthur, founder of Precept Ministries, Int’l., has endorsed it.

I’ve also co-authored a children’s picture book series, Faith Basics for Kids (Standard Publishing). The first two books in the series are Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?

Grace Unplugged - Review

 

In Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson you will meet Grace Trey.  She is a regular teenager who wants to make a name for herself.  She and her father, Johnny Tray are in a worship band at their church. Her father has left the music world a long time ago with just one hit song. She is beautiful and has a voice that will take her places.  Will she follow in her father’s footsteps and become a star?  She has a passion for God, will her music portray it?

Melody Carlson is an author that brings her characters to life and make you feel a part of her stories.  I love her books. 

This was given to me by NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
           





             More about Melody Carlson



Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

D is for Deadbeat - Review

D is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton is one of The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries series.  Kinsey Millhone is a thiry two year old single private investigator that has been given a $25,000 cashier’s check to be handed to a fifteen year old by the name of Tony Gahan.  The check that she was given as a retainer bounces and this put Kinsey in a series of interesting twists to solve this mystery.  Can she find the rightful owner of the cashier’s check and return it in a timely manner? Can she solve this mystery before she winds up dead?

This was my first Sue Grafton mystery.  I actually listened to this as an audiobook from the library.  Sue’s description of her characters were easy to follow and the book was very easy to follow.  I wasn’t really impressed with the language but I do understand that she was telling it from the characters point of view.  Would I read the others?  For the mystery, yes, and hope that all of them would not be full of the language that this one was.

 

More about Sue Grafton

 

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky April 24 1940; graduated University of Louisville, BA 1961 with a major in English Literature, minors in Humanities and Fine Arts.

Subject married to Steven F. Humphrey with three children from previous marriages: a daughter, Leslie; a son, Jay; a daughter, Jamie; and three granddaughters, Erin, age 21, Kinsey, age 13, Taylor, age 4, and Addison, age 2.

The Doctor's Christmas Quilt - Review

The Doctor's Christmas Quilt by Kathi Macias was yet another book that spoke volumes to me.   Dr. Laura Brandon has always been a strong advocate for pro-life.  Can she remain true to her convictions when her unmarried daughter, Megan tells her she pregnant but she is not with the father? 

Jenny, a close friend of Laura’s makes a quilt to give to someone for Christmas.  This year she is making a quilt from the life of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in America.  Jenny and Laura spends many long hours talking about so many different things.  Can Jenny and Elizabeth help Laura and Megan?

Can the story that unfolds lead to healing for this family?  Will the father realize the role that he is to play in the future of the unborn baby?  Together Laura and Megan struggle with their feelings and you will laugh and cry while reading this wonderful story.

Kathi writes such wonderful and moving books.  She writes about hard life situations and she can turn every life heart wrenching scenarios to the one who can help in any situation, God.  This book could definitely have a sequel.  Love her books.

This was given to me by the author and Bookfun Network for an honest review. 

More about Kati Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences.  Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.


What Once was Lost - Review

What Once was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story about a love for others and how giving of yourself can show God’s love in all possible situations.

Christina Willems is the caretaker of the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor for several orphans.  When the unthinkable occurs and she is forced to separate her “family” she finds it hard to place a young blind boy named, Tommy.  The last person she wanted to as was Levi Johnson, who is living as a hermit and doesn’t seem to have the compassion for Tommy.  For these three characters, all broken in their own way together they are able to accomplish much.  And there is even a hint of romanceJ

I am impressed with each book I read by Kim Vogel Sawyer.  She always has characters that are so enjoyable to getting to know. It swept me from the beginning until the very last page.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful story. 

This book was sent to me from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group I exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Christian Book Store

God's Love

Holy Estrogen - Review

Holy Estrogen: Every Woman’s Guide to Making Her Emotions the Holiest Part of Her by Carol McLeod is just that-for every woman.  Whether you are going through disappointments right now or have ever experience ups and downs in life this book is for you.  Each and every chapter in this powerful book I found something that relates in my life but Carol gives us good and loving advice and tips that will make life sweeter.  This book will make you laugh and cry all at once. Carol deals with so many emotions that we go through each day and puts a positive look on them. Yes, we have so many different mood swings but we are wonderfully made and with Christ there isn’t anything we can’t do. Just by reading this book doesn’t mean that everything will turn out perfect for you, but Carol has shown us how we can use these emotional highs and lows to become a better person. I received this book from Carol and The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review. More about Carol McLeod Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. She also host the highly successful Just Joy! outreaches. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol is the author of Defiant Joy! and The Rooms of a Woman's Heart. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, for excellence in religious programming. She is a 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English. She is married to Craig McLeod, they serve as Senior Pastors of Life Church near Buffalo, NY.

Life's Little Pleasure

Read a great book this weekend.

Devotion - Review

Devotion by Marianne Evans is a book that offers second chances.  Marianne takes you on a journey through a wonderful couple’s life.  After nine years of marriage Juliet and Kellen seem to be growing apart.  Will their commitment so many years ago bring them back together?

This was a hard book to read because of its content.  Marianne did a great job in showing the characters true feelings.  It take three to make a marriage-God, you and your spouse.  But above all you must be committed.

Read till you drop

Stranded - Review

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

 

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

Its been a long time since I have read a mystery releated book and I found this to be a wonderful easy read.  I know that Stranded is book three of a series of books but I was able to know these characters without having read the other two books.  But I will go back and read them.  Hope this isn't the end of this series.

Dani's characters seemed so real to me.  She writes in a way that gets you involved in her plot and its such an enjoyable read.

 

More about Dani Pettrey

 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

A Mother's Promis - Review

A Mother’s Promise by Anna Schmidt is the third book in the Women of Pinecraft series.  Rachel Kaufman has moved to Florida with her son, Justin.  She has recently lost her husband and feels she needs to make a fresh start.  In Florida she finds a job as a Child Life Specialist at Gulf Coast Medical Center.  There she finds acceptance from most everyone except Darcy Meekins, the hospital administrator.  Why does Darcy feel as if she has to be an unfriendly adversary?

Dr. Ben Booker works at the hospital and has is beginning to have feeling toward her, but when rumors about Rachel spread will he see her in a different light?  Can others help him see that Rachel is capable in so many different areas.

Even though this is a fictional story there are so many truths hidden within.  I love the way Anna brought other characters from her previous stories in the series and wove all three books together.  This can definitely be a stand along book but after reading this one you will defiantly want to read the others.  All of the secondary characters were also so interesting and Anna did a great job with them.  I hope to read more from this talented author soon.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.  Thank you for allowing me to read such a great book.

More about Anna Schmidt

Anna has three times been a finalist for the coveted RITA award for romance fiction and has twice before been recognized by Romantic Times magazine with their Reviewer's Choice Award.

Winter in Full Bloom - Review

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman is a story about how Lily Winter learns to let go of her fears and hurts and experiences living.

Lily is bored with her life now that her daughter has left and she becomes an empty nester.  But boredom is not what she finds when she visits her mother and learns of a deep dark secret that eventually leads Lily to Austria.  In Austria she finds her sister Camille and falls in love with Marcus.

You will fall in love with the characters and laugh and cry with them.  I could imagine each and every place that was mentioned it this book.

I have read several of Anita Higman’s book and I love her writing style, whether it be in her non-fiction as well as her fiction books. 

This book was given to me by the author and The Book Club Network for an honest review.  I highly recommend this book.

Forever Friday is a book by Timothy Lewis that tells of a rare love between two people, Gabe and Huck Alexander.  

Before Gabe ever married he intentionally said he was going to make his marriage work.  So for sixty years he sent his wife a postcard with a poem every Friday.  This is the story between these postcards.  Yes, their marriage had some bumps in the road but because they both were in agreement that they would make it work they did.

This story is told within three different time eras.  It is woven into a beautiful love story that will keep you reading from the first page to the last.  It will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with not only Gabe and Huck but also the author.  This was a true story about a wonderful couple that learned how to live one day at a time.  They put first things first and that was their love for each other.  Having known them in person and on paper showed what a remarkable couple they were.   

Tim has a wonderful debut novel on his hands. I can’t wait to see and hear more of this fabulous author.

I was given this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for a fair and honest review.

A Hope Spring Christmas - Review

A Hope Spring’s Christmas by Patricia Davis introduces us to Sarah Wyse.  She is a widow who has also lost others that she love.  Her job that kept her going through all of this loss is also taken away from her.

Levi Beachy is raising his younger twin brothers.  He also works at the shop that Sarah’s husband owned.  For many years he has been secretly been in love with Sarah.

Will Sarah realize before it is too late that there are people around her that love her and will accept her?  This was a wonderful romance with so much chemistry between the main characters.  I have not read any of the other in this series but I will go back and read them now.   If you enjoy reading a light romance story this is the one for you.

 More about Patricia Davids

Patricia grew up on a Kansas farm with four brothers, three horses and numerous dogs. After college she began a wonderful career as a nurse. In 1973, Pat wrote a letter to a lonely sailor. Little did she know her talent with words would bring her love, marriage and motherhood.

An avid reader, Pat longed to write a book, but put her dream on hold as she raised a family and worked in an NICU. It wasn't until 1996 that she began writing seriously. Today, Pat enjoys crafting emotionally satisfying romances where love and faith bring two people together forever.

Enjoy a good book this weekend

 

Check this out

Check http://www.bookfun.org/ and get your hands on some great reading material.

Waiting for Summer - Review

Waiting for Summer by Kim Sawyer

Summer Steadman is all alone in Kansas and is looking for a job.  Peter Ollenberger has decided to hire her to tutor his son, Thomas while he is recuperating from an injury and unable to attend school.

Summer and Peter’s life are so drastically different.  Will they be able to find a common ground that they can both agree on so there can be peace within this family?  There are many funny moments in the book and there were moments that brought tears to my eyes.  Kim Vogel Sawyer write from the heart, at least from mineJ.  Seriously she gives so much character to her characters that they seem so real. 

More about Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information

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The Pieces of the Heart - Review

Can love survive the span of a war?  That is exactly what you will learn in The Pieces of the Heart: Quilts of Love Series by Bonnie Calhoun. 

Cordelia Grace has fallen in love with her hero, Bernard Howard.  Bernard has now joined the army and will go and fight in World War II.   While Cordelia waits for him she makes a guilt that weaves the love, happiness, pain and the longing of waiting that they have for each other.  Can their love bare the throngs of being separated?

This is not only a story about someone waiting for a loved one to come home from war but it attacks racism.  It’s also a story of forgiveness and find the faith that is needed to survive when times are rough.

This is the second book in the Quilts of Love Series. Each book brings love and hope in a sometimes not “too friendly” world. 

This was given to me by NetGally and Abingdon Press for a fair and honest review.

More about Bonnie Calhoun

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance helping to promote Christian fiction with blog tours. She is owner/publishes of Christian Fiction Online Magazine devoted to readers and writers of Christian fiction. As Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she was named ‘2011 Mentor of the Year.” She is President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and also Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

In her spare time she is an avid social media junkie, and teaches Facebook, Twitter, blogging and HTML. Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin on 15 acres in upstate area of Binghamton, New York with a dog and cat who consider the humans as wait-staff.

 

Into the Whirlwind - Review

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden tells us about Mollie and her love for her a city that brought so much heartache to her.

August 9, 1871, was the day that will be forever etched in Mollie's mind. Mollie Knox is the owner of the 57^th Illinois Watch Company.  There she found her world to be perfect, until one night her world came crashing down around her. 

Zach Kazmarek is the lawyer that signs her paycheck and frightens her. He comes to her aid and seems to be her knight in shining armor but can she trust him when things become worse than they already are?

You will cry at the destruction around in this book but you will read a story that unfolds so perfectly that you will find that the book is over too soon.  You will watch a love grow out of tragedy but was there all along. 

This book was a great book for my first read from Elizabeth Camden.  I will definitely find more of her stories.

I was given an eBook copy from NetGalley and Bethany House for a fair and honest review.  Thank you for allowing me to read a great book. 

 

More about Elizabeth Camden

 

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. She has a master's in history from the University of Virginia and a master's in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

 

For more about Elizabeth Canden please check her blog out.  Hoover over her name to get there.

 



The Blessed Woman - Review

Can you still learn from the women of the Bible?  Do women from so long ago still have the answers to help you along?  I think they do.

The Blessed Woman: Learning About Grace from the Women of the Bible by Debbie Morris has so many amazing women from the Bible that you can learn from.  Women like Mary, Rebakah, Eve, Jael, and others all shows you how they loved and learned from others.  We are truly blessed and this book teaches you why. 

There is nothing better than having a friend go along side with in life and being able to learn from, cry with and relate to them.  It is something every woman needs and longs for.  This was a book that held so much truth in it-from the first page until the very last page.    The study guide in the back of the book includes discussion questions and it can be used as a 12-week mini Bible study. 

I received a copy of The Blessed Woman from the Waterbrook Multhomah Blogging for Books program, and these are my thoughts on the book.

Last Chance Christmas - A Review

Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay is a bok in Ms. Ramsay’s Last Chance series.  Has Stone has finally found his one true love?

Lark Chaikin has come to spread her father’s asses over the eighteenth hole of a gold course that he always referred to as “I found myself on the eighteenth hole of Golfing for God”.  Will she be able to accomplish what she set out to do?

Stone is the chief of police in Last Chance, South Carolina.  He has past issues that keeps him from being able to help those he love in this small town.  Will he be able to put these aside when the real danger starts?

This wonderful story has many different layers to it.  It will make you laugh and cry.  It will keep you on the edge of your chair in anticipation until you close the last page.  This was the first book that I have read by Hope Ramsey but it won’t be the last.  Now I need to go and read the very first book and catch up with the people in Last Chance, South Carolina.

This was given to me by NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for a fair and honest review.  Thank you for allowing me have an enjoyable read.

More about Hope Ramsay

Hope Ramsay was born in New York and grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you’ll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. Hope earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Buffalo, and has had various jobs working as a Congressional aide, a lobbyist, a public relations consultant, and a meeting planner. She’s a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart, and is married to a good ol’ Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She has two grown children and a couple of demanding lap cats. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

 

 

Rose Harbor in Bloom - Review

Rose Harbor in Bloom is the second book in Debbie Macomber’s Rose Harbor series.  It is a story about second chances and how finding yourself can mean a deeper and richer life.  Jo Marie Rose is the owner of a bed and breakfast inn in Cedar Cove that she bought when her husband passed away in Afganistan.  This is a place for her to heal while caring for her guests. She has two guests that need her tender love and care so won’t she find happiness?

Mary Smith has just been diagnosed with cancer.  She comes to Cedar Cove because the feeling of regret and lost love is so intense she has to be near the ones that she has lost.  Can she reveal her secrets and find love again?

Annie Newton is in town to help celebrate her grandparent’s 50^th wedding anniversary.  She has planned this celebration while staying busy after her broken engagement.  Oliver, an old friend, is driving her grandparents up to Cedar Cove and will be attending the party also, unbeknownst to Annie.  Will Annie realize Oliver wants the best for her before it is too late?

I enjoyed the way Debbie wove these three different stories together.  As the owner of the inn Jo Marie speaks in first person to tell her story.

This book can be read as a standalone book,  but if you have read the first book you will be surprised seeing other friends show up.

Indebted - Review

Can the past catch up with the present? If and when it does what will become of Alice?

 That is what you will find out in the latest novel, Indebted by Braxton DeGarmo. 

This is a story about Alice Cummings who grew up in the “60’s with a father that was abusive and impossible to live with.   After she came home with a beautiful newborn son and her father made good on a threat Alice finds herself in a place that she had never expected to be.

Meet Alice, Myra, Alexia, and many others in this suspenseful story.  It switches back and forth from two different time periods but I found it to be a very easy read.   It was a gripping novel from the first page to the last.  If you like a fast paced mystery you need to read this book. 

I received an eBook copy of this by the author and bookfun in exchange for a fair and honest review.  Thank you to both Braxton and Fred for letting me read such a wonderful novel. 

More about Braxton DeGarmo

Braxton can't lay claim to wanting to be a writer all his life, although his mother and seventh grade English teacher were convinced he had what it would take. He went to Duke University, earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Engineering with a major in Bio-Medical Engineering, and followed that with medical school at the University of Cincinnati. After a residency in Emergency Medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center, he served tours as the Chief, Emergency Medical Services at Fort Campbell, KY and as a research Flight Surgeon at Fort Rucker, AL. Who had time to write?

 

He now lives in Missouri with his wife, Paula. Their two children are grown and with three grandchildren nearby, "Papa" wears many different hats.

A Prayer for the Devil - Review

WOW! What can I say about A Prayer for the Devil by Dale Allan?  If you like suspense from the first page to the last, then this is the book for you..   It is the best fiction, thriller and suspense novel that I have read in a while.  You become friends with all of the characters in the book and are intertwined in their lives as Dale Allen writes this powerful book.

Father Luke Miller has just lost his twin brother in a senseless explosion and he is ready to take off his priestly garb and find the killer.  Deborah is now a widow with two children.  Luke takes it upon himself to watch out for them.

Not know who to trust Luke becomes a self-imposed sleuth.  He wants answers that no one else can provide.  Along the way of solving the mystery he finds friends like John and Jami that are helpful to him.  With each person he meets he finds himself in more danger.

More about Dale Allan

Dale Allan is a graduate of Fordham University, has held several senior positions in Fortune 250 companies, and has traveled the world. A black belt in martial arts, avid fly-fisherman, political junkie, and devout Christian, the storylines of his novels reflect his diversified life.

When Dale was just twelve years old, his father was murdered while away on an extended business trip. A week before his death, Dale had struggled to write a letter updating him on the family's activities. When his father was buried with the handwritten note in his pocket, Dale fully understood the power of writing.