Charity’s Cross Review + KINDLE FIRE Givaway

Charity’s Cross by MaryLu Tyndall is a 328 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre.  It was published by Ransom Press and released on January 16, 2016.  To purchase your own copy, click here.

About the book

charity's cross amazon.Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.

Elias Dutton, preacher and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them down—again.  But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.

Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’ heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.

About the Author

MLtyndall-HeadshotAward-winning author MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. With more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee and Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award winner, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandchildren and several stray cats on the California coast.

My Two Cents

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. I can not emphasize those words enough! In fact, I loved this book so much, I am going to add a giveaway for you to win the ebook version. You have to read it! I picked up the book and could not put it down – I was captivated from the start.  Literally.  Pirates, escape, betrayal. I was on the edge of my seat.

This is my first time reading MaryLu but it will not be my last.  I loved her writing. Although this is book four in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.  This is the first book I read but I have since bought books 1 – 3 because I enjoyed this one so much.

Charity’s Cross was fast-paced and well researched.The plot line was expertly written and easy to follow.  The characters had depth and breadth.  I loved that there were time that I wanted to reach in and shake a character. Those make the best books!

MaryLu weaves themes of Christianity throughout the book.  When I finished reading Charity’s Cross, I was reminded and encourage by one theme in particular: GOD IS FAITHFUL. Sometimes we question if God hears us. Sometimes we question if God cares.  He does and Charity’s Cross shows that powerfully.

I give this book an absolute five out of five stars! An encouraging read.  A must read! At $4.99 for the ebook…this is a steal!

Want a chance to win the ebook version of this book? Answer this question below: What aspect of the book interests you? Comment below and be sure to add your email in a safe format (For example, simpleharvestreads(at)gmail(dot)com). If I get a minimum of ten comments, one lucky person will win! This contest will end on March 9. Be sure to share with your friends for them to have a chance to win!

Giveaway

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Enter the Charity’s Cross giveaway here.

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Gone Without a Trace

Gone Without a Trace by Patricia Bradley is a 328 page novel in the Christian suspense genre. It is published by Revell Publishers and was released on July 7, 2015. Gone Without  a Trace is the third book in the Logan Point series but can be read as a stand alone. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview
It’s been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds’s cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts Livy concerning a missing senator’s daughter who was last seen in Logan Point, she notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. But with self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of Jennings, Livy is finding this investigation an uphill battle. With her future in law enforcement on the line, can she find a way to work with a man who is her polar opposite?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the outcome of the case–and the relationship between Livy and Alex–which is anything but certain.

My Two Cents
Gone Without A Trace is an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. There are many characters all within a small town which adds to the suspense of the story. The book goes back and forth between the thoughts of the killer and the main characters of the story but, unlike other novels I read, this does not give away who the killer is and gives you a first hand look into the mind of the killer.

There are several themes throughout the story. Gone Without a Trace shows the consequences of abandonment and the bad choices parents make. Familial love is another theme that is well written in this story. The sacrifices that Livy makes for her family and her family makes for her made me wish I was closer to my extended family. Gone Without a Trace also shows how family can use love to manipulate you and try to conform you to be what you are not through the character of Alex.

Gone Without a Trace incorporates the sacrifices police officers make in the line of duty. Also the tension that can come between law enforcement and private investigators. It is very apparent that Patricia has done her research on law enforcement, private investigators, and how each work within their field.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is the first book I have read by Patricia Bradley and I was not disappointed. I can not wait to read more of her books.

About the Author
Patricia Bradley’s manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). Also the author of A Promise to Protect, Bradley is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Giveaway
To enter the giveaway for a copy of Gone Without a Trace, click on the words “Entry-Form” below. This giveaway ends July 18 at 11:59pm PDT.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor Review

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson is a 352 page novel in the Christian mystery genre.  It was published by Howard Books and was released on June 16, 2015. To purchase your own copy, click here.

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Overview

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.

My Two Cents

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a fast-paced book about love, forgiveness, and the harm that secrets can bring to a family.  The storyline goes seamlessly between past and present which allows the story to unfold in a way that makes you want to keep reading. I was drawn in from the beginning and could not put the book down.  I wanted to find out the secrets and what happened to each of the characters.

This book has everything you want in a story: Love, mystery, secrets, surprises, struggle, tension, and hope. As a teacher, I could tell that Melanie had done research on Autism and what it looked like for families who had a special needs child before they had diagnosis. She also shows the real-life struggle of parents in which society does not understand their child and thinks you are not a good parent.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is an extremely well-written book with well-developed characters. There is much we can learn through the relationships of the characters of the book.  Melanie’s display of the hurt that is caused by molding people into what we want them to be, not how God made them to be is evident throughout the book. The hurt caused by forgiveness and the regret we have at the end of our lives reminds the reader to think about our actions each and every day.

I give Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor 5 out of 5 stars. This book will keep you captivated from the very beginning.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below.  This giveaway ends June 10, 2015 at 11:59 pm PDT.

Desperate Measures Review Guest Review by Denise Barela

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard is a 368 page novel in the Suspense genre. It is published by Revell Publishers and was released on June 2, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

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Overview

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth–even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

My Two Cents

Desperate Measures is a thrilling novel with several twists and turns along the way. This novel is the third in the Port Aster series, yet I was easily able to follow the story line without reading the two prior novels. The characters were interesting and relatable; it was easy to find myself in their shoes as I continued reading the novel. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kate and Tom unfold as the novel went on. Kate’s love for her father was inspiring. Even though her father had put her through a lot, she still loved him and fought to be able to see him again. Desperate Measures deals with themes of love, trust, and faith in God.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  It was a joy to read and kept me interested throughout the entire length of the novel.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Desperate Measures in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, winner of the 2014 The Word Award for suspense, and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics at her website.

Fatal Trauma Review

Fatal Trauma by Richard Mabry, M.D. is a 304 page novel in the Medical Fiction genre.  It was published by Abingdon Press and was released on May 19, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

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Overview

A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.

When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.

Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?

My Two Cents

Fatal Trauma is a faced paced, edge of your seat page turner. It is obvious that the Richard has done research and knows his way around the ER.  The Christian theme is obvious and very forthright throughout the novel.

Richard knows how to write suspense and how to keep you guessing! There was a surprise at every turn and this made me want to keep reading.  There were parts that made me sit forward in my seat, anxiously waiting for what would happen next!

I enjoyed this novel. However it took me a while to invest in Mark and Kelly because the novel starts after their relationship was in progress. This made certain parts of the novel a little far-fetched, like when Mark’s high school sweetheart comes into the picture.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a heart-racing romance suspense novel, you will love Fatal Trauma!

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Find Richard online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter the Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 10 at 11:59 PDT.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.

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The Inn at Ocean’s Edge Review

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble is a 336 page novel in the Christian suspense genre.  It is published by Thomas Nelson and was released on April 14, 2015.  To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone-maybe everyone-is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

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My Two Cents

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is an edge of your seat thriller that keeps you guessing until the author wants you to know. The plot is edgy and full of twists and turns that keeps this novel moving at a fast pace. From the very first chapter, the reader understands that something is amiss and with each chapter, a new layer is added that makes the reader want to keep reading until the end.

Coble’s characters are varied and interesting.  She uses them to make you rethink what constitutes a family. Coble also creates tension between the characters to make the plotline interesting and suspenseful. The only drawback to this novel is keeping track of the different settings and where they are in relation to each other.  I found myself wishing I had a map of the area to look at as I followed the plotline.

If you like suspenseful thrillers, you will love The Inn at Ocean’s Edge. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com Twitter: @colleencoble Facebook: colleencoblebooks.

Thank you to Netgalley and Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was given for them.

Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
  • A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

Buried Secrets Review and Giveaway

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon is a 384 page novel in the Christian romantic suspense genre. It is published by Revell and released on April 7, 2015. Click here to purchase your copy from Amazon or here to order from Barnes and Noble.9780800721268_p0_v4_s260x420

Overview

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

My Two Cents

Having read several of Irene Hannon’s books, I was excited to read her newest book Buried Secrets. This is the first book in a series and Irene does a great job of introducing the main characters, but also setting up secondary characters for her future books. The secondary characters provided tension and helped to give insight into the main characters, Lisa and Mac.

The plotline itself was on the slow side at the beginning.  It was disappointing that the killer was revealed very early in the book.  Also, the romance was very typical and not very realistic. Despite these criticisms, the book did pick up towards the middle and makes the reader wonder if there will be justice.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Buried Secrets in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for them.

Giveaway

Visit my Facebook page to enter to win a copy of Buried Secrets. While there, like my Facebook page to keep up to date on latest releases, reviews, and giveaways!

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Double Cross Review

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills is a 400 page novel in the mystery suspense genre.  It is published by Tyndale House Publishers on March 20, 2015.  To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

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Overview

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Two Cents

Double Cross is the second book in the FBI: Houston series but it can be read as a stand alone.  It was easy to read and to follow.  The intrigue made the novel fast paced once the scene was set and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.

This is my first experience with DiAnn Mills novels and it was not a disappointment.  Although the book was slow at the beginning, Mills’ characters are well written with flaws that finds the reader feeling empathy for them.  Mills uses her characters to show the reader how we can overcome our flaws with the help of our faith which was highly encouraging. I enjoyed how she interwove romance into the novel which made it very believable and not sappy. The relationship Daniel has with his grandparents is very sweet and endearing.

The research behind Double Cross is evident to the reader and it makes the plotline credible. Mills keeps you guessing who is on the side of the good and on the side of the bad and if everyone will make it out safe throughout the novel.  I was not able to guess the truth until the author wanted it revealed.

I give this book 4 out 5 stars.  If you enjoy reading suspense mysteries with a side of romance, you will enjoy DiAnn Mills’ Double Cross.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.


Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a free copy of Double Cross in exchange for my honest review.  No compensation has been received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.