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.

The Innocent

The Innocent by Ann Gabhart is a 384 page novel in the Christian mystery romance genre.  It is published by Revell and was released on July 7, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

the-innocent

Overview

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

My Two Cents

The Innocent is a well-written novel that keeps the reader interested from the beginning.  The story line displays well the dangers that can come when people abuse religion and power. I enjoyed the mystery that was added to the story line making this novel not your typical love story.

It is apparent that Gabhart has done her research both about the culture of the post-Civil War era and about the Shakers. The Innocent shows a side to the Civil War that is not often shown; the soldiers who were missing and the effect it had on their loved ones.  Wives found themselves destitute with no way to collect on the pensions offered from the government. They had limited resources and limited options.  This created an environment where women were not safe and could easily be taken advantage of.

There were many characters in this story and it added to the depth of the novel.  A couple of the characters added tension to the novel which made the book hard to put down.  I really enjoyed the relationship Carlyn had with her dog who was a wonderful companion to her.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  It is a sweet story although a bit predictable.

Thank you to Revell Publishers 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

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win The Innocent by Ann Gabhart, click on the words “Entry-Form” below.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 17 at 11:59pm 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.

Love’s Rescue Review

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson is a 352 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is the first book in the Keys of Promise series. Love’s Rescue was published by Revell and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Print

Overview

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Two Cents

Have you ever done something you know you will regret forever? Have you ever wanted to please someone but doing so will break your heart? Meet Elizabeth Benjamin, the protagonist of Love’s Rescue who deals with these issues to find she needs to trust in God for answers. This book has everything you can want in a novel: Love, family, friendships, suspense, sacrifice, secrets, tension and much more. There are parts where the tension is palatable and you want to reach into the book to strangle a character. I loved it from the beginning, turning page after page and finished in one sitting.

This was my first experience reading Christine Johnson and it was very enjoyable.  It was apparent the amount of research and knowledge that was poured into the novel. The setting of Key West, Florida during the 1850s was a perfect setting for this novel and Christine’s love for the area was evident.  The storyline included the occupation of wreckers which I was not familiar with, however, Christine integrated her historical knowledge into the story wonderfully and it was easy to follow.

The theme of forgiveness is strong in this novel.  It shines marvelously through the characters Christine creates and is very encouraging to the reader. It makes the reader reflect on matters that need forgiveness in their own lives and remember how much forgiveness God has given them.  It is enjoyable to read a well-written book, yet is even more enjoyable when the reader can walk away with something worthy to apply to their own lives.  Christine does this with her debut novel, Love’s Rescue, and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Come take an adventure on the seas as well as in the historical Key West with a book that will leave you feeling encouraged at the finish!
Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Learn more at www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win your copy of Love’s Rescue, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 9 at 11:59pm.

As Love Blooms Review

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre.  It is the third installment in The Gregory Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone.  As Love Blooms is published by Revell Publishers and was released on May 19.  To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa’s young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers’ hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

as love blooms

My Two Cents

As Love Blooms is a sweet story about a girl who finds love while struggling to fulfill her dreams and struggling to find who she is during a time in history that was redefining women. The relationship between the sisters is wonderfully constructed and the reader can see their strengths, weaknesses, struggles and support of each other throughout the story.  The girls relationship with their Aunt Sam is different than most relationships but you can see how much love they have for each other.

The book also focuses on Reece and his struggle to step out of his father’s spotlight.  I enjoyed his relationship with is friend, Erik and his wife as well as his landlady.  This relationship gave insight into his character making it a pleasure to read a book that toggles between two main characters.

In the background of As Love Blooms is the focus on horticulture.  The story reflects the knowledge and research completed by the author regarding this subject.  There was a lot of interesting information given and the nuances about what was popular at the time or going on in horticulture during that time in history added to the story. Added to this is the question of women being involved professionally in the horticulture industry or just in private homes makes the story line interesting.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of As Love Blooms in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation has be received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Giveaway

To win a copy of As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad, click on “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:59pm PDT.


Small print: This giveaway is sponsored by Simple Harvest Reads. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize.  Simple Harvest Reads is not responsible for prizes lost or damaged by the post office.

Every Bride Needs A Groom Review

Congratulations to Ellen who won the giveaway for Every Bride Needs a Groom.

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson is a 368 page novel in the Christian romance genre. Published by Revell, it is the first novel in the Brides With Style collection and was released on April 21, 2015.  To purchase your copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn’t managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she’s sure he’ll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn’t just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie’s boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her–on the very same day she wins her dream dress–her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop–yeah, you read that right–discover her humiliating secret if she does?

every bride

My Two Cents

Every Bride Needs A Groom is a fun and charming book that is a fast paced read. Cute titles for each chapter and a quote from a famous person sets the theme for each chapter. The southern nuances add to the charm and makes the storyline believable.

The characters are quite the characters which makes the book an interesting read. The family dynamic casts tension throughout the book but reminds you of southern values where love and family are cherished.  Thompson weaves humor into the story as well and some places had me laughing until I cried.

Every Bride Needs A Groom makes you yearn for small town life where you can meet at the local Dairy Queen on Friday nights.  If you enjoy reading Christian romance, you will love this sweet story.  I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

About the Author

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was given and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Janice Thompson’s new book Every Bride Needs A Groom by clicking “Entry From” below.

Contest ends Sunday, May 3 at midnight PST.

The Legacy Review

Congratulations to Danielle, the winner of my giveaway of The Legacy!

The Legacy written by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley is a 336 page novel in the Christian Fiction genre. It was published by Revell on April 7, 2015. To order your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents, along with Christina, a young woman taken into the family during a crisis pregnancy, have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you’re ready to grow up and give your life over to God. Christina’s feelings for Doug have been growing, even though he writes her off as not worth his time. Will Doug’s own crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

The Legacy

My Two Cents

The Legacy is book four in The Restoration Series. Although it is the first book I have read in the series, I was able to follow the storyline with ease.  Jim and Marilyn have had a rocky marriage but have worked through their difficulties and have sought restoration with both each other and their adult children.  Unfortunately, their youngest son, Doug, has drifted away from the family, his values and the Lord.  The story was very encouraging, reminding us that we need to trust the Lord when things are beyond our control.  The Legacy focused on the story of The Prodigal Son from the Bible and how we can apply that story to our lives, especially those of us who have adult children.

This is not the type of story I would usually pick out to read, but I am very glad I read it.  Although the book was slow in some places, I finished the book feeling encouraged. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Authors

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of The Legacy in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway

To enter win a copy of The Legacy, click “entry-form” below:

Giveaway ends Sunday, April 26 at 11:59 pm.

The Creole Princess Book Review

The Creole Princess by Beth White is a 352 page novel in the historical Christian fiction genre.  It is published by Revell on April 7, 2015.  Click here to purchase from Amazon or here to purchase from Barnes and Noble.

Overview

All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter–though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie–and somehow keep Lyse’s family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

creole princess

My Two Cents

The Creole Princess is a fast-paced novel that keeps you on your toes. It is very apparent that White did a lot of research on both the history of the time period as well as the setting in which the novel takes place; this shines through in her writing.  There are several cultures represented throughout The Creole Princess and the nuances added to her characters from each culture make them very authentic. Added to all of this, the history represented is not very well known so you learn something new.

There are many solid characters in The Creole Princess; some you love and some you hate. They come to life and give you a small glimpse of what it would have been like to live during this time period. White excels at creating tension through her characters and their situations which makes it hard to put her book down.  You can not wait to see what happens next. The main protagonist, Lyse, illuminates love, grace and forgiveness.  She makes you want to be a better daughter, sibling, wife, and friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  It will definitely be one I will read again!

About the Author

Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

Thank you to Revell and Beth White for a free copy of The Creole Princess in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my opinions expressed in this review.

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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