About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles

Coal Black Lies
ABOUT THE BOOK

Believing the bitter lies you tell yourself leaves little room for the sweetness of truth

Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible--he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua's payment to the store.

Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua’s desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all.

His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself?







MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a must-read book, but it needs to be read when tissues are nearby. Coal Black Lies grabbed my heart from the very first page and it wouldn't let go! Did a coin that seemingly dropped from Heaven prevent a man from taking his own life? Could an unidentified little girl help heal grieving hearts, and would her appearance be the catalyst for change in Barton Mountain, Kentucky?

Author Cindy K. Sproles takes us back to Appalachia for a mesmerizing tale that takes place in 1899. Memorable characters and the spot-on dialect transported me to this coal-mining town where work was backbreaking, the hard-earned wages were only good at the Barton Company Store, and the Barton family controlled everything. Absolutely everything! Is it any wonder that coal miner Joshua Morgan was ready for a change but how could he find the courage and strength to make it happen?

Coal Black Lies has something for everyone! A touch of mystery, a look at Appalachian culture, and a powerful reminder that God is always there! If He could change the hardened heart of a Barton and He could use a very special child to do it, then He could surely give peace and healing to the hurting people of Barton Mountain!

This captivating story shares friendship and forgiveness as Sproles masterfully weaves her message of faith throughout the thought-provoking plot. Coal Black Lies is outstanding, and I believe that this author has another award-winning novel in her future!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Kregel Publications. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and a speaker, whose dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. God's plan seems to be for her to write and teach the craft.  With God’s guidance, Cindy is expanding her horizons. We'll see how He uses her.
Cindy is a mountain gal. Proud of her heritage, she was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains where life is simple, words have a deep southern drawl, and colloquialisms like, "well slap my knee and call me corn pone" seem to take precedence over proper speech. Apple Butter, coal mining, the river, pink sunrises, and golden sunsets help you settle into a porch swing and relax. Family, the love of God, and strong morals are embedded into her life in the mountains. Teaching writers, spinning fiction tales about life in the mountains, history, and down-home ideas find their way into all she does. “I love to write devotions, to seek after the deeper side of Christ, and to share the lessons He teaches me from life in the hills of East Tennessee. I am a writer. A speaker. A lover of God's Word and friend to all.” 
Learn more at her Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram



Friday, June 21, 2024

The Way Back (Lights of Acadia, #1) by Heidi Chiavaroli

The Way Back (Lights of Acadia)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Young love means everything... until it leaves you with nothing.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not.

Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she looks for answers, the ex-boyfriend who’d witnessed her darkest days reappears, stirring up both pain and hope.

When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?


MY THOUGHTS.....

Emotional, entertaining, and enlightening. These are just a few of the words that come to mind after reading this book. Author Heidi Chiavoroli tells the stories of two young women, more than a century apart, who find love, hope, and eventually peace at a Maine lighthouse. It is a dual timeline novel with two intriguing young women: the present-day Laney Jacobs and the historic true-life heroine, Abbey Burgess. Romance is present but this isn't a light read! Chiavaroli introduces some heavy topics, including drug addiction, accidental death, extreme guilt, and self-harm but she treats them with good taste and sensitivity. The Way Back is thought-provoking but never sensationalized; heart-wrenching but never without faith and hope.

I enjoyed the contemporary story, but I loved the historical details surrounding teenager Abbey Burgess and her valiant efforts to keep a lighthouse operational in the mid-1880s. I was also inspired by the powerful faith message that plays such an important role in both women's lives. The Way Back is a book that I couldn't put down and it's a fantastic introduction to a new series! I look forward to reading more books in the Lights of Acadia series.

I received an ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. 

Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Follow her on    Facebook     Twitter     Pinterest    Instagram

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes

Born of Gilded Mountains
ABOUT THE BOOK

When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.


MY THOUGHTS.....

This book has many of the things that I love in a story, including a mystery, an inspiring message, and a unique setting. It could also be labeled an "all-star extravaganza' because of its cast of amazing characters! Ruby/Rusty and Mary Beth/Mercy are the two who immediately stole my heart, but they are supported by so many others, including one that's actually a missing train car.

Born of Gilded Mountains is a story of a friendship that endured through years of pain, grief, and loss, and author Amanda Dyke's poignant descriptions helped me feel them all. I could imagine a flight from Hollywood, and I was allowed to laugh and dream in a special place called Mercy Peak. Her words are lyrical, the emotions are sometimes raw, and even when hope seemed diminished, she never allowed it to be destroyed. I loved the friendship that began when two 10-year-old girls became pen pals, the efforts to restore an abandoned estate, and the eventual meeting between Mercy and Rusty. Add a missing mailbag of letters that could change everything, mix in a treasure trove of clues and details, and the results are pure magic!

Grab a copy of this book if you're looking for a mesmerizing tale that will keep you glued to the pages. Born of Gilded Mountains is truly storytelling at its very best!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 











ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Dykes is a spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (Christy Award finalist, starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. 

Find her online by visiting her Website  

Follow her on   Facebook     Twitter     Instagram





Sunday, June 16, 2024

Toward the Dawn (A Western Light, #2) by Mary Connealy

Toward the Dawn (A Western Light, #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.




MY THOUGHTS.....




What's better than a blossoming relationship that's flavored with some witty banter and a good dose of chemistry? How about a shoot-em-up adventure, a marriage of convenience, and memorable characters, both good and bad? If you're a fan of Western historical romance.... this book's for you! Toward the Dawn is set in Wyoming, during 1870 and it continues a story that began in the first book of the "A Western Light" series. Eugenia Rutledge and her daughter Beth are still hiding from the very evil Thaddeus Rutledge, but this book has another damsel in distress. Kat Woodridge's husband has died, and his uncle is trying to put her away, so she's running from him and an unknown person who's after her also. She needs protection but is a marriage of convenience the answer to Kat's problems?

Author Mary Connealy is known for Western stories that are often fun and romantic, but this book shares a poignant reminder of women's struggles over the years. It has women who were forced to live in insane asylums simply because they weren't wanted by the men in their lives. Can you imagine being perfectly sane and unable to prove it? The action never stops, and the danger is always present, but Toward the Dawn is also a heartwarming story of friendship, commitment, and hope. I loved the sweet romance that developed between Kat and Sebastian Jones and the faith journeys that made their story even more relevant. I'm looking forward to the next book that will be available in the Fall!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys that also have a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. 

Her most recent book series is Wyoming Sunrise.  Other series by Mary Connealy are: The Lumber Baron's' Daughters, Brothers in Arms, The Brides of Hope Mountain, Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing. along with many novellas. 

Mary is the bestselling author of 70 books and novellas and she has nearly a million books in print! 

Learn more at her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


A WESTERN LIGHT

Toward the Dawn


Thursday, June 13, 2024

Gimme Some Sugar, 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way by Linda P. Kozar

Gimme  Some Sugar, 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way
ABOUT THE BOOK

A Perfect Start to a Joyful Heart

As we wake to face our struggles of the day, there are two things to help us get through them: hope and humor.


Good things from God's Word can calm your soul and fill you with hope. In Gimme Some Sugar: 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way  (BroadStreet Publishing, April 2, 2024)  by Linda Kozar, she offers her wit and wisdom to sweeten your life with spiritual nourishment, a perspective to pray about, and a touch of joy to bring you a smile.

Gimme Some Sugar offers sensible inspiration that will elevate your day, and encourage you to set your heart and mind on God's Word while having fun along the way.

Each devotion includes:
  • An engaging saying
  • Inspiring insight from scripture
  • Practical advice for daily life
  • A sprinkle of homespun humor

Daily you're greeted with a bite-size piece of humor or wisdom with a smile such as “Promise only what you can deliver. Then deliver more than you promise.”




AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE








MY THOUGHTS.....


The catchy title and charming cover of this new book grabbed my attention immediately but the contents are the true treasure! Author Linda Kozar shares ninety inspiring devotions that follow the pleasing format of memorable quotes or sayings, Bible scripture, her commentary, and a 'Sweet Spoonful' conclusion. The quotes and sayings are the perfect way to start each devotion and they're from various sources, including Billy Graham, David Jeremiah, Will Rogers, and even Calvin and Hobbes. Some are humorous and others are thought-provoking, but they all make me feel like I am hearing them from a personal friend!

Gimme Some Sugar is small enough to carry in a purse but its size is deceiving. It is overflowing with encouragement, Godly wisdom, and some good old Southern humor! These short devotions are the perfect way to begin a new day!

I received a copy of this book from the author via BlogAbout Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Linda Kozar is an award-winning author of multiple fiction and nonfiction inspirational books, among them Sweet Tea for the Soul (ECPA Bronze Sales Award 2022) and Sunshine for the Soul (Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Selah Award in the devotionals category and Nonfiction Book of the Year 2021). Linda was named American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year and has been involved in her local chapter since its inception. She and her husband, Michael, live in The Woodlands, Texas, and enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters; wonderful son-in-law; grandchildren, Eden and Wesley; and Gypsy, their rascally Jack Russell terrier. 


Learn more about Linda at lindakozar.com.

Follow her on    Facebook     Instagram





GIVEAWAY!

Would you like a chance to win a FREE copy of Gimme Some Sugar: 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way? All you have to do is answer this question in the comments below.

Do you enjoy devotionals?  

Along with your answer, you MUST include your first name and your email address so that I can contact you for your mailing address! For your safety, please leave it in a non-spam format. Example: Your Name(AT)Domain(DOT)com


NOTE: This giveaway is limited to US winners only and you must be 18+ to win. It closes on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM








Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray

Unforgiven
ABOUT THE BOOK

Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food.  

An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha's home--gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. Seth might be Tabitha's only hope at maintaining her hard-won freedom from the man whose violent outbursts had almost cost her life. But coming to her rescue might mean he ends up behind bars once again.   

Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other's only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.



MY THOUGHTS.....




An ex-Amish man convicted of murder and an Amish woman forced to leave her faith because she divorced her abusive husband. Neither have been shunned by their community but they're certainly not accepted. Amish faith is based on forgiveness, but will Tabitha Yoder and Seth Zimmerman always feel unforgiven?

Tabitha and Seth find friendship as they adapt to the judgment and isolation imposed on them by the Amish community that should be supporting them. I loved watching Tabitha blossom under Seth's efforts to help her, and I was equally touched by Seth's longtime crush on his former teacher and his determination to protect her when her ex-husband reappears. Author Shelley Shepard Gray proves that she is capable of writing in almost every genre as she shares their compelling story that's set in Crittenden County, Kentucky. I was moved by the special connection between Tabitha and Seth, fascinated by the added dynamics provided by the other characters, and completely invested in the continuing drama!

Unforgiven is a story of damaged trust, unreasonable judgments, and the inability to forgive. It is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and faith, and it offers many profound truths while asking one powerful question. Why is it easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves?

This is one of my favorite books by this author and I can't wait to read more of this new series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Shelley Shepard Gray has written over one hundred novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full-time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults and she is an active member of her church.

Learn more about Shelley at her    Website 
Follow her on Facebook     Twitter     Pinterest     Instagram  

Monday, June 10, 2024

The Farmer Takes a Wife (South Dakota Brides, 1) by Candice Sue Patterson

The Farmer Takes a Wife: a Modern-Day Marriage of Convenience Tale (South Dakota Brides)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Librarian Gemma Breckenridge hates the spotlight. She's content in her small town, living alone with books for company and caring for her once famous sister, Cammie, who's now suffering from a degenerative brain disease. But Cammie's care is expensive, and when the grant Gemma was counting on is denied, she's forced to take desperate measures and applies to be a contestant on a reality television show where a wealthy farmer is looking for a love connection. What better place to keep her sister's identity incognito than a thousand-acre farm in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota?

Colby Graham will do anything to save his almost bankrupt farm, even if it means that all of primetime will think he's incapable of finding a wife on his own. The sponsorships alone should carry his business out of the red, and royalties from the producer will help to keep it there. But choosing a bride from among eight gorgeous strangers is tougher than Colby bargained for. Especially when the one woman he wants isn't a contestant.

With a cast of vivid characters, join the crew in this witty romance filled with drama, heartache, elimination challenges, and fancy luggage full of secrets. Amid the beautiful setting of the Midwest, this tale unravels the tightly bound threads of sacrificial love.



MY THOUGHTS.....

I've loved her historical fiction novels, but this book certainly proves that Candice Sue Patterson can write contemporary romance! The Farmer Takes a Wife is a marriage-of-convenience story that features participation in a popular reality television show as part of the plot. As I read Gemma Breckinridge's efforts to provide needed critical medical care for her sister, I found myself wondering how far I would go. Would I be willing to put myself in front of millions of viewers and try to convince a stranger that I would make a great wife? Could I bear the humility of not being the contestant chosen? Worse still, would I be certain that I wanted to be the person chosen?

This is labeled as a romantic comedy and there's a lot of fun as Gemma interacts with the contestant who needs the money as badly as she does. I loved the witty banter but there are also thought-provoking twists and a surprise that I didn't see coming. I was a farm wife for many years, so I understood the joys, the challenges, and the silly misconceptions but I especially loved the relevant message woven into the plot. Money is important but it isn't the key to happiness!

If you're looking for a captivating story with fantastic characters, a romantic triangle that increases the drama, a sweet romance that's laced with amazing chemistry, and many laugh-out-loud moments, grab a copy of The Farmer Takes a Wife. Well done, Candice Sue Patterson! I can't wait to read the next book in the South Dakota Brides series!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 Learn more at her Website

Follow her on    Facebook    Instagram    Pinterest


Sunday, June 9, 2024

UNTAKEN, TOO: 12 Days Following the Rapture (Book 2) by C.O. Wyler

Untaken, Too: 12 Days Following the Rapture (Book 2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

The Rapture has happened. What would you do? You've agreed to an artificial intelligent implant so viewers can see, hear, and feel whatever you experience. But are you still in control or is AI? Continue in the protagonist's mind and learn what happens during the twelve days that follow the incredible event called the Rapture.
* End Times Book 2

"Continuing this post-rapture journey, this is a must-read for those looking for motivation on why we should make every effort to be about the Father's business NOW. A stunning achievement with a thought-provoking perspective on AI and the on-ramp to the Mark of the Beast. Highly recommended!" ~ Scott Townsend, RaptureKit

"The "real" Rapture is imminent! I deeply desire that as many as possible read the Untaken books. In the genre of the Left Behind series, Untaken, Too is technologically advanced, exciting, alarming. Truly compelling!" ~ Carlos B. Hall, Retired Pastor/Bible Teacher



MY THOUGHTS.....

Sarah Colton is back and she's still in limbo! Twelve hours after her husband's mysterious disappearance Sarah finds herself seriously hurt and unable to explain what has happened. The whole world seems to have gone mad! Has Denny been "taken" as many Christians believe, or is there another explanation? Sarah never shared his Christian beliefs but was Denny right about the Rapture and the seven years of Tribulation that would follow? Has she been left behind? Is Sarah one of the Untaken?

Untaken, Too: 12 Days Following the Rapture is a continuation of the intriguing story that began in Wyler's first book, Untaken. The confusion, fear, and disbelief are vividly depicted, and the events portrayed are especially timely. Artificial Intelligence. End time signs. Implants. Some may consider it to be the product of Wyler's lively imagination but many more will agree that God's Word is being revealed through this fictional story. It is filled with biblical scripture to support her views!


Untaken, Too is both captivating and thought-provoking, and I believe that it would be a wonderful book club selection. Talk about interesting discussions! Fantasy....or prophecy? I urge you to read this book so that you can decide! 

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.O. Wyler was born in Southern California and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. Having owned a business for over thirty years, she is retired and enjoys her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.  

Follow her on Facebook


UNTAKEN, TOO: 12 Days Following the Rapture



Saturday, June 8, 2024

Hunting Justice (Elite Guardians: Savannah #2) by Sami J. Abrams & Lynette Eason

Hunting Justice (Elite Guardians: Savannah #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

So, maybe not.

Meanwhile, Jonah can't ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…

And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there's more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.

Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.



AMAZON  

MY THOUGHTS.....



This thrilling suspense novel grabbed me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end! A surprising revelation from a friend and co-worker catapulted Dr. Jonah Harris into a deadly game of cat and mouse, and who better to help and protect him than his friend Noelle Burton, one of the Elite Guardians? No one, until memories from Noelle's tragic past became frightening hints of what could come!

Sami J. Abrams and her mentor Lynette Eason share a fascinating addition to the Elite Guardians: Savannah series. There were so many things that I loved about Hunting Justice. Watching Noelle and Jonah's relationship evolve from friendship to trusted protector to the promise of so much more! Twists and turns that kept me turning the pages, many questions that kept me searching for answers, and a subtle faith message woven into the intriguing plot. Was the person targeting Jonah the person who once traumatized Noelle? Could there be a copycat killer on the loose?

I recommend Hunting Justice to all who enjoy captivating romantic Christian suspense!

I received a copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Sami  A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense novel. In her opinion, crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

Sami's debut novel, Buried Cold Case Secrets, was released on December 28, 2021. 

If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami's website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com

Learn more at Sami's       Website    Facebook     Twitter     Instagram  







Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the Publisher's Weekly, CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville.SC.


Learn more at her Website    Facebook    Twitter    Instagram




Elite Guardians: Savannah

Book 2: Hunting Justice
Book 3: Guarding Truth

 Elite Guardians Collection

Book 1: Driving Force
      Book 2: Impending Strike
                      Book 4: Christmas in the Crosshairs

View all my reviews

Friday, June 7, 2024

Mary’s Calico Hope (The Heart of the Amish, #5) by Anne Blackburne

Mary’s Calico Hope
ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Yoder Is Content Despite Challenges Thrown Her Way
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
If God wills it, Mary Yoder will do it, even if that means using crutches for the rest of her life. She was badly injured in a buggy accident as a child. Still, she is content living in the Dawdi Haus connected to her parents’ farmhouse and with her work weaving baskets and raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make excellent trout lures. She is truly happy at twenty-nine, but. . .she wouldn’t mind finding a husband—if the Lord wills it. Along comes Reuben King, a Mennonite doctor. They are attracted to one another, but how could they ever be together? She’s a baptized Amish woman, so it seems impossible. Also, he wants her to have surgery to improve her mobility and lessen her day-to-day pain. She’s sick and tired of surgeries! But if God wills it, she’ll do it. And just maybe there will be a way for these two unlikely souls to connect.



MY THOUGHTS.....

Mary Yoder may be physically challenged but she doesn't complain; she may be destined to remain single, but she still remains cheerful. She has her family, her sweet calico cat Hope, and her supportive Amish community but best of all, she's assured that "if God wills it, she will do it." Until...the new Mennonite doctor in Willow's Creek challenges her to believe in a future that she's never dreamed possible!

This is a heartwarming story of daring to dream while staying true to your beliefs. Author Anne Blackburne introduced Mary in a previous book but this allows readers to learn more about her sweet nature and her unswerving faith. She may have resigned herself to never being a wife or mother but It doesn't take long for her to recognize just how special Dr. Reuben King is or to realize that she's thinking about him more than she should! He's perfect husband material except for the fact that he's a Mennonite man and she's a baptized Amish woman! Their different beliefs make it impossible for their romance to develop. Unless...God's will makes it so!

If you enjoy Amish fiction that's filled with family devotion, deep abiding faith, intriguing characters, and beloved feline pets, grab a copy of Mary's Calico Hope. It's a great addition to the series, The Heart of the Amish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


When she isn't writing or working at her day job as the managing editor of a weekly newspaper in Southeast Ohio, Anne enjoys traveling to exciting new and beloved old places; visiting with friends, preferably on her front deck on a warm summer afternoon; swimming, kayaking, reading (she admits to three hours a day), and participating in community theater. She sings in her church choir and loves coffee and donut time after services, when she gets to see people she only sees at church. If Anne could live anywhere at all, it would be by water, where she would spend a lot of time walking in the sand, communing with God, through the wonder of His nature, and searching for sea glass.


Learn more at Anne's Website

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