Sunday, July 18, 2021

The Seeds of Change by Lauraine Snelling

On a camping trip and was excited to open this new book by Lauraine Snelling.  I finished this book and enjoyed it immensely!!

The Nielson family left all they knew for a new life in the West.  Could they find what they were looking for?  


The title had many meanings.  The family wanted to plant a flower garden in memory of their mother.  But to me it also demonstrated the progression of life and the families' growth on their journey.  

A wonderful story!  Excited that there will be more to come!


Luke 8:11 ESV  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God

 

Catch Me If You Can by Carole Brown


Catch Me if You Can Epic Book Launch

About the Book
Book: Catch Me If You Can

Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Romantic Suspense with a touch of quirkiness
Release date: August 5, 2021
The big cat sat on the oversized rock, ears pointed toward the sky, every muscle taut, every sense at the ready.
“S-s-shut up and f-f-forget it. You’ve s-seen nothing and know nothing. I won’t warn you again. G-g-got it?”
The cat’s head swiveled, his ears twitching as if catching the hint of threat in the whisper. A soft hiss slid from his open mouth and reinforced the overtone of evil pressing in upon the scene. Within hours, lies and dark secrets are slithering all over the campground.
Coaxed into finding the animal killer at Jamieson’s Outfitters, Tara Layne, with her sidekick, Boet, is welcomed by a threatening whisper and the unfriendly eyes of a rugged and devastatingly handsome manager. Wesley Clarke, both interesting and frustrating, holds an attraction for Tara that is primitive and exasperating.
Intermingled with her search, Tara deals with her own heartbreaking buried secrets. When a strange old Native American probes into the recesses of her heart, he encourages her to face her bitter feelings.
As Tara closes in on her search, she finds herself—and Boet—the target of someone who’s determined to outrun and outsmart her. Someone determined not to get caught.
His theme:
Run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me.
The question:
Can Tara run fast enough to catch this real live Gingerbread boy
before he decides to get rid of her and Boet?

BOOK EXCERPT

It took her a moment to realize he’d straightened. Her heart steadied, and the breath returned to her body. Her face flushed with sudden heat. She trusted few people, kept everyone at a distance. Was she so desperate for male attention? How could she melt like a chocolate kiss when someone she hardly knew paid her a simple compliment? Disgust at herself and her traitorous weak thoughts flooded her mind. 

“Please get your hands off me.” She hated her wobbly voice.  

Wesley’s hands fell from her shoulders. He stepped to the door then looked back at her. “Are you sure you didn’t bump your head? There was nothing out there.”

It would have been a relief to argue with him, to put him in his place—wherever that was—but he gave her no chance to speak. The amusement in his voice set her teeth into the habit every dentist warned against. Gnashing. 

“We only have people here at Jamieson’s, Tara. No ghosts. No goblins. No blobs."


Purchase Link: 

amazon.com/Catch-Me-If-You-Can/dp/1941622674/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Catch+me+if+you+can+by+carole+brown&qid=1625272098&sr=8-2


MISSING EXCERPTS:
One: https://happywhenreading.wordpress.com/2021/07/16/catch-me-if-you-can/
Two:
https://blissbooksandjewels.com/special-book-feature-excerpt-catch-me-if-you-can-by-carole-brown/

Three:
https://hookmeinabook.home.blog/2021/07/17/catch-me-if-you-epic-book-launch-and-except/

Four:
https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2021/07/17/catch-me-if-you-can-epic-book-launch-for-carole-brown/

Five:
https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2021/07/17/catch-me-if-you-can-by-carol-brown-epic-book-launch/

Six:
http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/2021/07/catch-me-if-you-can-excerpt.html?m=1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Sunday, July 11, 2021

The Chase

 

This was my first time reading a book by Lisa Harris.  I was surprised how quickly I got into the story due to the fact the main characters were introduced in an earlier book - The Escape.

It had everything I look for: romance, mystery and action!  The characters were realistic and easily liked.  Jonas not only sounds like a good guy but good looking.  Madison is beautiful and intelligent.  They make a good team.  But can it go beyond a working relationship?  They each have a past they can't forget.  Do they have a future?

I will be looking for the next book as I know this story can't just end like it did.  It better not! 

I received this book for free from Revel Books to give a honest review.


About Lisa Harris

USA Today and CBA bestselling author LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has sold over half a million books. She and her family have spent over sixteen year working as missionaries in Africa where she runs a small non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project.       promotes Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." (Proverbs 31:8)

When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com


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Monday, July 5, 2021

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

 



An interesting story that is told by the members of the family.  The story is told in the present as well as in the past.  

I was intrigued by the title and the cover.  That is why I picked up the book in the first place.  But the story drew me in!  As a mother, I could relate to the mother in the story.  I can remember watching my children grow up and leave the "nest".  They were ready for the world but was I ready to let them go?

A family is a group of people who love you and supports you.  The members don't have to share a bloodline.  Linda and Bruce were ready to adopt.  They expected a baby boy. Mindy was in need of a home and their arms and hearts were open.  

The book explains the difficulties they experience adopting a child from another country.  Mindy was from Vietnam.  It also talks of how Mindy felt and her journey of discovery.

I enjoyed the book.  I had to make sure to keep track at the beginning of the chapter of what year it was and whom was talking or you could get confused.  

I received this book to give a honest review from Revell.

Author Bio

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of DustA Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women's events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.

Friday, July 2, 2021

Catch Me if You Can Excerpt Seven

 

About the Book

Book: Catch Me If You Can

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Romantic Suspense with a touch of quirkiness

Release date: August 5, 2021

The big cat sat on the oversized rock, ears pointed toward the sky, every muscle taut, every sense at the ready.

“S-s-shut up and f-f-forget it. You’ve s-seen nothing and know nothing. I won’t warn you again. G-g-got it?”

The cat’s head swiveled, his ears twitching as if catching the hint of threat in the whisper. A soft hiss slid from his open mouth and reinforced the overtone of evil pressing in upon the scene. Within hours, lies and dark secrets are slithering all over the campground.

Coaxed into finding the animal killer at Jamieson’s Outfitters, Tara Layne, with her sidekick, Boet, is welcomed by a threatening whisper and the unfriendly eyes of a rugged and devastatingly handsome manager. Wesley Clarke, both interesting and frustrating, holds an attraction for Tara that is primitive and exasperating.

Intermingled with her search, Tara deals with her own heartbreaking buried secrets. When a strange old Native American probes into the recesses of her heart, he encourages her to face her bitter feelings.

As Tara closes in on her search, she finds herself—and Boet—the target of someone who’s determined to outrun and outsmart her. Someone determined not to get caught.

His theme:

Run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me.

The question:

Can Tara run fast enough to catch this real live Gingerbread boy

before he decides to get rid of her and Boet?


BOOK EXCERPT

It took her a moment to realize he’d straightened. Her heart steadied, and the breath returned to her body. Her face flushed with sudden heat. She trusted few people, kept everyone at a distance. Was she so desperate for male attention? How could she melt like a chocolate kiss when someone she hardly knew paid her a simple compliment? Disgust at herself and her traitorous weak thoughts flooded her mind. 

“Please get your hands off me.” She hated her wobbly voice.  

Wesley’s hands fell from her shoulders. He stepped to the door then looked back at her. “Are you sure you didn’t bump your head? There was nothing out there.”

It would have been a relief to argue with him, to put him in his place—wherever that was—but he gave her no chance to speak. The amusement in his voice set her teeth into the habit every dentist warned against. Gnashing. 

“We only have people here at Jamieson’s, Tara. No ghosts. No goblins. No blobs."


Purchase Link: 

amazon.com/Catch-Me-If-You-Can/dp/1941622674/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Catch+me+if+you+can+by+carole+brown&qid=1625272098&sr=8-2


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 


Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?


I'd love to connect with readers at:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/38Ukljnhttps://amzn.to/38Ukljn
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown



Saturday, June 26, 2021

The Birds of Bachelor Lane by Hannah McNiven

 



With the name of Wren as one of the characters I knew I was in for a treat!  I was eagerly looking forward to reading this book by an author as I have read one of her books before.  I had no clue how wonderful this was going to be.

The story was about this small village and the drama that goes on behind the walls of a few families.  I felt like I was watching a PBS drama.  I couldn't wait for the next chapter (episode).  

The drama that was played out had me on the edge of my seat.  I actually felt like I was part of the story.  I had to warn Wren about Bertie.  I wanted to shake Lili. I loved Ewan and the way he treasured and loved his wife.  

A beautiful story that easily could be adapted into a movie.  I would buy a ticket.  

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


About Hannah McNiven

Hannah grew up on a farm in rural Ireland where she spent her childhood riding horses and chasing or being chased by many other animals (mostly cows). Thanks to her parents and siblings, she became a voracious reader. From reading novels by the Bröntes to Evelyn Waugh to Phillipa Gregory, Sebastian Faulks and Pat Barker (there was plenty of Enid Blyton too), Hannah has developed a love of historical and literary fiction which has influenced her own writing. She has an especial interest in stories that occur around the time of, and during, World War One and Two. She sometimes feels that she was, perhaps, born in the wrong era but then remembers how useful the internet is when it comes to researching her work. She is also proud of her Scottish and Irish heritage, believing that there is nowhere more beautiful on Earth than the verdant hills and rugged countryside of these places which are the perfect setting for her work.



Sunday, June 20, 2021

Faith in the Mountain Valley by Misty M. Beller

 Colette and French- separated for years but are they destined to be together? What does GOD plan for their future?

GOD was with Colette every step of the way.  He guided her.  He protected her.  He led her to the decision she had to make. Colette listened when HE spoke to her.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Colette and French were fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that became their family. They were not related in any way.  They were from different cultures and races.  But  they were there for each other especially in their time of need.

Do you have friends that you can call family?  I am fortunate enough to have friends that I call family.  With families living in different locations from each other, friends are so important.

I have loved every book by Misty B. Beller.  She paints a picture with her words.  Her characters become real to me.  She truly has a gift.

I received this ebook for free to give a honest review for Celebrate Lit.


About the Book

Book:  Faith in the Mountain Valley

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 15, 2021

Faith in the Mtn ValleyThis epic journey is the only way to leave her secrets behind.

After eleven years spent looking for the girl who stole his heart, Jean-Jacques Baptiste—better known as French to his friends—is tempted to give up. Until the day he spotted the flaxen-haired stranger traveling the wooded path with Blackfoot Indians. He never imagined he’d find his childhood friend masquerading as a man in this Rocky Mountain wilderness, hundreds of miles from the Canadian town where he last saw her. No matter her reasons, he can’t let her go this time.

Colette Mignon’s life has become a cacophony of lies, including the fact that her Blackfoot Indian companions believe she’s a man. She’s willing to live the taxing life of a trapper in these desolate mountains as long as it keeps her secrets hidden. When her childhood friend and first love discovers her, his determination to help might put everything at risk.

As the worst of her past threatens to catch up with her, the hope for Colette’s new life shatters. But no matter what, she must protect the one good thing that came from all her mistakes. Though French is determined to stay at her side, she can’t let him become entangled in the perilous consequences of her actions. If only it wasn’t so painful to push him away. The danger pressing in may leave her only one choice—leave everything behind…again.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 About the Author

Misty M Beller_headshotMisty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

More from Misty

Ever Played Dress-up?

I’ll bet most of us played “Let’s Pretend” when we were kids. Maybe you dressed up as a princess, or a knight, or a soldier. When we were little, my grandmother had a secondhand wedding dress she let us play with. It had the long train and veil that dragged several feet behind a grown woman. We spent so many fun hours dressing up and pretending. And of course, there were all the times my older brother and I played cowboys as we rode our horses.

With so much experience playing dress-up and “let’s pretend,” I thoroughly enjoyed writing the story of a heroine who pretended to be a man! And not just a fellow around town. She joined up with a group of five Blackfoot braves and attempted to pass herself off as a man for weeks while she lived in their camp, trapping alongside them!

She had a good reason for attempting the ruse, and you can find out if she pulls it off in Faith in the Mountain Valley. This might be my favorite of all the books in the Call of the Rockies series. I pray you enjoy it too!

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, June 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 8

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Blessed & Bookish, June 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Inklings and notions, June 11

Betti Mace, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 13

Connie’s History Classroom, June 14

cats in the cradle blog, June 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 15

deb’s Book Review, June 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 16

Mary Hake, June 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 17

Reviewingbooksplusmore, June 17

For the Love of Literature, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

Blossoms and Blessings, June 19

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 20

Splashes of Joy, June 21

Jeanette’sThoughts, June 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10d0a/faith-in-the-mountain-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Love Overseas by Michelle Cornish

 


Each character in this book had a wonderful story to tell.  I can't pick one over another to be my favorite.  

My Mother lived in England during WW II.  She was a child but reading these stories brought it to life.  She wasn't a war bride but she did immigrate to the US in the 1950s with her family.  After living here for a bit, she met my father.  Where do you think he came from?  Canada!

I enjoyed the book.  I can't even imagine living during these times.  The book does clearly show that life must go on.  Everyone suffered some type of loss but you couldn't give up after their sacrifices.

Love Overseas touched my heart.  I am sure it will for you, too.  

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


ABOUT AUTHOR:

Michelle strives to write the kinds of books she enjoys reading--interesting (yet complicated) characters, a little romance, and a lot of mystery and intrigue. Strong women in sticky situations is her specialty! You can find Michelle at www.michellecornish.com or email her your feedback at inspired[at]michellecornish.com. She also writes children's books with her kids as A.J. Kormon.




Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Along a Storied Path by Ann H. Gabhart


It is never to late.  This is what Perdita Sweet discovered.  Her life was anything but Sweet like her name.  She had regrets.  She was lonely.  She had no hope for the future.  But GOD had a plan.

I really enjoyed this book about the Appalachian backhills and the people in the the community.  They looked out for each other.  They might not have had much but they were willing to share what they had.  

The characters in this book were all on the road of discovery.  They were learning who they were and what what was important to them.  

This made me think of how some of us reevaluated our lives during the covid lockdown.  We had to slow down and take care of others.  We learned what was important when we were not allowed to be with our loved ones.  We took things for granted.  

Tansy, the book librarian, realized before it was too late what really mattered.  

Great book!

Revell gave me the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann H. Gabhart
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The RefugeThe OutsiderThe BelieverThe SeekerThe Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel SisterThese Healing HillsRiver to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

To Find Her Place ( Redemption's Light- 2) by Susan Anne Mason


 We all at some time or another attempt to find our place in the world. Where do we belong?  What career should I study for?    Should I marry or stay single?  Jane was building a new life for herself.  She had difficult choices to make.  Garrett was hired to oversee the operations at Children's Aid Society where Jane worked.  This added more confusion for Jane just when she thought she had everything figured out.


I enjoyed the story as Jane was a Social Worker.  This was what I have my degree in.  I could completely understand how she felt about her clients.  It is difficult to distance yourself from getting too involved.  

The book was heart wrenching at times.  The characters were wonderfully written.  I hated to say good bye to Jane and Garrett's story.  

I look forward to each and every book by Susan Anne Mason.  She is on my favorite authors' list.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

The Heart's Charge - Hanger's Horsemen 2


 Faith that GOD will take care of you.  He will protect you. He is with you.

Katherine and Eliza were on a mission.  They were going to take care of children in need.  They were quite a team.  Bold and fiesty but their insecurities were just under the surface.  GOD was with them.  HE was taking care of them.  

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”


I loved the story.  It had everything I love: romance and a western.  How can you not love a strong, good looking cowboy?  Karen Witemeyer made Mark and Jonah so attractive that I was ready to travel to Texas myself to hunt them down.  


I highly recommend picking up the book.  It was highly entertaining.  





 

Samantha Price- SECRET

Trust finds herself once again risking everything. One false step she'll be in jail again. This book was more exciting to me than the ot...