Author: vicklea

I love to read! I’m a retired teacher with a spouse of 45 years, three amazing children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed!

Review of SUNBURST by Susan May Warren

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Former SEAL Ranger Kingston is involved in a mission to rescue a group in Nigeria from Boko Haram. In fulfilling this mission, he meets Noemi Sutton for the second time and realizes that they may be destined to be together. With his brothers Dodge and Colt, Ranger runs toward danger and this book is chock full of action from page one all the way to the end. Set mostly in Nigeria but also in Alaska, the descriptions themselves make the book worth reading. The characters were take-charge and rough and ready kind of people. I especially loved Noemi’s family in Nigeria, particularly her Aunt Precious and Uncle Efe who loved her so much and wanted to take care of her. The celebration that they organized for her was sheer perfection to read and an education about customs in Nigeria. Ranger’s family in Alaska is a daring one, with a sky rescue service and the willingness to go wherever they were needed. So much was happening in this book at all times that I almost got whiplash from reading it! This was a fun, entertaining and edge-of-your-seat read that I had difficulty putting down. Each time I returned to it, I was so happy to see that the characters were all still alive because it was that realistic. I loved every minute that I spent engrossed in this book and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Fans of romantic suspense, with the emphasis on thrilling suspense, will devour this book and clamor for more from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The intense action and events make this a PG-13. It is a clean Christian read.
With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.
Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”
And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”
Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and http://www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. BIO and PHOTO from the author’s website on Amazon at Amazon

This book is available now and can be purchased wherever Christian books are sold. Here are purchase links:

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With sincere appreciation to Revell Reads Blogger Tour for introducing me to this author and this series. It is amazing!

Review of THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Debbie Macomber

On By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

Who doesn’t like a good romance with a good lesson to learn? This book is a perfect romance between two lost souls who need to find each other. Hope is newly settled into the small town of Oceanside, teaching and counseling at the local high school and trying to make friends by volunteering at the local animal shelter. There she meets Cade Lincoln, an ex-marine who is a wounded veteran. She also meets Shadow there, a poor abused dog who trusts no one except Hope. It’s love at first sight for Hope and Shadow and Cade isn’t far behind. How they get to their “happily ever after” is an amazing trip with some unexpected turns and complications, including students taking drugs, vandalism and family drama. I really enjoyed the sub-plot about teen Spencer and his attempt at being accepted by a girl he really likes but who is so popular his chances are slim. The lessons taught include never giving up, being hopeful for the future and choosing to do the right thing in spite of obstacles and others leading the wrong way. I especially liked the inclusion of honoring veterans who sacrifice so much for our nation. This is a wholesome book that is encouraging and uplifting as well as a really good story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Clean, wholesome fiction
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2022, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include The Best Is Yet to Come (July) and The Christmas Spirit (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, two adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
2022 Debbie Macomber Bio

This book will be released on July 12, 2022. It is available for preorders now. Purchase Links:

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With much appreciation to Random House Books for the ARC to read and review.

Review of AMONG THE INNOCENT by Mary Alford

On By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This is Amish fiction combined with contemporary mystery. Leah Miller is a deputy sheriff in the small town in Montana where she grew up and where her family was murdered. She feels responsible for their deaths because the young English man she was secretly seeing at the time is the one who killed them and wounded her. As a deputy, she wants to find the man who disappeared a decade ago. The new chief of police, Dalton Cooper, also wants to find the suspect, but mostly because young Amish girls are currently being murdered in like manner to Leah’s family. Sure that the cases are connected, Dalton joins forces with Leah to track down the killer before he kills again or goes after Leah. The action is fast-paced and riveting with some red herrings thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The characters are realistic and portray their humanity in several ways, the most endearing being that they end up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed that Leah’s foster mother Marge is involved in the center of the mystery and has a secret herself that is revealed slowly and methodically. There were some parts of the book that were predictable, most notably when young Amish girls had clandestine meetings with strangers. But the predictability did not detract from the entertainment value of the book. I enjoyed the setting out west, a place that I had never associated with the Amish before and I liked the research that went into including tribal law enforcement in the quest of justice. All in all, this is a solidly entertaining and engaging book and I recommend it for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense with more than a little mystery included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A definite PG-13 or higher because of the violence depicted. It is not graphic but it is present. There is also a trigger concerning mental illness.
Mary Alford is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. Her books have been finalists in the Selah Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion Contest. As a writer, Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook and can’t face the day with-out coffee. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two very spoiled cats and one adorable rescue dog. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter or any social platforms listed at http://www.maryalford.net.
BIO and Photo are from the author’s website on Amazon

This edgy Christian mystery is available now. Purchase Links:

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Happy to discover a new-to-me author via the Revell Reads Blogger Program!

Hope

On By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

Did you see this verse in which it states clearly that endurance is taught in the Scriptures? It is also learned through life experiences. And the end result is hope. Our daughter is named Hope and there is an interesting story behind her name. My husband is a twin, but his twin Beverly died at birth while he lived. His mom was always saddened by the fact that she never had a little girl, although she was blessed with three strapping boys. When I got pregnant, I shared with her that I hoped to have a girl and she immediately told me that the male determines the gender and her side of the family only had boys. Nevertheless, I dared to hope that our first baby would be a girl, even choosing the name Hope and the middle name Ellen (her Grammy’s name). When I went into labor at the end of August, before the time of gender reveals and ultrasounds telling you the sex long before the due date, I was still hoping that the baby would be a girl but I wasn’t going to be surprised to have a boy instead. After a very short labor (less than four hours from beginning to end and another answer to prayer), our little miracle was born. A girl! Hope Ellen Watts was born at 3:15 in the afternoon on August 31st! Now, when I am praying and think about how impossible it might be for God to answer, I remember that day in the hospital when SHE was born. She lives up to her name, too, spreading light and cheer wherever she goes. I’m sure her grandmother would be so proud of the beautiful young woman she grew up to be. Grammy lived to see Hope settled meet a few of her great grandchildren, but no one seemed to touch her heart as much as Hope Ellen, her namesake and the girl who was supposed to be a boy. Encouragement, endurance and hope!

Have a blessed day today and remember to smile at others. It may give them some hope!

Review of CRITICAL ALLIANCE by Elizabeth Goddard

On By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

This is a well-researched book that delves into the dark world of cybercriminals and also informed me of how much harm a cyber attack can actually do. Part of the Rocky Mountain Courage series, this one knocked it out of the park with suspense from the very beginning until the end. I liked the picturesque setting in Montana and all of the ways that the setting was used so well for the non-stop action. I particularly enjoyed the low-key romance developing between Alex and Mackenzie. They were so busy concentrating on finding and stopping the cyber attack that they barely had time to acknowledge each other’s feelings, but they were definitely attracted to each other. That is my kind of love story, simmering on the back burner until one day it catches on fire. The plot was complicated and very well told so that it was understandable in spite of the fact that it dealt with some really complex issues in the cyber world. I really enjoyed meeting the characters from the previous books in the series again as they were called in to help Alex safeguard Mackenzie and capture the criminal. I was not able to guess who the bad guy was, and I do love a book that keeps me guessing until the big reveal. Fans of romantic suspense, with the emphasis on suspense, will enjoy this final book in the trilogy and, like me, will look forward to the next book from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian fiction with some intense action
Bio:
With over a million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deceptionare finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.
Information from the author’s website at https://elizabethgoddard.com

Questions and Answers from the author:

1. This book deals with cyber-security as the villain and heroine are hackers. What led you in that direction?

I have a computer science degree and worked in the software industry for almost a decade before retiring to become a writer. Cybercrime is a huge issue since we are all connected to technology so I decided to dive into the topic, especially since I love to bring intrigue into my adventure stories, this one in Montana.

2. What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned while doing research for this book?

While conferring with a cyber security expert, I learned that almost anything I could imagine a hacker could do—they actually CAN do.

3. What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?

I loved writing about both my characters, Mackenzie and Alex. I especially enjoyed writing about Alex’s character and his background as a Diplomatic Security Services special agent

4. Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing trajectory?

What a great question. This often happens in stories and that’s okay because if it surprises me, then it surprises my readers. If the trajectory changes, then that’s a great twist as well. On Critical Alliance, I’m not sure the trajectory was changed, but since I mostly write by the “seat-of-my-pants” everything was a surprise.

5. Do you base your characters (even loosely) on anyone you know?

I do not intentionally base a character on someone I know, but I think it’s impossible not to include bits of every person you’ve ever met when creating a brand-new character.

6. Do you have any “bits of trivia” or “behind the scenes tidbits” that you would like to share with my readers?

Yes! I introduce Detective Trevor West in Critical Alliance and he shows up as the main character in book 2 in my Missing in Alaska series—coming next year.

7. What’s coming next and when can we expect it?

Cold Light of Day is book 1 in my brand-spanking-new series, Missing in Alaska, and will release in February 2023. I’m so excited for you to get your hands on this first book.

Thank you for having me! Readers can stay in the knows by signing up for my newsletter at my website: elizabethgoddard.com

This book will be released tomorrow, on July 5th, but you can preorder it now. Purchase Links:

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Get this amazing book today and enjoy it!
I am blessed to be a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Program and was chosen to read an early Netgalley copy of the book. I also received a hard copy from the author since I am a member of her influencer team. Double blessings and one of the best books I have ever read!

Just Breathe

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

If you have ever had a panic attack, you know the terrible feeling that you just cannot get enough air and the light-headedness that follows. I used to have panic attacks frequently, particularly in large crowds or heavy traffic. Diagnosed as agoraphobic (fear of crowded spaces), I was told I could overcome the fear or it would overcome me. Well, since fear is not part of God’s desires for me, I chose to overcome the fear. How? Be taking deep breaths and saying a prayer before I faced a difficult situation and by making sure that my husband was nearby until I felt comfortable.

Today’s Scripture verse reminded me of the hard times I went through about thirty years ago as I dealt with a fear that could be debilitating except for God’s grace and power.

The devotional itself reminded me of the tactics I used to make it through the difficulty of being in a crowd. Jeanette Blackmer who wrote today’s devotional for “Mornings with Jesus” said that when you are afraid, you should say a “breath prayer.” Breathe in slowly and say, “Jesus is with me.” Then exhale slowly and say, “God created me and is with me.” Or, of course, any other short prayer that you want to say. I realized when I read the devotional that this is almost exactly what the Holy Spirit had led me to do during my fear phase. Overcoming fear means to let Go and allow God to occupy the space that fear has been occupying. Let God in and fear flees. No great wisdom, but it was a great help to me and I hope that some of you will see the practicality in this simple solution to fear.

Have a blessed Sunday and may you find a good church to worship God, our Maker and Restorer, today.

A Perfect Gift

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

When my children were younger, it was easy to find a gift that would please them because they wanted just about everything they saw on TV or that their friends had. So, from their lengthy wish list, I chose a gift or two and they were generally happy. As they got older, it became more of a challenge to find something to surprise and satisfy them. As a result, I had each child create a wish list on Amazon and I choose gifts from that list or similar to items on that list. I also always add a surprise that isn’t on the list since I listen carefully to our conversations all year long and try to glean from those the information I need to make informed and wise gift choices. The gifts I choose are not always perfect, but they are always appreciated. It makes my heart happy to see sweet smiles and hear a grateful “thank you.”

In my devotional this morning, I was reminded that I don’t have to present a wish list to God in order to receive gifts from Him. In fact, getting up this morning is a gift, seeing photos online of my grandchildren having weekend fun is a gift, meeting our son today to celebrate his birthday is a gift. Everything I have is a gift from God, especially my health and my attitude of gratitude. It was not always that way. I used to complain about everything, even after I became a Christian. Yes, that suit you chose for me is nice, but the color is all wrong. I like the cute socks you got, but they are a little too thick for me. Get the idea? Nowadays, and for the past two decades or so, I have been practicing being grateful, especially to God, for the little things and the big things that He does for me every day. God chastised me about my complaining spirit and that is a habit I have to consciously be aware of and flee from.

Of course, the best gift God ever gave is His salvation to us by sending Jesus to die for us on the cross. But God didn’t stop there. He also sent His Holy Spirit who guides and comforts us. He sends us promises in His word, promises that He fulfills daily. In addition to the verse about God’s perfect gifts, I read a verse this morning that spoke to my heart about one of the gifts that I hold most dear.

This is a promise that I cling to when I am afraid, and there is a lot that makes me fear sometimes. I don’t like to be alone at night, but sometimes my husband has to go see his brother who is about five hours away and he spends several days and nights there. But I hold tightly to Psalm 91 and the verse above goes right along with it. The Book of Psalms is filled with God’s promises. In fact, if you follow David Ettinger’s posts, he wrote about Psalm 67 this morning and the glorious promise that Jesus will return.

We are meeting our son today and celebrating. I hope that he will enjoy his gifts, but mostly I pray for him to have a good year, one filled with hope in God’s promises and confidence that God is in control. Having a God-centered life is the best gift of all!

May you have a blessed day with time to reflect on God’s gifts to you and how perfect each one is, especially the timing when He gives them.

What to Do with the Message of Christ

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Imagine if all of us who call ourselves Christians carried out the truth of this verse in our lives! Like the early disciples, I think we would set the world on fire with the Gospel. Others would hear and see a living witness. So, what is stopping us from following this admonition? Our own choices, of course. Think about it and what you can do to build up others in Christ.

Have a blessed day, filled with God’s love and His word active in your life and heart!

A Promise from God

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Do you remember being a child and doing a “pinkie swear” with a friend? I do, and I was always devastated when the other person broke their promise. When I became a Christian almost five decades ago, I discovered that one of God’s character traits is that He never lies and He never breaks a promise.

Do you see the promise in this verse? It’s a conditional one, meaning that we have a role to play in the fulfillment of it. We love God and He promises to love us. We seek God and He promises that we will find Him.

How do we seek God? By spending time with him, reading His Word, talking to Him as our closest friend and confidante. We can tell God anything and He won’t gossip about it or make us wish that we had not told Him to begin with.

How do we love God? By putting Him first in our lives, above all people and all things. I don’t think that we can say that we love God if we don’t spend time with Him. He isn’t the genie that pops out of the bottle to grant our wishes when we pray. He is the Creator of the Universe who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us, so how can we do less than make Him our first priority. We represent Him to all who see us and know that we call ourselves Christians, so let’s love Him by being good representatives, not poor imitations of what He desires us to be.

I hope that you enjoyed this promise as much as I did. Love=Love. Seek=Find.

Have a blessed day filled with God’s goodness, promises love.