Review of UNKNOWN THREAT by Lynn H. Blackburn

On March 9, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

The first book in a new series is always exciting, but this book was far beyond that. It was an explosive, gut-wrenching thrill ride from beginning to end! The Secret Service agents in Raleigh, NC are being targeted and killed one by one by an unknown assailant. Faith is sent in from the FBI office to investigate and protect them, but she has more than an unknown perpetrator to deal with. She has to get past the shell-shocked agents who may or may not feel like being cooperative when their own members are being picked off. I really enjoyed the repartee between Faith and Luke, a secret service agent who has a real hang up against the FBI. I think my favorite thing about the book is that the protagonist is a strong female with unbelievable intuition and skills but also a soft side who needs to be loved just like everyone else. My favorite character was Hope, Faith’s sister, who offers timely and wise advice from her wheelchair. She does not pity herself because of her damaged body; she just moves on with life and is wiser for her choice to accept and continue in her faith in God. Faith is also dealing with a lack of belief in God, so there is that underlying theme. Damaged characters are realistic, since everyone is damaged in some way and we all have to overcome whatever obstacles life has thrown our way. That could be a theme of the book, but I think the real theme is forgiveness and hope and also finding one’s way back to God. The plot was well-developed with a lot of twists and red herrings and it winded its way to a nice conclusion. I look forward to seeing more of these characters in future books. Fans of Christian fiction and romantic suspense will want to read this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”

*Totally clean Christian fiction with some intense scenes involving the murder of secret service agents. I would rate it PG.*

*Photo and info from the author’s website at* http://www.lynnhblackburn.com

Available Now! Here are your purchase links:

If you love Christian books, then this one will fit the bill for you! With action, suspense, romance and faith, it’s perfect! Buy it today!

Review of FACING THE DAWN by Cynthia Ruchti

On March 3, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

*A completely clean Christian read, but it does deal with some difficult topics*, *so I would rate it PG.*

*I would definitely give it more stars if I could.*

Goodness! This is the first book ever that I had to put away for a few hours after certain chapters and just let it settle in my mind before I could continue reading. The depths of emotion in this novel were real, in the book and in my mind as I read. Mara is almost a single mother, in that her husband is in Uganda on an extended missions trip, providing water for the needy in Uganda. Mara has problems with two of their children: Dylan who is on probation, with Chelsea who isn’t trying very hard to graduate, but not with Jeremy, the pre-teen who just loves his mom and is empathetic to her loneliness and stress. When the unthinkable and unimaginable happens, Mara has to dig deep just to survive. The author writes so well that I put myself right into the middle of the story and was feeling what Mara felt. I was as thankful as Mara when her best friend Ashlee shows up, having moved to town recently and is there for just the right time. It is Ashlee, a widow who has been through grief, who understands Mara’s anger, resentment and feelings of unworthiness. Sol and Logan are neighbors who pitch in to help out and Mara is overwhelmed with the circumstances and the aid that she receives. The book was so realistic that I wanted to just reach into the pages and give Chelsea and Dylan a good shake and an “in your face” lecture. With well-written dialog between the various characters and an extremely well-developed plot, this book was the first book that I have read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last. I enjoyed every minute that I spent getting to know Mara, her family and her friends. By the end of the book, I even considered her my friend, too. With the themes of resilience, forgiveness, acceptance and love for others, this book was one of the best that I have read that included a difficult topic. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel hopeful and faithful when not much is going the way you expected.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

*Info and photo from the author’s web site at* https://cynthiaruchti.com

This wonderful book just published yesterday. Here are the purchase links:

Review of HIS SECRET STARLIGHT BABY by Michelle Major

On February 24, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is a funny, sweet romance that I just knew from the beginning would have a happy ending because I have read the other books in the series. But getting to the ending was so much fun as I read this delightful romance set in the little town of Starlight. Jordan Schaeffer is a retired NFL player who has opened a bar in the town and is relaxing into his new role. Then, Cory Hall arrived to town and threw a wrench into his plans since she has his baby, the one he knew nothing about, with her. The plot was well-developed with some sub plots about Cory trying to find her place in Starlight and being determined that Jordan get to know his son, even if he wants nothing to do with her. I enjoyed the interactions between Cory and the really grumpy cook Madison whom no one else would try to cross. Madison was my favorite character and I would love to see more of her in a future book, just because of her attitude showing that at some time she has been hurt badly. Jordan’s mom gives him the best advice possible about his situation, so all works out well, but there was some rough going there for a while.The conflict between Jordan and his teammate Kade, who suddenly shows up in town, added a little tension to the plot and a break from the conflict between Cory and Jordan. I think my favorite part of the book was the cooking classes that Madison gave and how the group grew to a bunch of misfits who seemed to not even know what a kitchen was. The cooking class meetings were filled with humor and fun and I could certainly place myself there since I have never been a good cook.The development of the characters was well-done, with realistic details that made them likable. I rooted for Jordan and Cory to get it together from the beginning of the book and was invested in their doing so by the author’s method of weaving the story to make it interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin 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.”

*I would rate this book as a PG since there is extra-marital sex resulting in an infant.*

*Photo from author’s page on Amazon at* Michelle Major on Amazon

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies. Connect with her at http://www.michellemajor.com.

Author Links

Website: https://michellemajor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468588.Michelle_Major

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMajorBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelle_major1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemajorauthor/

Available Now!

Buy Links:

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335404701_his-secret-starlight-baby.html

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335404701

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/His-Secret-Starlight-Baby-Welcome/dp/1335404708

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-secret-starlight-baby-michelle-major/1137551663

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/His-Secret-Starlight-Baby-9781335404701/283455345

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/his-secret-starlight-baby/id1529436858

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michelle_Major_His_Secret_Starlight_Baby?id=D7L5DwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/his-secret-starlight-baby

Books in the series:

Welcome to Starlight

Book 1: The Best Intentions

Book 2: The Last Man She Expected

Book 3: His Last-Chance Christmas Family

Book 4: His Secret Starlight Baby

Review of LADIES OF THE HOUSE: A MODERN RETELLING OF SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Lauren Edmondson

On February 23, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

Adjectives to describe this book include: delightfully witty, engaging, entertaining, clever, insightful and fast-paced. To break it down, the book is touted as a “Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen. Gasp! I never read that entire book, so I can’t tell you whether this one was an accurate re-telling, but I do know that Austen did not dabble into loose morals, so this modern story definitely left the trail provided by Austen in many ways. However, I actually enjoyed this book, which was one of the reasons I did not enjoy Austen’s dry book. This book captured me from page one, with the dilemma of Cricket (the mom), and her two daughters Daisy and Wallis. Senator Gregory Richardson died of a heart attack with another woman and his family left behind has to survive the scandal. Unfortunately, the man who lost his reputation also lost his money and the family has to sell the family home. I felt bad for what each of them had to face in the judgmental society of D.C. The characters were well-developed and the conversations that took place between them was unexpectedly humorous. Daisy was the main character and the one who was determined at all costs to salvage the family’s name. With acerbic social commentary on the life and politics of D.C. this book was like reading an extended gossip column, with some PG rated details. My favorite character was Daisy’s best friend Atlas, a newspaper columnist tasked with writing an exposé of the disgraced senator. He was totally charming and seemed to be there to rescue Daisy from herself. He was also the one who was intelligently insightful into what was actually happening with the family. As the debut novel of this author, this book impressed me with its brilliantly crafted and uniquely relevant to our times social commentary on life among the rich and powerful. The author has done a magnificent job of representing the family drama genre!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin 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.”

*Rated PG-13 for sexual innuendo and content and some expletives*

Information about the author can be found at her Amazon page at Laura Edmondson on Amazon

Available Now At These Retailers:

If you just need some light, entertaining reading, then this debut novel is for you!

Review of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On February 19, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review6 Comments

This was an extremely well-researched and well-written book based on the life of Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneer for a literacy campaign for adults in Kentucky. The main character in the story, Lucy, Wilson.is from a wealthy family that lives in Louisville, Kentucky. When her father springs a surprise new bride on her, he also tells her that he and Hazel that it would be a great idea for her to become an assistant to her Aunt Cora in Rowan County, a backwoods area that is totally different from anything that Lucy has ever experienced. As a retired teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes in the school room and all of the references to how hard a teacher had to work. The characterization was spot on as was the local jargon, including a special glossary at the beginning of the book. I chuckled aloud when Lucy was expected to mount a horse and ride into the “holler” to meet the local families and find out how people really lived in the most rural areas of the county. I could easily imagine myself in most of the scenarios of the book, so the author did a magnificent job of painting a realistic environment for the action to occur. When Cora has the idea to have moonlight schools to help the adults become literate, Lucy, like me, was not convinced that such a plan would work.The entire book is about relationships in this rural county, how people help each other and how they survive there. It is also about how Lucy’s father had escaped the environment, set up a prosperous lumber business and never looked back. My favorite character was Brother Wyatt, a singing preacher, who captures the minds of the backwoods people with his dedication to helping them in whatever way he can. I loved the entire story and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a book based on fact with a lot of fictional and enjoyable elements included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”

*Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher maintains a wonderful web page at* http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! From the glossary to the Afterword, I was educated, entertained and enticed by the story of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL.

Review of WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS by Sarah Sundin

On February 16, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

*The cover drew me in, the story kept me there.*

The author informs us readers at the end that the character Lisa is named after a Sunday school student who categorized her books are “war-romances.” What an accurate description and kudos to that young lady for being able to come up with that word! This is the story of when Hitler was first taking over Germany and all of the changes in the society, including the beginnings of the purges of Jews from businesses and from German society in general. Evelyn is a newspaper reporter who is like a dog with a bone; she just won’t let go of the story until she finds the truth. Her friend Peter is pursuing his Ph.D. In German while he teaches at a local university in Munich. The meeting of these two main characters was magical and so well-written. The entire story was like a film running in my mind, with such excellent descriptions of scenes and background. I felt as though I could feel the evil of the Gestapo and the traitors against Evelyn and Peter. My heart was in my throat during the most emotional moment that they shared together. This is one of the absolutely best historical fiction books that I have read about the pre-WWII era! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Even if you don’t like historical fiction, try this one. I’m not usually a fan of this genre, but I love Sundin’s books and have devoured all of them since I first discovered her. The research is impeccable, the writing is magnetic and the characterization is dramatic. Loved this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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 totally clean read, rated PG* because of content. Historically accurate, so some of the scenes with the Gestapo and their treatment of the Jewish people was more than a little disturbing. Nevertheless, the story needs to be told and Sarah Sundin did a masterful job!

*Photo from the author’s website at* http://www.sarahsundin.com Additional information about Sarah’s inspiration, her writing journey and her list of amazing books can be found at this website.

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

Get your copy of this wonderful book today! Read, Enjoy, Share!

Review of OBSESSION by Patricia Bradley

On February 12, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

*A totally clean read, rated PG because of content*

A fast-paced and intriguing mystery involving a Natchez Trace ranger who is also an historian and her former fiancé who is a law enforcement ranger. Emma doesn’t like it when Sam is assigned to investigate the case after someone shoots at her in the park early one morning. But since Sam is tasked to keep her safe, Emma just has to suck it up and go along with his constant presence. Unfortunately, there is someone else who has Emma in his sights, someone who is totally obsessed with her. Sam can’t keep her safe unless he can figure out what his really happening and the twists and turns in this book are rampant. I enjoyed meeting Emma and Sam and how they interacted with each other. It was apparent from the beginning that Sam was still smitten with Emma, but Emma wanted nothing to do with him. There are several layers of mystery here, including the disappearance of Emma’s twin brother Ryan and the death of Ryan’s girlfriend Mary Jo. The historical part of the story deals with a cemetery for slaves and that in itself was interesting. I loved how the deeper Emma dug into the cemetery, the more that was revealed from past mysteries and the more intrigue about the present. The story was complex but not hard to follow since the clues to the killer were clearly laid out. I did not guess the perpetrator because there were a lot of red herrings, but I did understand all of the clues once the identity was revealed. My kind of mystery! This book gave me just the right amount of chills and thrills and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Although the book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and it is a good, clean read!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #RevellReadsBloggerProgram 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.”

*Information about the author can be found on her website at* http://www.ptbradley.com

This book is available NOW! Purchase Links:

Review of THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON by Susan Mallery

On February 9, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

*I would rate this a PG*–13. *It is almost a totally clean read and was an absolute pleasure for me to escape* *into!*

What a wonderful and magical book! The characters were charming (well, most of them) and the plot was well-written, with just enough foreshadowing to leave me with the desire to continue to read to see if I was right. Mackenzie is a strong female protagonist, a talented winemaker who gets stronger in the face of adversity. Barbara, her domineering mother-in-law, is selfish and short-sighted, two characteristics that lead to her loneliness. Stephanie and Four, Mackenzie’s loving sisters-in-law, are the perfect matches to help Mackenzie through the rough times in her life. I really enjoyed how the plot unspooled itself, one thread or loop at a time. The book was perfectly written to make me ponder the themes: relationships, work v. family, single parenting and selfishness. There were characters that I knew from the beginning that I would not like, like Lori, the other sister-in-law, the one who tries to ingratiate herself with Barbara by disdaining Mackenzie. I honestly did not like Barbara and her manipulations at all, but I did understand that was all that she knew. I loved Bruno and could have just swooned when he appeared on the scene. He was a metropolitan man in a country setting, and he stood out as a super hero tends to do. All of the characters were complex and so well-developed that they have lived with me in my den for the past week or so. Fans of good romance will want to snap up this fantastic book! And the author has included bonuses at the end: wine pairings, recipes and discussion questions. This is definitely a great book to read with a book group!
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, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*More information about the author and her other wonderful books can be found at her website:* http://www.susanmallery.com

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

This is one of the best romance books that I have ever read, so I highly recommend it and hope that you will get a copy and enjoy it, too!

Review of THE PERFECT DAUGHTER by D. J. Palmer

On February 2, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

*I would rate this book for mature audiences since the content deals with mental illness, murder and family issues that are very sensitive.*

I was totally blown away by this intricate tale of family relationships, secrets, murder and mental illness! Penny was found in the park when she was only a small child, and Grace was determined to give her a good, stable home with her own children, Ryan and Jack. Life’s circumstances and Penny’s past got in the way of Grace’s plans for Penny when Penny’s biological mother is murdered and Penny is the primary suspect. Grace is hopeful that the doctor at the institution where Penny is imprisoned awaiting trial will be able to help her at the trial, determining that she was mentally ill when she killed her mother. The trial lawyer Navarro isn’t very hopeful, but he goes along with Grace’s ideas to allow Penny to testify. This book touched me in all of the right places and satisfied all of my reading addictions. With themes of dark secrets and unconditional love, this book was a complex story with clues left in unlikely places at unlikely times. In fact, once I finished the book, I sighed and told myself that now I have to read it again to look for all of the hidden clues about what was really happening in the background that led to the very satisfactory conclusion. I was totally enthralled and mesmerized by the story of Penny and by the family love that Jack and Grace showed to Penny, accepting her just as she was. There is also a sub-plot of Dr. Mitch’s son Adam and his addiction to opiates. Putting a more caring face on the doctor who is mostly all business was a necessary part of his characterization that made him more likable. The fact is that most of the characters were likable and all were three-dimensional and realistically portrayed. This is a spider-web of a story that drew me in and didn’t let me go, haunting my thoughts even after I completed it. Fans of the author and of psychological suspense will devour this book.
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, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The Perfect Daughter will be available on April 20, 2021. Purchase links:

Many thanks to the author and #StMartinsPress for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! If you want to see a bio of the author and other books he has written, check out his webpage at http://www.djpalmerauthor.com

Review of REUNITED ON DRAGONFLY LANE by Annie Rains

On January 23, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is hands down one of the best books about second chances and helping others to make it in this hard world that I have ever read! Sophie used to love to climb before she had a horrible accident that disfigured her leg and took the desire to climb right out of her heart. Chase was her true love and climbing buddy, but he hadn’t been there for her that day, the worst day in her life, so she has turned her back on climbing and on Chase. When Chase returns to Sweetwater Springs as the town’s only vet, it is inevitable that he will run into Sophie since the town is so small. The story is incredibly fast-paced and remarkably well-plotted. The characters are flawed human beings just trying to work through some difficulties in their lives. I was shedding more than a few tears as each obstacle seemed to be working out, even for Trisha whose husband Pete is in prison. Sophie’s desire to help others ends up with her getting a cute and smart little dog named Comet. And of course, since Chase is a vet, their paths continue to cross. My favorite character in the book was actually Nadine. You will just have to read the book to find out what she has to overcome and if she is able to succeed. This book is uplifting and was just the perfect tale for me to read this week! Fans of the series will not want to miss this culminating book since all of the former characters have a role to play. Avid readers who have not read the series will be fine reading this one as a standalone, but then they will want to go back and read the other books because the author weaves such a good story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from author. 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.”

*I would rate this book a PG because of content.*

Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling author of small town contemporary romance full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and happy ever afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and 3 children, binging Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Sign up for Annie’s newsletter to stay informed about new releases and sales.

You can find Annie online at www.annierains.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @annierainsbooks. **(Info and photo from the author’s website!)**

Available on Tuesday, January 26th! Purchase Links:

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Category: Book Review

Review of UNKNOWN THREAT by Lynn H. Blackburn

Available Now! Here are your purchase links:

If you love Christian books, then this one will fit the bill for you! With action, suspense, romance and faith, it’s perfect! Buy it today!

Review of FACING THE DAWN by Cynthia Ruchti

This wonderful book just published yesterday. Here are the purchase links:

Review of HIS SECRET STARLIGHT BABY by Michelle Major

Available Now!

Books in the series:

Review of LADIES OF THE HOUSE: A MODERN RETELLING OF SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Lauren Edmondson

Available Now At These Retailers:

If you just need some light, entertaining reading, then this debut novel is for you!

Review of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! From the glossary to the Afterword, I was educated, entertained and enticed by the story of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL.

Review of WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS by Sarah Sundin

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

Get your copy of this wonderful book today! Read, Enjoy, Share!

Review of OBSESSION by Patricia Bradley

This book is available NOW! Purchase Links:

Review of THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON by Susan Mallery

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

This is one of the best romance books that I have ever read, so I highly recommend it and hope that you will get a copy and enjoy it, too!

Review of THE PERFECT DAUGHTER by D. J. Palmer

The Perfect Daughter will be available on April 20, 2021. Purchase links:

Many thanks to the author and #StMartinsPress for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! If you want to see a bio of the author and other books he has written, check out his webpage at http://www.djpalmerauthor.com

Review of REUNITED ON DRAGONFLY LANE by Annie Rains

Available on Tuesday, January 26th! Purchase Links: