Review of UNTIL OUR TIME COMES by Nicole M. Miller

On July 19, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800744700

Publication date:07/02/2024

Pages:384

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

My Thoughts

I am delighted that I was given the opportunity to read this fascinating story about a special breed of horses that were the targets of both the Nazis and Russians during WWII. Before I dived into the pages of this novel, I had no knowledge of Arabian horses, their origin or the perils they went through during the war. The novel wove information that was interesting and compelling into the story of horse trainer Adia Kensington and spy Major Bret Conway. Adia is from the U.S. and has traveled to Poland specifically to work with the horses at the Janow Podlaski stables since she has a family connection and an affinity with them. Adia is a talented and intuitive trainer who is not quite ready to face the challenges of a Nazi invasion, but she rises to the task in unexpected and surprising ways. She comes up with a plan to evacuate the horses and then has to fall back on plan B when the evacuation fails, forming an alliance with a German colonel to keep the thoroughbreds safe during the chaos of war. Not only does Adia shelter a little pickpocket orphan named Ewan, but she finds other creative and dangerous ways to help the efforts of the allies while also safeguarding her beloved horses. The destruction of war is evident throughout the story and some beloved characters are victims to the ravages it brings, all of which make the story captivating. I enjoyed the story immensely, even though I am personally not a big horse lover. The way the author layered the story with events from the war, the personal lives of Adia and Bret and the insightful look into the challenges of keeping horses safe when an entire nation is overrun by enemy forces kept me reading long past my bedtime. Brilliantly written and balancing action with history and romance, this story is memorable, an eye-opening look at people overcoming what seems like insurmountable obstacles in order to achieve worthy goals. The themes of hope for the future, faith and pure grit were evident, but not overly emphasized so that the main story continued to be Adia and her goal to save the bloodline of the stallions. The characters are people that I would like to get to know in real life since they are inspirational and courageous as well as dynamic and well-developed. The chemistry between the characters was believable and showed great depth of emotion. All in all, this was one of my favorite books to read this year with its unique story that drew me in and kept me there until the very end.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A story of war, I would rate this book PG. It is Christian Fiction.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From the author’s website at Nicole Miller and in her own words:

I live in Southwest Washington state with my husband and two sons, along with my two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a long-time horse owner, I’ve been involved in several horse organizations throughout my life, including serving as a Clark County Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.

When I’m not writing or tending the animals, I works in human resources. A journalism major, I’ve received several national and regional awards for my nonfiction writing from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Check out my short stories from Revell, too!

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Review of COAL BLACK LIES by Cindy K. Sproles

On June 19, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780825448232

Publisher:Kregel Publications

Publication date:06/18/2024

Pages:288

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?

My Thoughts

This novel is one of the most heart-tugging books that I have ever read about the plight of the coal miners and those who took advantage of them for profit. Joshua and Raney escaped the life of coal mining and took up farming but not before they lost their beloved daughter Anna to one of the cold-hearted Bartons who owned the mining operation. Joshua is eaten up with grief and bitterness as well as the need for revenge, but a small child leads him in a new direction. Once they find Aughtie wandering their property, they vow to keep her safe from the Bartons and anyone else who might seek to harm her. The portrayal of the characters is realistic and dynamic as they undergo changes in heart and mind thanks to the example of the child who has a mental deficiency but whose simple love and desire for peace and forgiveness stirs everyone around her to do better than they thought possible. Along with his good friend Clive, Joshua comes up with a plan to overthrow the power of the Bartons, but the danger is real and the lives lost are heartbreaking. This is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of change and forgiveness on a small mining community. It is also the story of family and how family is more than blood kin. Finally, it is the story of survival in spite of overwhelming odds and evil that is all-encompassing. I enjoyed the story, especially the realistic dialogue and details of everyday life for the miners and their families. The story was paced just right for the story that was unfolding, methodically painting the need for change and the power that one family held over hundreds of others because of a company store and the greedy quest for black gold. The fact that Aughtie is a child with what we know as Down’s Syndrome makes the story even more gut-wrenching as her understanding of what is happening is more clear than that of most of the adults in charge of her care. My favorite character was Joshua, a man who went from desperation for revenge to dependence on God’s help to find justice for the miners. With multiple layers in the plot and in the lives of the characters, this is an epic novel that captivated me from the beginning and held me enthralled until the satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for the protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy has served in the past as an acquisitions editor and also a managing editor for publishers and she now uses that experience to mentor and coach new writers through her mentoring service, WRAMS (Write Right Author Mentoring Service) she shares with Lori Marett. She is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist, and a special needs advocate. Cindy is an Appalachian-born and raised mountain girl, and her novels strive to show life in the mountains during the1800’s. Cindy is a best-selling, award-winning novelist with her books having been named Novel of the Year multiple times. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Purchase Links:

Review of THE PARIS WIDOW by Kimberly Belle

On June 12, 2024June 12, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE PARIS WIDOW

Author: Kimberly Belle

Publication Date: June 11, 2024

ISBN: 9780778307976

Format: Trade Paperback

Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing / Park Row Books

Book Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Belle comes a deliciously twisty new thriller following a married couple vacationing in Paris whose trip takes a dark turn when the husband goes missing, dredging up secrets from both of their pasts, perfect for fans of THE PARIS APARTMENT.

When Stella met Adam, she felt like she finally landed a nice, normal guy – a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. She loves knowing she can always depend on Adam, which is why when he goes missing during a random explosion in Paris, she panics. Right after what is assumed to be a terrorist attack, she’s interviewed live on TV by reporters, begging anyone who knows anything about her husband’s whereabouts to come forward and is quickly dubbed “The Paris Widow.”

As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer in the black market for priceless antiquities, making deals with very high-profile and dangerous clients. Reeling from this news and growing suspicions about her husband, Stella can’t shake the feeling that she’s being followed. And with Adam assumed dead, she realizes that whoever was responsible for the bombing will come after her next. Everything – and everyone — that Stella has tried to keep in her duplicitous past might be her only means of survival and finding out what really happened to Adam.

An irresistible and fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales, THE PARIS WIDOW explores how sinister secrets of the past stay with us – no matter how far we travel.

My Thoughts

This book gave me whiplash as I sped through the pages trying to find out quickly what would happen next in this twisted tale of love and secrets. Adam and Stella are on a dream vacation when an explosion occurs at a little cafe and Adam is gone. Stella is left on her own to discover what was really happening in Adam’s life that endangered him so much and at the same time, she makes revelations about the secrets she is guarding from her own past. There are a lot of shady characters in this book that deals with the underworld of stolen antiquities, so there’s a big question throughout the novel of who can be trusted and who should be avoided. Just for the record, I kept guessing incorrectly, but I kept guessing because that is part of the entertainment value of this mesmerizing book. The pace is fast, the characters are not all relatable but they are all realistic and dynamically portrayed. This book is a spy thriller, a psych thriller, a mystery and a romance all rolled up into a neat package and in several settings throughout Europe. It was obvious that the author knew the areas well as the details she offered about the various places were fascinating, adding to the atmospheric drama of the story. This is a book that is masterfully crafted to capture the reader and it succeeded with me, becoming one of my favorite thrillers of the decade.
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 and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

General Fiction, Rated PG due to content including an explosion with multiple deaths

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Belle worked in marketing and nonprofit fundraising before turning to writing fiction. A graduate of Agnes Scott College, Kimberly lived for over a decade in the Netherlands and currently divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam. She is the bestselling author of The Marriage Lie, Three Days Missing, Dear Wife, as well as The Last Breath, The Ones We Trust, Stranger in the Lake, My Darling Husband, and The Personal Assistant.

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.kimberlybellebooks.com/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/kimberlybelle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimberlySBelle

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

PURCHASE LINKS:

Review of FIND ME IN CALIFORNIA by Kerry Lonsdale

On June 11, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLVQYLPG
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (June 11, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 11, 2024
Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages

An achingly romantic novel about chance meetings, buried secrets, and the multiple facets of love and family bonds by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.

Raised by her fiercely passionate and free-spirited grandmother, Julia Hope has never gone without love. But as she tends to her only living relative during her final days, Julia struggles to overcome her fear of being alone.

A thousand miles away, Matt Gatlin has managed to avoid the coldhearted grandmother with whom he once lived. But after twelve years of her being blessedly out of sight, she needs him. His resentments still raw, Matt packs up his car and reluctantly heads to California to confront a bitter past he thought was long gone.

Over the next six days, Julia’s and Matt’s fates intersect. An old diary exposes the tragedy of a long-lost love. A history of secrets in two families comes to light. And on a lonely back road, Matt picks up an unusual yet captivating hitchhiker with a secret of her own.

For Julia and Matt, something heartbreaking and heartwarming, mysterious and beautiful, will touch their lives—with neither of them realizing that maybe they’re destined for each other.

My Thoughts

I don’t know where to start to describe the genre of this book since it is steeped in romance, mystery and a little fantasy along the way, too. Matt Gatlin and Julia Hope are two sympathetic and relatable protagonists, both facing a difficult future after traumatic childhoods. Both were cast off by parents and raised by a grandmother. Julia’s grandmother, Mama Rose, was nurturing and kind, but there are secrets that Julia is discovering now that Mama Rose is dying and it would have been better for Julia if Mama Rose had been totally honest. Matt was raised by his grandmother, too, a Hollywood legend named Liza who was distant and cold to him, even leaving the room when he was present. His childhood was marked by rejection, first by his mother and then by his grandmother, so it is no wonder that he has a few problems with the present situation in which his grandmother is dying and requesting to see him. The way these two come together, via a nursing home where both grandmothers reside, is an original take on a meet-cute situation. Matt’s trip to get to his grandmother’s bedside is fraught with his own personality as he uses drugs along the way, hallucinates a relationship (maybe…not sure about what this really was but it was interesting) and finally arrives at the nursing home to actually meet Julia in person. The two have so much in common that it seems inevitable that they must become a couple, but that cannot happen until both of them deal with their pasts. I enjoyed the intricacies of this story, all of the background information about Liza, Mama Rose, Matt and Julia that were woven into the main story of a loss that was certain to come soon. This is a multi-layered, well-crafted story of relationships, secrets, forgiveness and finding hope in the most unlikely places. It is also a story of acceptance and love even in the middle of a messy life. The characters are deeply touching, unique and realistically flawed representatives of life. The complications in the plot are thought-provoking and I encourage readers to go through the discussion questions at the end of the book because they are a great way to reflect on the truths encountered within its pages. Insightful, captivating and magical, this book is a brilliant look at overcoming one’s past and facing a new future.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Rated PG for content including language and drug use

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Lonsdale is the award-winning Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Kindle bestselling author of the Everything series (Everything We Keep, Everything We Left Behind, and Everything We Give), No More trilogy (No More Words, No More Lies, and No More Secrets), and multiple standalone novels that include All the Breaking Waves, Last Summer, Side Trip, and Find Me in California. Her books have been Amazon Editors’ Picks, translated into twenty-seven languages, and have been covered by PopSugar, Buzzfeed, Parade, Redbook, Coastal Living, Travel & Leisure, Medium, Refinery29, and multiple other media outlets. She’s a founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and lives in Northern California with her husband and three rescue cats. For more information about Kerry and her books, visit her website at Kerry Lonsdale

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon Digital Copy

Amazon Paperback

Audible

Review of FARMHOUSE DEVOTIONS by Cheryl Shuermann

On June 10, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D4N2LZ86
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bold Vision Books (May 19, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 19, 2024
Print length ‏ : ‎ 205 pages

From picture rails and antique church doors to prairie flowers and sticktights, Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary invites you on a journey to enjoy God’s truth and wisdom in everyday experiences.

Combining sound biblical truth with the timeless appeal of anything farmhouse, this sixty-day devotional will encourage and inspire and satisfy.

Original artwork and family-friendly recipes are included in the book as sweet treats.

Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and discover God’s glory in Farmhouse Devotions.

Welcome to The Farm!

My Thoughts

This devotional offers practical and immediately applicable messages to encourage one’s heart and to guide one along the right path to a firm and steady relationship with the Lord. Each chapter begins with a scripture verse and ends with a prayer. The titles of the chapters are inviting, giving a small clue as to what treasures will be found within those pages. Reading the book in just a few days was thought-provoking, but now I must admit that I want to go back and savor the wisdom found there. The stories of grandchildren playing on the farm, of rocking on the porch, of seeing birds enjoying a sprinkler are all vivid reminders that life is good and is to be cherished, with a legacy to pass along to those who follow in our footsteps. This book presents a loving look at life lived and shared with others, with all of its challenges and its triumphs. This is a devotional to read again and again and get new truths from it each time as the words are appealing and fresh just like God’s Word.
I own a copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl Schuermann attended Oklahoma State University where she received a B.S. in Curriculum and Instruction and a master’s degree in Education with emphasis in Literacy. She devoted her professional career to literacy education and working with at-risk students. After many years in the classroom, Cheryl contracted as a literacy consultant and curriculum trainer in schools across the United States. She wrote and conducted dozens of workshops and presented at numerous literacy conferences.

In addition to writing, Cheryl facilitates a caregiver support group for her community. With a passion for children and families, she and her husband Stan have mentored and taught parents in their local church for over twenty-five years. Cheryl spends as much time as possible with her family: Stan (married 52 years), four sons, four daughters-in-law, and thirteen grandchildren. They are her inspiration and source of her many stories. The Farm is her favorite place to write, be with family, and host ministry groups. For more information about Cheryl and her books, visit her website at Cheryl Schuermann

Purchase Your Copy:

Amazon

Review of HIDDEN IN THE NIGHT by Elizabeth Goddard

On June 7, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800742065

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:06/04/2024

Series:Missing in Alaska , #3

Pages:336

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone—taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions—and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

My Thoughts

This book gets an absolute must-read five plus stars from me because it has everything I enjoy in romantic suspense and then some! The plot includes a missing young woman, a missing Jack London manuscript and a murder, plus romance that is just starting to simmer. The plot is deeply immersive and I was quickly engaged in cheering for Nolan and Ivy, hoping that they could find the missing Danna unharmed. The research made the story authentically fascinating, especially the information about the glaciers and the mystery surrounding the manuscript. The entire story gave me a sense of being there, experiencing the building tension and the necessity to hurry before disaster struck. The multi-layered plot teasingly revealed the details methodically and with so much dramatic action that the book was unputdownable. Infused with spiritual truth and a sparkle of a beginning romance, the last book in the Missing in Alaska series blew me away with its realism and the sharp writing that made it a compelling and edgy read for me. I enjoyed the characters and was stunned by the surprising revelation of the identity of the villain. I really enjoyed finding out facts about this scenic and mysterious state of Alaska; the author paints a vivid picture that makes it easy to imagine the setting and place myself into the story. There are plenty of clues and red herrings and so much happening to favorite characters that I was intrigued by the fact that I had no idea what to expect next. This book has intense suspense that is brilliantly written and cleverly paced. I am sorry to see the series end here, but I have no doubt that the author will create a new series that is equally well-crafted and totally mesmerizing.
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, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Todaybestselling and award-winning author of 60 novels and novellas, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier and HOLT Medallion Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

Purchase Links:

Don’t miss any of these exciting Alaskan adventure books, filled with romance, suspense and danger!

I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful program that gives me the opportunity to read and review new releases! Thank you, Revell!

Review of UNFORGIVEN by Shelley Shepard Gray

On May 28, 2024May 27, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800745790

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:05/21/2024

Pages:304

My Thoughts

The two main characters, Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder, have an unfortunate part of their lives in common. Both live in semi-isolation from the Amish community where they live. Because of their past choices beyond their control, they have not been shunned but neither are they welcomed by the Amish around them. Seth shows up at Tabitha’s house frequently, chopping wood for her, leaving gifts of groceries and helping out around the house as much as he can. Tabitha is a recluse, rarely leaving the confines of her house since her divorce from the abusive Leon, a choice that has led to her isolation from family and friends. Seth is an ex-con who accidentally killed a man who was attacking another woman, so he is not accepted in the Amish society either. The plot is mesmerizing and totally engaging, with the friendship that the two establish gradually developing into mutual respect and finally love. The title of the book is intriguing, especially since I spent a lot of the time I was reading it thinking that the two were “Unforgiven” by the Amish. There is a deeper reason for the title and I won’t spoil it for you by revealing the hidden meaning. The characters are so realistic and relatable, characters who are caught in the challenges of life and end up victims of their circumstances in more ways than one. I enjoyed getting to know Seth’s heart, what led him to be so kind and compassionate to others. I also liked getting to know the quiet and talented Tabitha who weaves baskets so that she can earn money to live on. The story seems realistic and believable with a pace that is perfect for the story being told. There is a lot of spiritual truth built into the story but it doesn’t overwhelm the tale with preachiness. An entire community is affected when these two find themselves combining efforts to keep Tabitha safe from Leon, newly released from prison and determined to possess what is his. I loved the story, the life lessons and the character development. The entire book is brilliantly written, action packed and addictive. A rich story infused with spiritual truth, “Unforgiven” immersed me in the drama of the story with its intricate plot threads and satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as a hard copy from Baker Book House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction, rated PG due to content about abuse

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More information about Shelley Shepard Gray and her books can be found at her website at shelleyshepardgray,com

Purchase Links:

Review of JUSTICE DELAYED by Sarah Hamaker

On May 15, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

Publisher:Sarah Hamaker

Publication date:05/15/2024

Series:The Seeking Justice Series

My Thoughts

Melender Harman has had a rough life, with her grandmother who was taking care of her dying and then having to move to live with her Aunt Ruby and Uncle Quentin. She knew from the beginning that she wasn’t welcome in their home, but she had no other options so tried to make the best of a bad situation. When her baby cousin Jesse disappears, Melender is accused of kidnapping and killing him and her nightmarish life gets worse. Melender spends seventeen years in prison for the crime and now she has returned to town and is determined to discover what actually happened to baby Jesse because she knows that she did not harm him. Enlisting the support of reporter Brogan Gilmore, a man who is more than a little leery about her claims of innocence, Melender sets out to methodically discover the truth. This book is a fast-paced quest for truth and justice, with a lot of suspects along the way who threaten both Brogan and Melender. In addition to being a great suspense novel, it is also one with a heartfelt foundation of faith as Melender depends on the faith she learned from her grandmother Sudie to get her through her stint in prison and now through all the suspicion that she is facing in the town that she has returned to. The characters are dynamic and if they are not all lovable, they are all totally believable. My favorite character was Brogan, a man not afraid to champion the underdog. I did not like Melender’s cousins Jared at all, a smarmy druggie who not only doesn’t tell the truth, he doesn’t see any reason to do so. This book made it easy to pick favorite characters and those who were immediate suspects although I had to wait for the intricate threads to reveal what really happened and why. Masterfully crafted and totally mesmerizing, this is a story that would lend itself to a good book for a group discussion and it is definitely a thought-provoking novel with a theme of forgiveness and a forward look to the future.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is Christian fiction and includes intense suspense. Rated PG.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker has been spinning stories since she was a child. While she’s had two traditionally published nonfiction books (Hired@Home and Ending Sibling Rivalry), her heart is writing romantic suspense. You can find a list of her books, listen to her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” and connect with Sarah at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

Purchase Links:

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Delayed-Seeking-Book-ebook/dp/B0D2VPS8YF/

• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-delayed-sarah-hamaker/1145518920?ean=2940179840572

• Apple books: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/justice-delayed/id6499559247

• Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/justice-delayed-8

Review of LOVE ON A WHIM by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On May 8, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review4 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781493445530

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:05/07/2024

Series:Cape Cod Creamery

Pages: 304

Brynn Haywood’s impulsive marriage to a man she’d known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie’s good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln’s preoccupation with his daughter’s lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

The arrival of Lincoln’s estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father’s extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes–and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

My Thoughts

This book had me captivated by the story and the characters. Brynn Haywood’s unconventional marriage to a man she just met in Vegas and her escape to the cape to ponder what she had done absolutely mesmerized me. I wanted to know who this mystery man was and how it came about that level-headed engineer Brynn would even consider such a thing. Once she gets to the cape with her friend Dawn and Dawn’s mom Marnie Dixon, Brynn can reflect on what she did and Dawn assures her that she will help her dissolve the marriage. But Brynn gets too busy helping Linc Hayes prepare for the wedding for his daughter to think too much about her hasty choice. In fact, Brynn loves baking so much that she begins to consider leaving behind her degree in engineering. There are twists and turns in this complicated tale of choices, consequences, honesty and forgiveness. I really loved all of the characters, but I was especially drawn to Bear Hayes, Linc’s son who is in town for the wedding. Bear doesn’t approve of anyone in town except his mom and his sister and seems determined to make his dad’s life hard. I didn’t love him for his actions which were at times reprehensible. I loved him for his heart that seemed to be wounded and unready to accept anything new. In contrast, Brynn is embracing new things in her life, perhaps a bit too quickly. The story is compelling, filled with wit and wisdom. With each chapter starting with a saying about ice cream that gave me a clue about what would happen in the chapter and also a thought to ponder, this book is memorable and one to share and discuss with others. The subplots about Dawn and Marnie dovetail perfectly with the story about Brynn and all are concluded in a very satisfactory way, with a few surprises, too. This is contemporary Christian fiction at its best and deserves to be savored just like ice cream!
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 and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Partr 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction, rated G, according to the reading level of the reader

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Bestselling author** Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote her first novel in sixth grade, about Pompeii, a dog, and the erupting volcano (terrible ending!) and, from that point on, she was hooked on the writing life. Curiously, she doesn’t remember anyone, ever, telling her she was a talented writer. She just loved to write. (And she worked hard at the craft. She still does.)
College happened, work, then marriage, children, a sprinkling of corporate transfers, and Suzanne kept plugging away at freelancing for several magazines. (Four kids = lots of great material.)
As her children headed off to college, Suzanne had the time to get serious about writing. She wrote a little World War II love story, *Copper Star*, which was published by Vinspire, a small royalty press. The novel won some awards, and it also caught the eye of a wonderful agent. And that’s when things started to happen.
Joyce Hart of the Hartline Literary Agency knew of an editor at Revell Books who was looking for an author who had a genuine connection to the Plain People. Knowing that Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain, Joyce connected her to that editor. The result was *Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World,* a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year.
Thirty-some books later (in a variety of genres—historical fiction, contemporary women’s, and Amish fiction), Suzanne is still writing for that same editor at Revell Books. And she still loves to write. For more information and a list of the author’s books visit her website at suzannewoodsfisher.com

Purchase Links for LOVE ON A WHIM:

bit.ly/3QydyCV (Baker Book House)

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bit.ly/3wqvmJq (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/3JPbLWj (Audiobooks)

bit.ly/4dtduhK (Target)

bit.ly/4a9dHUf (Google Play)

bit.ly/3JRxjSk (Kobo)

bit.ly/44yhcCt (Books-a-Million)

Other Books in the Series

I am blessed to be a part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program where I have the opportunity to read many excellent and entertaining books.

Review: THE LADY WITH DARK HAIR by Erin Bartels

On April 18, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800741662. Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:03/26/2024. Pages:352

Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella’s greatest work—a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.

In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists’ pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella’s sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.

This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams.

My Thoughts

This book is a brilliantly written dual-timeline novel with captivating characters and fascinating research intertwined seamlessly into the story. The present day protagonist is Esther, an art history major who is the head of the family’s museum that promotes a family ancestor, artist Francisco Vella. She is also the caretaker of her mentally ill mother Lorena, quite a quirky and demanding woman. The other part of the story is told in the late 1800’s and is about Viviana, a woman in hiding from justice in Spain while pursuing her interest in art with Vella, a man who is a merchant of art supplies. I was captured by the unselfishness of Esther caring tirelessly for her mother, even though she would like to have her own life. Equally compelling was the story of Viviana as she travels with Vella and finds out that it is not always easy or advisable to travel using an alias. The novel includes a cleverly written mystery about a painting and its origins as well as its artist. “The Lady with the Dark Hair” is a story within a story, cleverly written to reveal details methodically and keeping me glued to the page as I sought answers to the identity of the artist and the outcome of Esther’s life of selflessness. I really enjoyed the pace of the plot because it was perfect to keep me interested. The characters were dynamic and also believable and relatable. The story was complex, but the author’s way of revealing the layers like peeling an onion was exceptionally unique and delightful. I loved the story, learned from the research and identified with the characters. This novel is thought-provoking, intriguing and remarkably written to entertain as well as educate.
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 and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”